As part of National Spring Cleaning Week, the NCCA took to the British public with their Spring Clean Survey to undercover general attitudes towards cleanliness and cleaning habits.

The survey found that 40% of typical households considered it rude if guests did not take their shoes off when visiting their house. However, around 8% of those admitted to wearing their own shoes around the house.

The survey revealed that 70% of people had brought mud into their home, and 25% admitted to treading dog poo in their carpet. Dog mess carries a wealth of bacteria, and if it is not removed promptly and correctly, it can be passed on to adults, children and other animals. Professional cleaning can ensure elimination of such germs and bacteria.

Interestingly, over 25% of those surveyed said that they’d changed a baby’s nappy on the carpet. Some carpets may look clean on the surface, but the visible grime we notice is just the tip of the iceberg. Over 85% of soil is buried deep within the carpet pile, and most domestic vacuum cleaners and steamers haven’t got what it takes to get rid of these deep-down germs.

I wonder how many of the 40% who revealed that they exercise, and the 25% of those who’ve had sex on the carpet in their home, have thought about what might be lurking in their carpets. Professional cleaning not only improves the appearance of carpets and upholstery, but also creates a more hygienic environment, by removing accumulated soil and debris.

It is not uncommon to rest in our beds and on our sofas when feeling unwell, as 70% uncovered. It is crucial to keep your home clean to prevent spreading germs further around the house, and even to the wider community. NHS research has shown that 2/3 of Britons don’t follow basic hygiene, which makes the need for regular, professional cleaning all the more important.

We spoke to United Carpets about what the experts recommend when it comes to professional carpet cleaning.Download The Survey InfographicListen to Radio Interview

Why Professional Cleaning is Necessary for Your Carpets and Soft Furnishings

Just as our clothes need regular cleaning to keep them fresh and hygienic, carpets and upholstered furniture need to be maintained in the same way. Regular professional cleaning ensures the removal of soiling, along with any potentially harmful bacteria, in a safe and practical way.

Vacuuming Alone is Not Enough 

Carpets act as a filter in the home and collects all sorts of dust, grit and soil. The visible grime we notice on the surface is only the tip of the iceberg, with up to 85 per cent buried deep within the pile. Regular vacuuming is a necessity to keep your carpets and coverings clean, but does not remove those deep-down soils that attach themselves to the fibres. When you consider that a carpet can eventually trap its own weight or more in soil, regular professional cleaning makes sense.

So, What Are the Benefits of Professional Cleaning?

Increased Life Expectancy

Soil and dirt can be major causes of reduced carpet and fabric life, as they enable harmful and destructive bacteria to go unnoticed. Most domestic vacuum cleaners, shampooers and steamers, even the more powerful ones, haven't got what it takes to get rid of that deep-down dirt. Professional cleaning will release those problematic soils and assist in maintaining the original look and lustre of your soft furnishings.

Improved Appearance and Smell 

Professional cleaning can ensure removal of most stubborn stains and marks, and even the oldest of carpets and upholstered furniture can look great again. Furthermore, most odours can be removed during the cleaning process, leaving you with fresh and clean-smelling soft furnishings.

Avoids Replacement Costs

If you got mud on your shoes, would you look to clean them or buy brand new ones?

Cleaning costs are minimal when you consider the replacement cost of carpets and furnishings. Most quality carpets and upholstery have excellent wear properties, which means if you maintain them well, they will last years. Regular professional cleaning makes economic sense.

Avoids D-I-Y Disasters! 

While D-I-Y cleaning products may cost less, it is very easy to damage carpet and upholstery if you don’t know what you’re doing. These methods are never as effective as professional cleaning, and can be detrimental to your soft furnishings and even your health if not carried out properly.

How to Ensure You’re Using a Professional Cleaning Company 

There are a number of things to check when employing a cleaning company.

Ask For Evidence of Training

A trained carpet cleaning technician will have the required skills to carry out the cleaning properly and safely, and will be able to advise on the most appropriate method, or combination of methods, for your situation. Don't be afraid to ask for evidence of a tradeperson's training. If they are a professional, it won't be a problem.

Ask to See Their Insurance 

All professional cleaning companies should have adequate insurance to cover them in the event of a problem or accident. A Public Liability insurance policy is required, which is standard for companies offering services to the public.If their insurance policy is "Third Party only" then whatever they are cleaning isn’t covered. Is it worth the risk?

Check Out Their Reviews

Look for plenty of reviews given over months or years, not all in a few weeks, and including some recent ones. These should preferably be on a consumer confidence site such as Trading Standards, the Government approved TrustMark consumer protection website or, of course, the National Carpet Cleaners Association site, Trusted Local Cleaners.

Time for a clean?

While your soft furnishings may not require the regular cleaning that some other household items demand, you should consider professional cleaning at least once in every two year period, even if you vacuum regularly.

Professional cleaning will not only help to retain the appearance of your flooring, it will also extend its life and contribute to better air quality, reducing allergies and illness.