What To Look For In A Carpet Shampoo
Ingredients
When it comes to carpet shampoos, you'll find that ready-made formulas include ingredients that produce the smallest amount of soap suds. Most carpet shampoos will include surfactants, which reduce the surface tension of liquid. They also increase "wetness" which helps penetrate carpet fibers.
It's important to look for an enzymatic formula when you're choosing a carpet shampoo for pet stains. This type of carpet shampoo uses specialized ingredients to break down the proteins in the stain responsible for keeping odors in the carpet.
When looking for a natural or eco-friendly carpet shampoo solution, their active ingredients will vary from standard shampoos. Specifically, these carpet shampoos use plant-based ingredients to remove dirt and bacteria from carpets.
Machine Compatibility
There are so many brand-specific carpet shampoos you can buy, but you should keep in mind that the carpet shampoo you purchase doesn't need to be made by the same manufacturer as your carpet cleaning machine.
Find an affordable cleaning solution that fits your cleaning situation, and as long as it's made for use in water-based carpet cleaning machines, you can use it knowing your dirty carpets will thank you.
Application Method
Most liquid carpet shampoos are formulated to be applied as a spot treatment formula or be used with a machine that cleans carpets. However, some dry carpet shampoos require extra time to absorb and penetrate the carpet fibers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you use a liquid carpet shampoo?
To use a liquid carpet shampoo, you'll need to determine if the formula is intended for direct application to carpets or if it's meant to be used in a machine. To find out, check the bottle for any instructions before dispensing it on your dirty carpet.
The basic directions you should follow for most liquid carpet shampoos are:
- Even application of the product
- Gentle agitation with a brush or your fingers
- Blotting it with a clean microfiber cloth
If you're using a liquid carpet shampoo in a machine, then follow the formula's dilution instructions. Dispense the amount of carpet shampoo required into the carpet cleaning machine's tank. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's directions for use.
How do you use a dry carpet shampoo?
Follow this four-step process to use a dry carpet shampoo properly:
- Vacuum the carpet to remove large debris, dust, and pieces of dirt.
- Sprinkle the shampoo across the area that needs to be cleaned. Use a brush to gently work the product into the carpet.
- Let the shampoo rest 15 to 30 minutes to absorb any odor-causing bacteria in the carpet.
- Use a vacuum to suck up the dry shampoo, and enjoy fresher (and softer) carpet.
How often should you shampoo your carpets?
You should consider shampooing your carpet at least once a year to remove dirt, grime, and allergens.
There are several lifestyle factors, including whether you have kids and pets, if you wear shoes inside, and how often you eat dinner in the living room, will be the largest factors in determining how often you should shampoo your carpets.
While more may seem better, remember that excessive shampooing of carpets can lead to a buildup of soap which could actually attract more dirt.
Do carpet shampoos really work?
Carpet shampoos can clean and remove germs, bacteria, and other contaminants from carpet fibers and rugs. If you use a recommended carpet shampoo, you should see those stubborn stains go away quickly.