It is true that much upset, damage and mayhem has been created by people following old wives’ tales and myths. This is especially true with regards to carpet cleaning and tile cleaning,  and if you have ever seen a carpet completely ruined because the owner used a method ‘the fella down the pub swore would get it clean’, you would know what we mean.

To ensure you do not fall victim to the same issues, caused by a so-called expert who knows as much about carpet cleaning, as he does about nuclear fusion, we have outlined the most common myths related to cleaning carpets.

Myth #1 – Remove Stains By Rubbing Them: One of the most common myths, and complete nonsense. When you rub a stain, you are actually driving it deeper into the carpet’s fibres, making it even harder to remove. If you have a stain, get a cloth, warm water, and gently dab the stain in an attempt to soak it up.

Myth #2 – Dishwasher Liquid Is Great For Spot Cleaning: Dishwasher liquid might be a relatively mild cleaning fluid, but if used on carpets, it can leave a residue, which is sticky. Now you know what happens with sticky things…things stick to them! This means dirt and grit sticking to your carpet and making it even dirtier, as a result.

Myth #3 – If You Clean Your Carpet, It Takes Days to Dry: Not if it is done professionally, it doesn’t. This myth likely gathered pace due to people cleaning carpets themselves, and using excess water, thus the longer drying times. Professionals carpet cleaners use less water, therefore drying times are measured in hours, not days.

Myth #4 – Use White Wine To Remove Red Wine Stains: When they came up with this one, somebody was definitely drinking something, but we doubt it was wine. Using clear alcohol on stains simply doesn’t work as well as proper carpet cleaning solutions, and besides, wouldn’t you rather be drinking your wine, than pouring it on your carpets?

Myth #5 – Any Off The Shelf Carpet Cleaning Solution Will Work: The problem with this myth is that it does not take into account the fact that carpets can be made from many different types of material. The list includes linen, silk, wool, cotton, nylon, and polypropylene. Some of these are synthetic, some are plant-based, and some come from animals.

Unless you read the label or the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions, using any carpet cleaning fluid is akin to playing Russian roulette with the well-being of your carpet. At least test a small section of carpet, preferably an old off-cut, before using any cleaner.

Myth #6 – Cleaning A Carpet Causes It To Shrink: This myth can come true, but only if the carpet is cleaned by someone who doesn’t know what they are doing. Inappropriate cleaning chemicals, or excess scrubbing can cause damage such as shrinking. This is why carpet cleaning by professionals is the best way to avoid these issues happening.

Myth #7 – Professional Carpet Cleaning Is Expensive: Think about how much you paid to carpet your home. Now double it, which is the case if you had to replace everything twice as often as you should because your carpets wear out quickly or become too grubby and dirty. Professional carpet cleaning is not a cost, it is an investment in your home.