Carpets soak up spills, pet hair, and whatever your mates drag in on their shoes.
Remember the red wine incident, that time your mate thought indoor footy was a good idea, and the mysterious stain people think is “vintage character”? Your carpet has seen it all.
And along the way, you’ve probably picked up a few cleaning myths that aren’t helping. But it’s time to separate fact from fiction and give your floors the care they actually deserve. So, let’s bust some myths!
Myth 1: Vacuuming Too Often Damages Your Carpet
You’ve probably heard someone say that vacuuming wears out carpet fibres faster than your favourite sandals at a summer barbecue. Spoiler alert: it’s not true.
Half of what you think you know about carpet cleaning comes from old wives’ tales or dodgy internet advice.
Regular vacuuming actually extends your carpet’s life by removing dirt and grit that grind away at the fibres every time you walk across them. Think of it like brushing your teeth—the more you do it, the better off you are.
The real enemy isn’t your vacuum; it’s the dirt you leave behind when you skip a week because you’ve convinced yourself you’re “protecting” your carpet.
Just make sure you’re using the right height setting and emptying the bag or canister regularly. A clogged vacuum does more harm than good and is about as effective as a chocolate teapot.
Myth 2: All Stains Come Out With Enough Scrubbing
When something spills, your first instinct might be to scrub it like you’re trying to remove evidence, but we highly advise that you don’t.
This’ll actually push the stain deeper into the fibres and spread it around like vegemite on toast. This is an example of “advice” that sounds logical but is completely wrong.
The golden rule is to blot, not rub. Press a clean cloth gently onto the spill and let it soak up the liquid. Work from the outside in so you’re not making the stain bigger.
Scrubbing too hard also damages the carpet fibres, leaving them frayed and tatty-looking—a permanent problem you can’t fix with more elbow grease.
For stubborn marks, use a proper carpet cleaner and give it time to work its magic. Remember that patience beats force every single time.
Myth 3: DIY Steam Cleaning Is Just as Good as Professional Cleaning
Hiring a steam cleaner from your local shop feels like a win. You’re saving money and tackling the chore yourself. What could go wrong?
Quite a bit, actually. Here in Australia, especially in Melbourne’s humid winters, those rental machines don’t have the same suction power as professional equipment.
They often leave behind heaps of moisture, which can lead to mould, mildew, and that musty smell that makes you want to get rid of the carpet.
Plus, if you use too much detergent, you’ll leave a sticky residue that attracts dirt faster than a pub attracts flies on a hot day. Your carpet will look clean for about five minutes, then it’s back to square one.
For homes across the city, in Australia’s southeast, professional carpet cleaning in Melbourne is worth it. Experts know how to balance water, detergent, and suction so your carpet dries properly and stays cleaner for longer.
Myth 4: New Carpets Don’t Need Cleaning
You just installed fresh carpet, and it’s pristine. Why would you clean it now? Because even brand-new carpet comes with manufacturing residues, dust from installation, and whatever else hitched a ride from the warehouse.
Giving it a light vacuum or professional clean soon after installation removes these particles and helps the fibres settle properly. It’s like washing new clothes before you wear them, which is a smart move.
Waiting until your new carpet looks dirty is a missed opportunity, and starting with a clean slate means you’re setting yourself up for better long-term maintenance.
And let’s be honest, once that carpet starts getting traffic, you’ll wish you’d been more proactive. So, don’t wait until it’s already copped a beating.
Myth 5: Carpet Deodorisers Fix Odours Permanently
Sprinkle some powder, vacuum it up, and suddenly your carpet smells like a meadow instead of wet dog. Problem solved, right? Not quite.
Carpet deodorisers only mask odours. They don’t actually remove the source of the smell, whether that’s spilt milk or pet accidents.
If you want to properly eliminate odours, you need to clean the carpet with an enzyme-based cleaner that breaks down the bacteria causing the stink. Surface-level solutions just cover up the problem temporarily.
Plus, too much deodoriser can build up in your carpet and create its own weird smell. It’s like wearing too much cologne. Eventually, it becomes part of the problem.
Myth 6: You Only Need to Clean Carpets When They Look Dirty
If your carpet looks fine, why bother cleaning it? Because by the time it looks dirty, it’s already got months’ worth of grime buried deep in the fibres.
Dirt, dust mites, allergens, and oils from your feet are invisible until they’ve built up enough to dull the colour and texture. Waiting until you can see the problem means you’ve already let things go too far.
Experts recommend a professional deep clean at least once a year, even if your carpet looks spotless. High-traffic areas might need it more often, especially if you’ve got kids, pets, or family members who refuse to take their shoes off.
Myth 7: All Carpet Cleaning Methods Are the Same
Steam cleaning, dry cleaning, and shampooing—they might seem similar, but each method works differently and suits specific types of carpet. Each method works differently and is suited to specific types of carpet.
Steam cleaning uses hot water extraction to deep clean and rinse, which is brilliant for most carpets but can be too much for delicate fibres. Dry cleaning uses minimal moisture, making it ideal for wool or carpets that can’t handle water.
Using the wrong method can damage your carpet or leave it soaking wet for days. If you’re not sure which approach is best, check your carpet’s care instructions or ask a professional.
Conclusion
There you have it: seven myths busted and binned where they belong. Your carpet deserves better treatment, and now you’ve got the facts to keep it looking decent.
So, stop scrubbing like a maniac, ditch the fairy dust deodorisers, and give your floors the proper care they deserve.
