6 Common Carpet Cleaning Mistakes (and What to Do Instead)
Wall-to-wall carpet has many wonderful benefits. It insulates your floors, acts as your home's biggest air filter, and adds softness and warmth to every step. But keeping carpet clean can be a challenge—and unfortunately, many well-meaning homeowners make common carpet cleaning mistakes that do more harm than good. From persistent stains to soap residue and odors that won't quit, here's what to avoid—and what to do instead.
1. Using Soap or Shampoo to Clean Carpet
This one might be surprising. After all, we use soap to clean just about everything else—our hands, dishes, clothes… so why not carpet?
The problem is, soap doesn't fully rinse out of carpet fibers. Instead, it leaves behind a sticky residue that attracts dirt, oil, and grime like a magnet. Over time, this can cause your carpet to look dull, feel crunchy, and become matted down.
Soapy cleaners and shampoos may leave your carpet smelling fresh at first, but the leftover residue will quickly lead to more buildup—and more cleaning.
2. Relying on Harsh Chemicals or Laundry Detergent
It's easy to assume that stronger chemicals equal a deeper clean—but with carpet, that's rarely the case. In fact, harsh cleaners or laundry soaps can do more damage than good.
Carpet is porous and holds onto everything that's put into it, including chemical residues. These substances can irritate sensitive skin—especially for babies, kids, and pets who spend a lot of time close to the floor.
What's worse, these chemicals often don't fully remove the stain or odor. Instead, they create a cycle of repeated cleaning that only compounds the problem.
3. Masking Odors Instead of Eliminating Them
Dealing with pet odors? You're not alone. But simply spraying air fresheners or using perfumed carpet cleaners won't solve the root issue. Most traditional carpet cleaning methods rely on covering smells with oils and fragrances, which only work temporarily—and leave behind more unwanted residue.
At Zerorez, we take a different approach.
Our pet odor treatment is tailored to each situation. Every furry friend (and every mess) is different, so our expert team evaluates each spot to determine the best course of action. Instead of masking smells, we get to the source—so you're left with a home that smells clean for real.
4. Overwetting the Carpet
Another common mistake is using too much water during the cleaning process. Whether you're using a rented carpet cleaner or a DIY solution, overwetting can cause major problems beneath the surface. Excess moisture can soak into the carpet pad and subfloor, creating the perfect environment for mold and mildew to grow.
If your carpet stays damp for too long after cleaning, it's a sign that too much water was used—or that it wasn't extracted properly. This can lead to a musty smell, wrinkling, or even permanent damage.
With Zerorez, our advanced cleaning system uses a controlled amount of water and high-powered extraction to ensure your carpets dry quickly and safely—no soggy surprises.
5. Scrubbing Stains Instead of Blotting
It's tempting to attack a fresh spill with a good scrub—but that aggressive approach can actually make things worse. Scrubbing forces stains deeper into the carpet fibers and can damage the delicate weave, leaving behind a frayed, worn patch that's hard to fix.
Instead, always blot a stain gently using a clean, absorbent cloth or paper towel. Press down to soak up the liquid, working from the outside of the stain in to avoid spreading it.
When in doubt, leave it to the pros! Zerorez has the tools and techniques to treat tough stains—without damaging your carpet in the process.
6. Skipping the Professionals When You Need Them
DIY carpet cleaning might work for light touch-ups, but when it comes to stubborn stains, soap buildup, or lingering odors, it's best to bring in the pros.
Professional carpet cleaners have the tools, training, and technology to fully remove embedded dirt and residue—without damaging your carpet. We can also help spot signs of mold, mildew, or wear and tear that could cause bigger issues down the road.
The Zerorez Difference
At Zerorez, we don't use soaps, detergents, or harsh chemicals. Instead, we use Zr™ Water—our powerful, non-toxic cleaning solution that's highly alkalized to lift dirt from deep within your carpet fibers. It's safe for kids, pets, and the planet—and best of all, it leaves No Residue® behind.
That means your carpets don't just look cleaner—they stay cleaner longer.
Experts in the Science of Clean™
Our patented, lab-tested process is designed to give you a truly deep clean without any of the downsides of traditional carpet cleaning methods. Say goodbye to crunchy carpets, leftover chemicals, and stubborn smells.
Instead, enjoy a home that's Insanely Clean™.
