Homeowners should take extra care when using the vacuum to clean their carpets by avoiding certain mistakes, especially since it may cost around $1,600 on average to install a new one.
Proper maintenance is important to avoid damages. When it comes to the frequency of cleaning, you should try to vacuum places with a lot of foot traffic at least twice every week and once every week for the rest of the house. This includes spaces along entrances and the living room. You may have heard that using it too often could damage the fibers, but accumulated dust and dirt is a greater cause of frayed carpets.
1. Improper Vacuum Settings
Not all vacuums are perfect for your carpet, so check the manual about the right settings. For instance, you shouldn’t use a setting for bare floors as well as positioning the vacuum to the wrong height. One way to determine the correct height requires you to place the machine on its highest setting, while gradually lowering it once you feel a tugging motion from the carpet.
2. Not Hiring a Professional
In some cases, a professional would be helpful for delicate ones. The cost of hiring a contractor will depend on your location. If you live in Utah, rates for carpet cleaning in Salt Lake City vary depending on the type of carpet and the floor size. Other factors include the removal of deep-seated stains and the type of cleaning method.
Steam cleaning is an example, otherwise known as hot water extraction. Professionals recommend this as another alternative for cleaning carpets. The cost ranges between $100 and $250 for a 900 to 1,000 square feet of floor space. Those with up to 1,400 square feet should expect to spend up to $400, while a bigger space may cost up to $500.
Another method involves dry cleaning. While this isn’t as effective as steam cleaning, it takes a shorter amount of downtime. Steam-cleaned carpets need to air-dry for at least 24 hours, which may not be ideal for a busy household. Dry cleaning rates usually cost between $120 and $140.
3. Using the Wrong Solution
Vacuum cleaning can only do so particularly if your problem involves various kinds of stains. For instance, coffee drips will require a different solution for bloodstains. A combination of vinegar, light bleach, and water will be useful for removing coffee marks. On the other hand, remember that cold water is more effective when taking out bloodstains.
If you have pets, you could use a vinegar and warm water solution. There are chemical-based solutions that are specifically made for such stains, although you should try spot-treatment to avoid further damage. Finally, clean up stains as soon as you see them to prevent them from seeping through the carpet.
Improper vacuum settings, DIY cleaning, and using the wrong solutions are only some of the mistakes you could commit. When in doubt, consult a professional for the best way of cleaning carpets. It’s also better if you let them do the work for the best results, especially if you still have a product warranty.
