As a Facility Manager, if you have carpet in your building or buildings, caring for it and keeping it looking good is something you think about. Carpet is a costly asset, so getting the full lifespan or even beyond the general lifespan of carpet is a worthy goal.
Yet if you fail to maintain carpeting or maintain it incorrectly, you can wear carpets faster and even cut the lifespan of your office carpet in half. Do you know the best way to care for your carpets? Do you understand how ongoing, regular carpet maintenance can save you money? Or are common misconceptions about commercial carpet cleaning putting you and your facility at risk?
MISCONCEPTION #1: In Order to Cut Costs, It’s Better to Wait Until Carpets Look Dirty
Fact:
Your carpet is a costly asset worth maintaining. Dirt may seem harmless, but it is incredibly abrasive. Dirt left in carpets acts like a knife every time people walk on it, grinding grit deeper, cutting fibers and wearing carpets unnecessarily fast.
Vacuuming helps, but it is not enough. Waiting too long to clean carpets means greater damage and a shorter lifespan. Most carpet warranties even specify required cleaning frequency.
MISCONCEPTION #2: If Carpet Doesn’t Look Dirty, It Must Be Clean
Fact:
Carpets can look fine while hiding contaminants. Pollens, bacteria, allergens, air pollution, exhaust, smoke residue and hundreds of other particles settle into carpet fibers. Shoes carry them in, and they remain trapped in the pile.
These contaminants can wreak havoc on indoor air quality and impact people with asthma, allergies and respiratory sensitivities.
MISCONCEPTION #3: All Carpet Cleaning Methods Work Equally Well
Fact:
Carpet cleaning methods differ significantly. Common approaches include bonnet cleaning, hot water extraction, portable extraction and low-moisture methods. Some deliver far better long-term results than others.
Bonnet Carpet Cleaning
Bonnet cleaning uses a rotary machine with a solution-soaked pad. While it removes surface dirt, it pushes soil deeper into the carpet pile. This residue attracts more dirt, causing faster resoiling. Bonnet cleaning also wears carpet fibers excessively and can shorten carpet lifespan by half.
Truck Mounted Carpet Cleaning & Portable Extraction
Hot water extraction with a truck-mounted system is the gold standard. It uses extremely hot water and powerful suction for a deep clean and fast drying. When access is limited, portable commercial extraction machines offer similar performance. Many carpet warranties require hot water extraction to stay valid.
Low Moisture (Dry) Carpet Cleaning
Low-moisture encapsulation cleaning is ideal for 24-hour facilities where downtime is not possible. It offers excellent cleaning and fast dry times. It can even help with LEED certification. A knowledgeable contractor should determine the best method for your building.
MISCONCEPTION #4: The Right Equipment Guarantees Effective Carpet Cleaning
Fact:
Good equipment matters—but it isn’t enough. Companies must maintain equipment properly and train technicians well. Certification programs like the ISSA’s CIMS identify companies that consistently follow industry best practices.
CIMS certification helps you create a short list of vetted, professional providers suited to your facility.
MISCONCEPTION #5: The Best Value Is Always the Lowest Price
Fact:
With commercial carpet cleaning, low price does not equal value. Unrealistically low prices often signal inexperience or corner-cutting. Extremely high prices don’t guarantee excellent service either.
Quality comes from professionalism, training, systems and consistency. Once you identify reputable companies with strong processes, then compare pricing to determine true value.
Don’t let carpet cleaning misconceptions steer you off course. At Stathakis, we offer commercial carpet cleaning and maintenance programs tailored to each facility. We use proven methods—including truck-mounted extraction, portable extraction, low-moisture cleaning and dry cleaning—to improve appearance, extend carpet life and enhance indoor air quality.
We offer on-demand cleaning and subscription programs designed for long-term value. For more information, please contact Matt Brown, Stathakis Special Projects Manager, at 800-278-1884.