How to Compare Carpet Cleaners
Dirty carpets can have you on your hands and knees scrubbing furiously if you don’t have the correct cleaning product. With so many types of carpet cleaners, it can be difficult to choose the right one for your needs. This easy guide to carpet cleaners will allow you to find a product that will have your carpet looking new again and your knees thanking you.
- Ask your carpet manufacturer about preferred carpet cleaners. Some manufacturers have specialty products created specifically for their carpets or have recommendations on what generic carpet cleaner to use.
- Determine how large of an area you are going to be cleaning. Products are designed for different uses and should be used accordingly. Some carpet cleaners target spot stains such as a dirty paw print or wine spill, whereas others are intended to be used in a larger area such as a high traffic entryway.
- Examine the product label to determine the formula of the cleaner. Some carpet cleaners are green seal certified and contain no chemicals that are hazardous to the environment, while others may have no added fragrance or volatile organic components so air quality will not be negatively impacted. Other special considerations may include being non-toxic, biodegradable, nonflammable, or color-free. Decide what your needs or wants are, and purchase a carpet cleaner accordingly.
- Decide what type of carpet cleaner you want. Several different types are available such as foams, powders and sprays, requiring application through hand rubbing, vacuuming, or renting a shampooing machine.
- Determine the intent of your carpet cleaning. Do you want to spot clean, deodorize, or clean a large area? Product formulations and application methods will differ depending upon your cleaning goal.
- Contact a carpet cleaning company if your carpets are particularly soiled. A do-it-yourself carpet cleaning may not be able to tackle extreme stains and dirt. It is best to leave these cases to the professionals.