How to Avoid Over-Shampooing Your Carpets

Proper carpet cleaning is a large part of maintaining a fresh and professional appearance in any business. Over-shampooing carpets is a frequent mistake that can lead to residue buildup, mold growth, carpet buckling, and overall damage to the carpet. For businesses, learning the right techniques and following the instructions for your cleaning equipment and formulas ensures your carpets are protected, and your facilities remain clean. In this blog, we will discuss how to prevent over-shampooing and how to prevent common issues with your carpets.

What Happens When You Over-Shampoo Your Carpets?

Using too much shampoo on your carpet can leave behind a sticky soap residue that is difficult to remove completely. This residue is a magnet for dirt, grime, and allergens, causing your carpet to get dirty faster than it should. The excess moisture can also lead to mold growth, which can require carpet replacement. Excess shampoo and moisture also lead to buckling, which can be a tripping hazard for your employees, customers, or other guests. Over time, this buildup can also lead to a stiff or crunchy texture underfoot and potentially weaken the carpet backing. A proper carpet shampooing technique involves using the correct amount of cleaning solution to effectively lift dirt without leaving anything behind.

Why Is Our Carpet Still Wet After Professional Cleaning

If your carpet remains damp to the touch for more than a day, this is often a sign that there is an issue. Lingering dampness is a clear sign that too much water was used during the carpet shampooing process. The water in the carpet creates an environment for mold and mildew to grow, leading to unpleasant odors and potential health concerns. It is essential that when carpets are cleaned, instructions are followed with regard to the cleaning equipment and the formulas used. Additionally, commercial cleaning equipment needs to have sufficient suction power to extract as much water as possible.

What Is The Best Methods For Commercial Carpet Cleaning

The best method for proper commercial carpet cleaning is to avoid damaging the carpet by improperly using the wrong cleaning solutions or cleaning equipment. Moreover, it is important to take the right steps in advance. For example, vacuuming before deep cleaning prevents pushing loose dirt and debris into the carpet fibers. Here is a quick step-by-step guide:

  • Vacuum Thoroughly: Always start by vacuuming the area to remove all loose dirt, dust, and debris. This prevents loose debris from penetrating the carpet and becoming stains. 
  • Pretreat Stains: Apply a spot treatment to any visible stains before you begin the main cleaning. This gives the solution time to break down tough spots, making them easier to lift.
  • Use the Right Amount of Solution: Follow the manufacturer’s directions for your carpet shampooer and cleaning formula. Diluting the solution correctly is key to preventing over-shampooing.
  • Extract Thoroughly: Go over the cleaned area with a powerful extractor that can remove the soap and water. Make sure to follow the instructions. For example, with the BG10, you alternate between a wet pass where water mixed with Bissell cleaning solution goes into the carpet, and a dry pass of the same area, which extracts the water and cleaning solution.

How Do You Fix A Carpet That Has Been Over-Shampooed?

Fixing a carpet that has been over-shampooed involves rinsing out the excess soap residue. The most effective way to do this is to fill your carpet shampooer with clean, hot water and go over the entire carpet, focusing on extraction. You may need to do this several times to fully remove the sticky buildup. For best results, use a high-quality commercial cleaning machine designed for deep extraction.

Shop for Commercial Cleaning Equipment from Bissell BigGreen Commercial

At Bissell BigGreen Commercial, we help businesses, cleaning companies, and other commercial facilities get access to powerful cleaning equipment and cleaning solutions. Our team provides machines, manuals, cleaning solutions, accessories, replacement parts, and schematics to help ensure that businesses can clean effectively. To learn more about our cleaning equipment, explore our products online, or contact our team for recommendations.