As you might imagine, sometimes we get questions from customers debating between hiring a professional and taking the DIY route to cleaning carpets, tile and grout, and upholstered furniture. One of those questions is:
“Can’t I just use laundry soap to clean my carpet?”
The short answer is “No.” But that’s typically followed up with a “Why not?”
So today we’re going to detail the three biggest reasons why cleaning your carpet with laundry detergent is not a good idea.
Laundry Detergents aren’t Formulated for Carpet Cleaning
Would you use body wash to clean your dishes? Or dishwasher tablets in a washing machine?
Of course not!
Cleaning solutions are specifically formulated to clean and not damage the machines they’re used in and the material they’re treating. Laundry soap is designed to be used in washing machines to clean clothing. Using it to clean your carpets can damage owned or rented cleaning equipment and the carpet you’re trying to preserve.
It’s also important to note that not all laundry detergent contains the same ingredients. That means they create variable levels of foam and have a wide spectrum of rinsing requirements.
There’s a Difference Between ‘Smells Clean” and “Is Clean”
If you do decide to take the chance of using a laundry detergent, what you won’t be able to see right away is the residue that is left behind. But it won’t take long for that residue to begin attracting dirt. Cleaning your carpet with laundry detergent could ultimately result in a dirtier carpet, defeating the whole purpose and wasting valuable time and money.
It’s Not Worth the Risk
We get it! We love to save a buck when we can too. But in this case, it’s just not worth it. Your carpet is a major investment in your home. Professional cleaning is a cost-effective way to protect that investment for the long haul.
Call the Sams team instead. Chances are, professional carpet cleaning isn’t as expensive as you think. And it’s way less expensive than replacing carpet that was damaged by cutting corners with rented equipment and laundry detergent.
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