Cleaning carpets and rugs is not a simple task. But you can definitely do it on your own by steam cleaning and using the right cleaners. There are numerous product cleaners you can choose from, however, they are not all equal. Some can provide excellent cleaning, while others are just average types, and actually many products can just worsen your precious carpets and rugs.
The best carpet and rug cleaner should help you get things done effectively. Here are a few guidelines you need to consider in choosing a good cleaning product for carpets and rugs:
Efficacy should reach below the surface
To choose the best carpet cleaning solutions, you need to understand what makes a cleaner effective. An effective cleaner should be able to work against stains not only on the surface of your carpet or area rug, but also on stains that have seeped deep into the fibers. Some cleaners may just remove stains from the carpet or rug’s surface but after a few days or weeks, the stain will become visible again.
It should not contain resoiling ingredients
Make sure to avoid carpet and rug cleaning products that contain soap or certain types of surfactant. It will leave a residue on your carpet fiber, which attracts dirt and that will “resoil” your carpet and rug. If someone walks across your carpet with dirty shoes, the residue will grab the dirt like a magnet making your carpet dirty again.
Go for neutral PH
Good carpet and rug cleaning products usually have a neutral pH. Cleaners with either extremely acidic or alkalinity pH can cause changes to the carpet and rug’s color and texture.
Avoid optical brighteners
Optical brighteners on cleaning products can give an illusion of an amazingly clean and brighter carpet and rug. But overtime, it causes irreversible yellow discoloration on the carpet fibers. It is best to avoid cleaners that contain optical brighteners.
It should retain colorfastness
Some cleaners can cause change in color of the carpet fibers when exposed to sunlight. The best cleaning product should not speed fading on your rugs and carpets.
Commercially-sold carpet and rug cleaners are usually tested by the Carpet & Rug Institute (CRI) to rate their efficacy. The products with the Institute’s Seal of Approval or the green seal are normally effective and capable carpet and rug cleaners.
