Your carpet has an unsightly stain and you know it needs to be cleaned, but you’re not sure where to start. Should you hit the yellow pages for a professional carpet cleaner or go to the store and pick a cleaning product off the shelf?
That’s where the Carpet and Rug Institute’s Seal of Approval program comes in. The SOA program certifies service providers, cleaning solutions, vacuums and other equipment so that you can maintain your carpet and have it be a beautiful aspect of your home for many years.
Proper care is the best way to get the most out of your carpet investment. Regular vacuuming and professional cleaning are the keys to maintaining carpet to maximize its useful life.
There are many urban legends about how to take care of carpet. Many of these actions will do more damage than aid to your carpet, so we decided to take these myths head-on.
Here are some of the most common myths we hear on carpet along with some helpful advice:
- 1. Steam cleaning is bad for carpet…
Hot water extraction, or steam cleaning, is an approved method of cleaning by CRI and its members. Regular professional cleaning with hot water extraction is often tied to the warranty of the carpet.
- 2. My carpet doesn’t look dirty, so I don’t need to clean it…
One of the benefits of modern carpet construction is that soiling is not as noticeable. However, even though carpet might not look dirty, that doesn’t mean that it should not be cleaned.
- 3. I don’t need to professionally clean my carpet that much…
CRI recommends professional cleaning every 12-18 months from a Seal of Approval certified Service Provider.
- 4. Any carpet cleaning product will do fine…
CRI’s list of Seal of Approval certified cleaning solutions are the only products we recommend for use on carpet.
- 5. Cleaning carpet makes it get dirtier faster…
Nothing could be further from the truth. Using SOA-approved products and keeping up with regular maintenance is the best way to prolong the life and beauty of your carpet.
- 6. Over-vacuuming your carpet can be harmful…
Ideally, high traffic areas should be vacuumed every day or so, twice weekly in medium-traffic areas and low-traffic areas vacuumed weekly.
- 7. I own a cleaning machine; I don’t need a professional to do it for me…
CRI recommends calling in the professionals because, as mentioned earlier, your home’s carpet warranty often requires maintenance that includes professional cleaning.
By using Seal of Approval certified products and service providers, you will be able to prolong the beauty and life of your carpet, while improving the indoor air quality in your home.