Some families are choosing the do-it-yourself route to cleaning their carpets because of the tighter economy. This may seem like good way to keep your carpets cleaned however the drawback is that you the homeowner must do all the tough work yourself and still pay to rent the equipment! Depending on where you live, most grocery stores are offering cleaning machines and a multitude of carpet cleaning solutions for purchase or rent. Including carrying the machine to their cars and moving and replacing their own furniture.There are risks.

There are always the inherent risks when you decide to go the 'do-it-yourself' route that include the following:

• Over saturation of the carpet.

  If too much water or solution is applied, the glue that holds carpet fibers together can separate and ruin carpet.

• Misapplication of cleaners.

  The incorrect cleaning solution applied to certain stains can permanently bleach or discolor carpet.

• Physical injury

  from heavy lifting of moving and replacing your furniture during the carpet cleaning process

One thing is clear, indoor air quality is definitely affected by the frequency with which your home’s carpets are cleaned. With all the dust, dander, dirt and soot collecting on the surfaces in your home, it is important to remind yourself that what you collect on a dust towel is just a small fraction of what ends up in your carpet. Take inventory of how often your carpets are walked on in your home and make carpet cleaning decisions that help you and your family breathe easier this year.