The Worst Carpet Cleaning Tips You Should Avoid

When it comes to cleaning carpets, the internet is flooded with advice. Unfortunately, not all of it is good. If you’ve searched online for deep carpet cleaning tips only to find questionable suggestions, you’re not alone. At El Paso County Chem-Dry in Colorado Springs, CO, we’ve heard from countless homeowners who have followed bad advice, sometimes with disastrous results. Our goal is to prevent these mishaps, so we’re here to debunk some of the worst carpet cleaning tips we’ve come across.

1. Using Salt to Brighten Carpets

One popular myth suggests using salt to brighten carpets. We're not sure where this idea comes from, but sprinkling salt on your carpets won’t make them look cleaner. In fact, salt doesn't have any cleaning properties at all. Worse, most home vacuums aren’t capable of fully removing the salt, leaving behind gritty particles that can wear down carpet fibers over time.

If your carpet is looking dull or showing signs of heavy foot traffic, the best solution is to schedule a professional carpet cleaning in Colorado Springs, CO. We use reliable methods to restore your carpet's original color and texture, avoiding the damage caused by DIY shortcuts.

2. Steaming Carpets with a Clothes Steamer or Steam Mop

Another common mistake is using household items like clothes steamers or steam mops to clean carpets. While it may seem like an inexpensive alternative to professional cleaning, these tools are not designed for carpets and can actually cause more harm than good.

Even steam cleaning, which is marketed as a deep-cleaning method, is often less effective than it sounds. At El Paso County Chem-Dry, we use Hot Carbonating Extraction (HCE)—a far superior carpet cleaner. Unlike traditional steam cleaning, HCE doesn’t leave your carpets drenched, nor does it expose them to the excessively high temperatures that can warp carpet fibers. Instead, our process delivers a deeper clean without the downsides of DIY methods.

3. Scrubbing Carpet with a Scrub Brush

When it comes to cleaning, scrubbing seems like the logical solution. But when it comes to carpets, scrubbing can be one of the worst things you can do. Carpets are made of delicate, densely woven fibers, and scrubbing them aggressively can cause irreversible damage, ruining the texture and color.

Moreover, scrubbing doesn’t effectively remove stains—in fact, it often spreads them around, making the problem worse. Instead, opt for professional pet stain removal in Colorado Springs, CO and specialty stain removal services. Our Pet Urine Removal Treatment (P.U.R.T.®) targets stains at the source, eliminating them without damaging your carpet.

4. Applying Vinegar to Carpet

Vinegar is often praised as a natural cleaning agent, but it’s not the magic solution for carpets that some people claim it to be. Before you pour vinegar on your carpet, consider the lingering odor and how difficult it will be to remove. Many homeowners end up calling us after trying this DIY trick, frustrated by the smell and ineffective results.

Additionally, vinegar’s acidic properties can damage your carpet’s fibers, causing discoloration and stiffness over time. If you want to avoid this headache, skip the vinegar and rely on professionals for a safe, deep clean.

Why Choose Professional Carpet Cleaning?

When you choose El Paso County Chem-Dry in Colorado Springs, CO, you don’t have to gamble with your carpet’s appearance or longevity. Our Hot Carbonating Extraction method lifts deep-set dirt and grime without soaking your carpet. Since we use significantly less water than traditional steam cleaning, your carpets will dry in just a few hours, not days, allowing you to return to normal life quickly.

Beyond just enhancing your carpet’s appearance, our process helps extend its lifespan and contributes to a healthier home environment. So why take risks with DIY methods when you can trust the experts to get the job done right?

Call El Paso County Chem-Dry Today!

Avoid the pitfalls of bad carpet cleaning advice and choose a professional carpet cleaning in Colorado Springs, CO that you can trust. Call El Paso County Chem-Dry at 719-631-9963 to schedule your Colorado Springs carpet cleaning today and enjoy fresh, clean carpets without the worry. We are proud to provide carpet cleaning throughout El Paso County, including Colorado Springs, Monument, Black Forest, Palmer Lake, Peyton, and Cimarron Hills.