New carpets and upholstery bring warmth, comfort, and style to your home. They’re an investment worth protecting, and regular carpet and upholstery cleaning is the best way to keep them looking fresh for years. Unfortunately, there are plenty of myths about cleaning carpets and upholstery — and believing them could cost you money or damage your fabrics.
Here are the most common myths about carpet and upholstery cleaning — and the truth behind them.
1. Vacuuming Too Much Can Damage Your Carpet
A correctly installed carpet is designed to withstand regular vacuuming with modern machines. While overly powerful vacuums could cause wear, these are rarely available to consumers. Most homes benefit from weekly vacuuming, though high-traffic areas — especially on both carpets and upholstery — may need more frequent attention.
2. Carpet Cleaning Makes Carpets Get Dirty Faster
This myth comes from poor cleaning techniques. Using the wrong method can leave sticky residue that attracts dirt. A professional carpet and upholstery cleaning service will rinse thoroughly, leaving no residue and keeping fibres cleaner for longer.
3. Steam Cleaning Causes Mould
When done correctly, steam cleaning does not cause mould. A professional will extract most of the moisture, leaving carpets and upholstery damp for only a short period. The key is using the right equipment and methods.
4. Baking Soda Is an Effective Cleaning Method
Baking soda can temporarily mask odours in carpets or upholstery, but it doesn’t remove the dirt causing them. Only deep carpet and upholstery cleaning from a professional will eliminate odours at the source.
5. Store-Bought Carpet Cleaners Are Safe for All Materials
Not all store-bought products are suitable for your carpet or upholstery. Some chemicals can cause discolouration or fibre damage. Knowing your material type is essential before using any cleaning product — or better yet, leave it to a professional. You can read more about the pros and cons in our guide: DIY Carpet Cleaning vs Professional Carpet Cleaning Services.
6. Bleach Works for Carpet Cleaning
Bleach can cause irreversible damage to carpet and upholstery fibres. It’s a disinfectant, not a cleaner, and it won’t remove dirt or oil. Professional stain removal is always the safer option.
7. Wool Carpets Shrink When Cleaned
Wool carpets don’t shrink when cleaned properly — in fact, they can expand slightly when wet. Some synthetic carpets may shrink temporarily but will return to normal once dry. Professional cleaners know how to clean without affecting size or shape. If you’d like to learn more, read our detailed post: Myths and Facts About Cleaning Wool Carpets.
8. Choosing a Cleaner Based on Price Alone Is Best
The cheapest carpet and upholstery cleaning service may not give you the best results. Low-cost providers may use outdated equipment or lack proper training. Always choose based on quality, reputation, and results.
9. You Only Need to Clean Carpets When They Look Dirty
By the time dirt is visible, there’s much more hidden deep in the fibres. Regular carpet and upholstery cleaning every 6–12 months removes allergens, improves hygiene, and keeps everything looking fresh.
10. Hiring a Machine Is Just as Good as Hiring a Professional
Rental machines only clean surface dirt. Professional carpet and upholstery cleaning uses powerful extraction to reach deep into fibres, removing embedded dirt and bacteria for a longer-lasting clean.
11. Tackling Bad Stains Yourself Is Always Best
DIY stain removal often makes things worse, especially if too much soap or water is used. If blotting doesn’t work, call a carpet and upholstery cleaning expert who can remove stains without damaging fibres. For tips on safe at-home methods, see our guide: How to Clean a Wool Carpet at Home?.
12. Carpets Take Days to Dry After Cleaning
When cleaned by a professional, carpets and upholstery typically dry within hours — not days. Excessive drying times only occur when too much water is used or extraction is poor.
13. Cordless Vacuums Will Completely Replace Corded Vacuums
Cordless models are becoming more popular thanks to their convenience, but they still can’t match the consistent power and deep-cleaning ability of corded machines. For heavy-duty cleaning — especially on thick carpets or large areas — a corded vacuum remains the better choice. You can also read how professional equipment makes a difference in our post: Professional Carpet Cleaning and Hair Removal.
Conclusion
The truth is simple: regular carpet and upholstery cleaning by a professional keeps your home looking great, protects your investment, and creates a healthier living environment. While many cleaning myths contain a grain of truth, most are based on outdated information or incorrect methods. Choosing an experienced cleaning company ensures your carpets and upholstery are cared for using the safest and most effective techniques.
If you have questions about cleaning methods, stain removal, or how often to book a clean, visit our Frequently Asked Questions page for expert advice.
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