Carpet Cleaning Myths Debunked

Many common carpet-cleaning myths can lead to damaged fibres, faster re-soiling and even voided warranties. The truth is that carpets need regular professional deep cleaning to remove embedded dirt, protect fibre quality, improve indoor air quality and keep your warranty valid. Understanding what’s true, and what isn’t, helps you maintain cleaner, longer-lasting carpets all year round.

Myth 1: You only need to vacuum, deep cleaning isn’t necessary

Why people believe this

Vacuuming is routine, quick and cheap, so many assume that’s enough to keep their carpet clean.

The reality: Vacuuming helps, but doesn’t handle deep dirt, allergens or stains

• Vacuuming removes surface dust and loose debris, but cannot extract deep-embedded dirt, allergens or liquid residues trapped deep in the pile. JAE uses hot-water extraction that pushes into fibres and lifts deep seated dirt out. 
• Over time, ground-in dirt and allergens accumulate, affecting carpet appearance, wear, fibre integrity, indoor air quality, and even smell.
• Regular deep cleaning (every 6–12 months, as recommended by JAE) ensures your carpet stays hygienic, fresh and durable. 

Warranty tip: Most carpet manufacturers require regular professional cleaning to keep your warranty valid. DIY methods or infrequent cleaning can put your warranty at risk.

Takeaway: Vacuum often, but treat it as maintenance, deep cleaning remains essential.

Myth 2: DIY carpet-cleaning machines work just as well as professional cleaning

Why people believe this
Hiring a DIY cleaner or using a small home machine seems convenient and affordable. Many assume it provides the same level of deep cleaning as a professional service.

The reality: DIY machines simply can’t match professional equipment

• Rental and home-use machines don’t have the suction power needed to extract deep dirt, allergens, and moisture. This can leave residue that causes carpets to re-soil faster.
• DIY units often overwet the carpet because they can’t remove enough water, increasing the risk of slow drying and bad odours.
• The detergents provided with DIY machines are usually lower-grade and can leave sticky films behind that quickly attract more soiling.
• Professional systems (like JAE’s van/truck mounted hot-water extraction equipment) use commercial-grade pressure, heat and suction designed to lift deep contaminants without overwetting carpet.

Takeaway: DIY cleaning is fine for quick touch-ups, but it won’t deliver the deep, thorough clean that protects fibres, extends carpet life, and keeps warranties valid.

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Myth 3: Cleaning frequently will just make the carpet get dirty again, faster

What people worry about

Some believe frequent cleaning strips carpet fibres and makes them more prone to soil, or that repeated cleaning makes carpets age prematurely.

The reality - proper cleaning extends carpet life and prevents long-term damage

• A deep clean (like JAE’s hot-water extraction) removes embedded dirt, allergens, dust and grime that degrade carpet fibres over time.
• It also sanitises and deodorises - creating a healthier living environment.
• If done incorrectly (e.g. using harsh chemicals, over-wetting, leaving residue), cleaning can leave problems such as pH imbalance or rapid re-soiling. But professional methods using correct detergents and full water extraction avoid those pitfalls - delivering a clean carpet that stays cleaner longer.

Takeaway: Proper, professionally-performed cleaning doesn’t make your carpet dirtier - it preserves and even prolongs its life.

Myth 4: You should only clean carpets in summer / avoid winter cleaning

Why people believe it

Many homeowners worry about carpets staying damp too long in cold months. They fear lingering moisture, mould or slow drying - and think better to wait until warmer seasons.

The reality: With professional tools, winter cleaning works great

• At JAE, we use hot-water extraction + powerful suction to extract up to ~95% of moisture from carpet fibres. 
• Even in cooler weather, with JAE specialist drying equipment, carpets can dry within hours (depending on humidity/airflow).
• Winter offers a hidden advantage for carpet cleaning: with pollen at its lowest and more time spent indoors, your carpets stay fresher for longer and your home feels cleaner overall.

Takeaway: Don’t wait for summer. With the right equipment and care, carpets can (and should) be cleaned any time of year.

Myth 5: Cleaning wool carpet removes the natural lanolin - damaging the fibres

Why people think that’s true

Because wool from sheep contains lanolin (a natural oil), many assume that washing or steam-cleaning a wool carpet will wash out that oil - potentially ruining softness or natural protection.

The reality: Wool carpets don’t have lanolin anymore

• During wool processing, raw fleece is “scoured”: the lanolin, grease, impurities and contaminants are removed long before the wool becomes yarn or carpet fibre.
• If lanolin had remained, carpets would attract dirt rapidly (because oil is sticky) - so removing it is necessary to make the carpet dyeable, cleanable, and durable. 
• Therefore, cleaning (steam or hot-water extraction) does not remove lanolin — because there is virtually none left to remove. 

Takeaway: You don’t need to avoid cleaning wool carpet out of fear of damaging “natural oils.” Proper professional cleaning is safe and recommended.

Why Debunking Myths Matters

Believing myths can lead to delays, improper cleaning, or altogether avoiding carpet maintenance, resulting in:

• Irreversible stains or damage
• Shortened carpet lifespan
• Built-up allergens and poor indoor air quality
• Regret when problems become too big

On the other hand, well-informed, properly timed cleaning preserves your carpet, keeps your home healthier, and ensures you get the full value of your flooring investment.

When to Get Professional Carpet Cleaning by JAE

You should consider a professional carpet clean when:

• It’s been 6–12 months since your last deep clean. 
• You have stains, pet accidents, spills, odours or heavy foot traffic.
• You want to sanitise, remove allergens or improve indoor air quality.
• You’ve got wool or delicate carpets and want to ensure safe, manufacturer-approved cleaning.

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FAQs

Q: Should you wait until your carpets look dirty before getting them cleaned?
A: No, by the time a carpet looks dirty, deeply embedded soil, allergens and oils have already accumulated below the surface. These particles slowly wear down carpet fibres and shorten its lifespan. Regular professional cleaning every 6–12 months keeps carpets hygienic and prevents long-term damage, even if they still look “okay” on the surface.

Q: Does hot-water extraction (steam cleaning) cause mould or mildew?
‍A: Not when done professionally. Hot-water extraction is designed to clean thoroughly without overwetting. JAE’s equipment removes most of the moisture during the process, and carpets typically dry within hours. Mould or mildew only becomes a risk when too much water is left behind, something that happens more often with DIY machines, not with professional-grade extraction, trained technicians and care that JAE provides.