We See Carpet Scraping All Over TikTok, But Is It A Good Idea?
Spring cleaning is in full swing! Whether you've already started deep diving into finding the best cleaning hacks or are simply curious about the average homeowner's spring cleaning routine, you've likely turned to TikTok for some answers. One sector of the app, also known as #CleanTok, guides users through the process of selecting cleaning products, keeping their space organized, and identifying tips to make cleaning just a little bit easier. These days, the concept of carpet scraping has made its way to the FYP, and users like @rebeccacroft1 are swearing by it as a way to thoroughly clean your carpet. Despite its budding popularity, however, carpet scratching can do more damage than good.
There's no denying that carpet cleaning is an exhausting process, but it's also important to do it correctly. Carpet scraping is the process of using a small tool against the fibers of your carpet to pick up dust and debris that can't be caught by vacuums. As you scrape against the grain of the carpet, you may be satisfied to see a clump of dust swept up in the process, leaving you convinced that you've just hit the cleaning jackpot. Unfortunately, while that's just not true for carpet scraping, there are alternative ways to keep your carpet clean.
No, carpet scraping isn't a good idea
Believe it or not, carpet scraping even once can do more damage than good. When you use a harsh scraping device on your delicate carpet, the carpet's natural fibers are pulled from the surface and create lasting damage. This scraping may cause bald spots on the carpet. Just like you would with tile, hardwood, and other precious flooring, you want to be gentle with the fibers on your carpet and do your best to ensure they last for a long time. It's easy to assume you're keeping your carpet clean, but you'll soon notice the impact of carpet scraping.
You may already be familiar with this concept through carpet abrasions— when people walk on carpets with sand or debris on their shoes, the fibers below can grow weak over time. As your carpet become dull, simply stepping on it can lift more fibers. Instead, you'll want to consider some alternatives that can help you better clean your carpet and maintain its longevity for years to come.
How to actually clean your carpet
It's not the end of the world if you've accidentally fallen into the rabbit hole of TikTok's carpet scraping trend, but it's best to stop immediately. Instead, consider investing in a high-quality vacuum cleaner that can better address the dust and debris harbored within. If you have the means, spending money on a good vacuum can save you from spending money on repairing your carpet in the future. Additionally, regularly steam cleaning your carpet can help you catch pieces of dust that are less noticeable to vacuums. If your carpet is already slightly damaged, consider using fluorochemicals to bring damaged fibers back to life.
Combining all the achievable ways you can clean your carpet is another effective way to make sure it stays free of dust and debris. For example, start by thoroughly vacuuming your carpet before using a steamer, warm water, and the carpet cleaning solution of your choice. Follow up by vacuuming once more, and observe your freshly cleaned carpet. By incorporating these methods into your weekly routine, you can avoid the long-term damage you'd face with carpet scraping just once.