If you're thinking of buying carpet powder to use next time that you clean with your Dyson vacuum, hold on a minute and read this article. We've received several questions regarding whether you can use these carpet cleaners with Dyson vacuums; that's why we decided to address the issue with the help of experts. Here's what they said regarding the use of carpet powder when vacuuming.
It is not recommended to use carpet powder with your Dyson vacuum cleaner. The fine grit of the carpet powder or deodorizer can clog your vacuum cleaner and alter its performance. It can also settle deeply into the carpet, ruining the carpet and upsetting indoor air quality. Lastly, it is not effective in removing the real source of the foul odor.
Continue reading so we can explain further why you shouldn't use carpet power with your Dyson vacuum and what you can do instead to keep your carpet looking fresh and new all the time. We'll also tell you what else you should avoid when using your Dyson vacuum cleaner so you won't damage your appliance. Let's get things started!
Is it OK to use carpet powder with a Dyson?
You might be thinking, "What harm can a little sprinkle of carpet powder do?" After all, that's what's indicated on the packaging, right? Just sprinkle the powder on your carpet and vacuum. Voila! Your carpet should be rid of unwanted odors, look new, and feel fresh right after.
But the thing is, some carpet powder or carpet deodorizers can be made from harmful ingredients and chemicals, although others claim to use all-natural ingredients. Each granule in the powder is said to be capable of absorbing and holding the dirt in the carpet and taking it with them as they're vacuumed off.
But manufacturers don't tell consumers the potential harm that these products can cause -not just to vacuums but to the users and household members as well. Yes, regardless of whether they use natural ingredients or not.
Below are the reasons why you shouldn't use carpet powder or deodorizer with your Dyson vacuum.
It can damage your vacuum cleaner
Carper powder cleaners are made up of fine grit particles. It is almost impossible for any Dyson vacuum to catch all of those sprinkled grains unless maybe you're using commercial-grade vacuum cleaners.
Even if your Dyson vacuum is able to pick up most of the carpet powder, its particles can block the appliance's filters and dust bags and affect its performance. They may even cause your unit to overheat since it will have to work extra hard when there are obstructions in the way.
It can ruin your carpet
So, what really happens when all of the grit isn't cleared out is that particles settle deeply into the recesses of the carpet, which can potentially damage its backing and fibers because of the strong active ingredients. Powder grit can also attract more dirt which defeats the purpose of using it in the first place.
It is bad for your health
When these micro-particles settle underneath the carpet, they encourage bacterial growth. This will cause your home's indoor air quality to suffer. The fine grit can also be blown away into other parts of the house or left floating in the air.
The pollutants can irritate your eyes and skin and trigger your allergies. Children and pets are more prone to suffer from these adverse effects since they are the ones who spend a lot of time on the carpet floor.
It is not effective
Carpet deodorizers don't really remove the real source of the foul odor. They are just quick-fix solutions but won't last a long time.
What they do is just mask the smell, but as soon as the effect wears off, the smell returns. You have to eliminate the source of the unpleasant smell to completely rid your home of its horrible stench.
These are the reasons why you shouldn't use carpet powder with your Dyson vacuum cleaner.
How to clean carpet without carpet powder
Now, you're left thinking about possible alternatives to help you keep your carpet clean since it's not really recommended that you use carpet powder or deodorizer.
Here's what you can do:
- Spot clean the area that has dirt and stains as soon as possible so that they won't settle into the carpet.
- Carefully remove the solid food particles or debris that fall onto its surface.
- Blot the stained area using a clean cloth soaked with water so that the stain won't spread to other portions of the carpet.
- Do not rub or scrub the carpet when cleaning to prevent the fraying of its fibers.
- Use the cleaning solutions that are recommended by the carpet manufacturer. You can also make a water-vinegar solution as a natural cleaner. Follow the one part white vinegar to three parts water ratio. Massage this solution on the carpet fibers without soaking them wet.
- Make vacuuming a habit. Do it at least once a week for areas in your home with less foot traffic and more frequently for areas where more people pass by or stay.
- Schedule a deep cleaning for your carpet flooring yearly.
The only way to make a carpet look brand new is to clean it regularly and treat stains and dirt immediately. You don't really need powder cleaners and deodorizers when you follow these steps because you're addressing the real cause of the problem right away.
What can you not vacuum with a Dyson?
Sure, your Dyson vacuum cleaner is your best friend when it comes to keeping the house spotless. However, there are just some things that you cannot vacuum, or you'll risk damaging your Dyson unit. Here are just some of them.
Ashes and sawdust
These are also fine grit particles that can block your filters once they accumulate inside a vacuum. What you can do instead is to dampen the pile so it won't float into the air once you sweep it off.
Sharp objects
Broken glass can damage the exterior and interior of your vacuum. It can cause punctures and scratches on the surface. Remove the sharp objects carefully with the use of a broom and dustpan.
Moist or wet food
It's really not recommended to use your vacuum on wet surfaces. It'll put your safety at risk and can cause an electrical failure. It will also cause clogging and blockages inside the device.
Paper clips, coins, and other small objects
These can get stuck on the vacuum's rotating brush or cause the plastic components of your appliance to break.
Soil and plant debris
They can also clog your unit, or the vacuum will push the soil deeper into the carpet, causing it to become dirtier.
Sticky items
These can put your vacuum in danger. They can get stuck inside and melt. When this happens, the motor can be damaged, and you won't be able to use your vacuum cleaner again.
Avoid using your Dyson vacuum cleaner to pick up previously mentioned objects, as they can harm your appliance. You can use it instead for catching hair, fur, and debris on the floor. You can also vacuum small gravel and dry cereal or anything that isn't too fine, too big, too sticky, or too wet to capture.
Final Thoughts
So, think twice before you grab those carpet powders or deodorizers in the supermarket. They may actually do you more harm than good when you use them with your Dyson vacuum cleaner.