Keeping your home spotless can be a lot of work, especially when it comes to your carpet. It’s easy to think that scrubbing away at a stain or dousing a spill with water is the right approach, but these common cleaning mistakes can actually do more harm than good. David Chapman, a flooring expert and founder of Ultimate Mats, shares his tips on what to do if you want to avoid permanent carpet damage.

Scrubbing Stains

When a spill happens, it’s natural to want to start scrubbing. However, this can push the stain deeper into the carpet and damage the fibers. Instead, blot the area gently with a damp microfiber cloth. For tougher stains, a bit of dish soap or baking soda can work wonders without ruining your carpet.

Not Spot-Testing Cleaning Products

Many carpet cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can damage certain materials. Always test a new product on a small, hidden area first, like behind a piece of furniture. Let it sit for a while to make sure it doesn’t cause any damage or discoloration. If everything looks good, you can proceed.

Carpet Scraping

The “carpet scraping” trend on TikTok might look like a miracle solution, but it’s actually quite damaging. Using a scraper to remove dirt and pet hair can also pull out carpet fibers, which can leave bald spots over time. While it might seem effective at first, the long-term damage isn’t worth it.

Using Excess Water When Cleaning

Soaking your carpet with too much water can lead to issues like mold and mildew, creating a nasty small. Excess water can also weaken the carpet’s structure and cause the fibers to detach from the backing, meaning you might end up needing to replace the entire carpet.

Excessive Steam Cleaning

Steam cleaning is great for a deep clean, but doing it too often can harm your carpet. Aim to steam clean your carpets once every three to six months. Overdoing it can damage the fibers, and improper use can lead to mold, shrinkage, and discoloration.

Removing Furniture Dents with a Hot Iron

Using a hot iron to remove dents from furniture can be risky. While it can work, it also poses a high risk of burning the carpet fibers, especially on lighter-colored carpets. This hack can leave noticeable burn marks that are difficult to fix.

Irregular Cleaning of Your Vacuum Cleaner

Your vacuum cleaner is essential for keeping carpets clean, but it also needs regular maintenance. If you don’t clean the filters, attachments, and brushes, your vacuum can spread dirt and debris instead of removing it. Regular upkeep ensures your vacuum works efficiently and keeps your carpets truly clean.