Discover the Difference Between Cleaning and Disinfecting a Carpet

A pristine indoor environment is crucial for maintaining good health, whether it’s at home, school, or work. While some indoor surfaces are easier to clean, others, like carpets, require more attention. Perhaps you’re cleaning the carpet every day, but that’s not the same as disinfecting it.

To understand what carpet disinfection is and whether it’s even possible, we must first explain cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting.

Cleaning

Everyday cleaning is everything from washing dishes, removing crumbs from the countertop, through to cleaning the bathroom.

It’s everything one can do with some soap and water and common chemicals. Standard cleaning does not remove germs and bacteria but prevents further growth and maintains a healthy and pleasant environment.

When it comes to your carpet, cleaning requires a high-efficiency vacuum capable of sucking up most airborne particles. Several homeowners vacuum every day to remove soil build-up and to extend the lifespan of the carpet.

Sanitizing

Disinfecting and sanitizing are often used interchangeably. However, they are not the same. The best way to explain the difference is to view sanitization as the step after cleaning but before disinfection.

Sanitization is crucial in restaurants and cafes because it prevents the spread of foodborne bacteria. 

Carpet sanitization involves several steps. After a thorough vacuuming, apply a carpet cleaner to break the stains and dissolve any soil left in the fibers. Then, the carpet should be steam cleaned and air-dried. Carpet sanitization is known as “deep cleaning” and is often best left to professional carpet servicing companies.

Disinfecting

The process of disinfection goes a step further than sanitization. Disinfection would dispose of all bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Chlorine bleach is a common and effective disinfectant, though it’s not always the best choice in small spaces.

Also, you can’t use standard bleach on the carpet. Fortunately, loads of carpet disinfectants are on the market, many with a deodorizing smell and may even be environmentally friendly.

Can you disinfect the carpet?

It’s crucial to point out it’s not possible to 100% disinfect a carpet.

No amount of disinfectant used on the carpet can remove all bacteria, fungi, or viruses. Only hard surfaces, such as countertops or floors, can be thoroughly disinfected.

Keep your carpet clean

Routine carpet maintenance improves air quality and health. Unfortunately, disinfecting the carpet is not possible, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth some effort.

Deep cleaning or sanitizing your carpet goes a long way in removing organic waste, preventing insect infestation, and increasing the carpet’s lifespan.

Get professional carpet cleaning

Keep in mind that there are many disinfectant options on the market. However, deep carpet cleaning is a job best reserved for a professional carpet service company.

3D Carpet Cleaning and Restoration offers home service cleaning and sanitation, air duct cleaning, and 24-hour flood service in Tampa & South Florida. Call (813) 833-4126 today!