Should My Carpet Cleaning Company Use Shampoo on My Carpet?
From time to time new carpet cleaning companies advertise things like,
"We do not leave a shampoo residue in your carpet!" or
"We use only mythical water on your carpet, so no residue!" or similar claims. These gimmicks use a half-truth to try to get your business. They are correct that detergent residues in a carpet can cause dirt to bind to carpet fibers and resist removal by vacuuming. However, the other half of the truth is important.
What Does Detergent Do?
The goal of a professional carpet cleaner is to remove as much of the unwanted stuff (dirt, oil, etc.) as possible without leaving a residue which can make future dirt attach to the carpet. The purpose of detergent in carpet cleaning is to help separate dirt particles from the carpet fibers which is better than what plain water will do. In fact, several factors in combination--detergent, hot water and agitation--can produce a much cleaner carpet than water extraction alone.
If the cleaning process is not done properly, some shampoo may be left in the carpet. That's why some people think that they should delay the first cleaning of a new carpet. They are convinced that the cleaning removes something from the fibers which cause the carpet to re-soil more quickly. The truth is that shampoo residue left after cleaning attaches to dirt and makes the carpet harder to keep clean. Rented carpet cleaning machines are notorious for leaving some shampoo in carpets. An unskilled cleaning technician, however, may do the same.
The Best Way to Clean a Carpet
At ServiceMaster we have many different systems for cleaning carpet. We tailor the cleaning method to the individual situation. Our goal is to give the best possible cleaning, depending on the type of carpet and the degree and type of soiling. Most of the systems use cleaning agents, but we know the importance of NOT leaving a residue in the carpet. We want your carpet to look its best when we are through and to stay that way for as long as possible.
If you have any questions, feel free to call us. We want to be your partner in caring for your home or business.
