Myth #1: Wait as long as you can to have your carpet cleaned the first time, because once you have it cleaned it never looks the same again.

If you wait too long to have your carpet cleaned, there has already been permanent damage done to the fibers by abrasion from soil build up. The main reason for this belief can be attributed to carpet cleaners who leave the carpet either too wet, full of residue, or both. Over-wet carpet leaves suspended soils in the excessive moisture. As the carpet dries, this soil will wick to the top surface of the carpet fiber. Remaining residues leave a film that attracts and hold new soils.

Cleaning may also remove any protector that was applied at the factory. Protector coats carpet fibers and helps keep soils from becoming trapped deep inside twisted fibers where abrasion and damage to the carpet can occur. Re-applying protector is an important step in the cleaning process.

In addition, many new carpet warranties specify that carpets must be cleaned by Hot Water Extraction (a.k.a. “steam” cleaning) at least once every 12-18 months. If the cleaning is performed by a professional service, it must be an IICRC Certified Firm, such as Action Services Cleaning and Restoration Specialists Ltd.

Myth #2: The only reason to clean carpets is to remove the dirt.

No. As you probably know, outdoor air contains pollens, fungi, bacteria, air pollution, and car exhaust and hundreds of other chemicals. When you come into your home, you carry those pollens, bacteria and chemicals on your skin, clothes and shoes. Not surprisingly, all those chemicals and toxins wind up in your carpet. If you have allergies, asthma, emphysema or other breathing problems, one major source of your problem could be the contaminants in your carpet.