Carpets add an element of warmth and comfort to your home. However, dirt and debris can ruin the lovely coziness of your space. With regular carpet cleaning, you make your home more welcoming. Whether it’s vacuuming or tackling persistent stains, a well-maintained carpet will speak volumes about your overall cleanliness. This comprehensive guide will discuss how to clean your carpets like a pro.
Why is routine carpet cleaning necessary?
Dirt can seep into fibers if you place your carpet in high-traffic areas. Regular cleaning will not only help the carpet retain softness but also improve the aesthetics of your home.
Oftentimes, rugs can trap airborne pollutants that trigger allergies. To create a healthier indoor environment, you should clean the carpet regularly. The carpet fibers can also hold onto fur, dander, and unpleasant smells if you have pets in your house. So every six months, you should deep clean and vacuum to eliminate any lingering odors.
Maintaining clean carpets makes your space look attractive and presentable. If you have bright-colored carpets, you should vacuum regularly to maintain the visual appeal.
If you want to preserve the integrity of your carpets, you should:
- Remove stains as soon as they occur
- Sweep and vacuum at least twice a week
- Call a pro once a year to remove stubborn stains
Carpet cleaning cost
Depending on the location, size, kind of carpet, and cleaning technique, carpet cleaning companies will charge various rates. The cost of cleaning supplies for DIY cleaning is between $45 and $65 a year. If you don’t own a vacuum, you ought to budget between $70 and $900.
The majority of professional cleaning providers bill per square foot. You should budget between $100 and $400 per year for steaming and deep cleaning. The cost of specialized treatments is included in the price.
Preparing my carpets for cleaning
You must get your carpets ready for cleaning so that everything goes well. Use a vacuum to remove any loose dirt while paying special attention to high-traffic areas and corners. Next, look for any dirt spots on your carpet. You should pretreat stubborn stains before using a steamer.
Clear away anything that restricts mobility and move any fragile objects that could topple over. Carpets with gentle fibers require specialized cleaning products. Make a list of what you need before you start the process – never use abrasive cleaners and bleach.
Best ways to clean my carpets
With careful cleaning, you can reinvigorate your carpets. But regardless of the cleaning technique you select, you must exercise caution. Let’s examine the most effective carpet cleaning techniques.
Vacuuming
One easy method to deal with allergens, dust, and grime is to vacuum. It preserves the natural look of your carpet while enhancing its appearance when done regularly. A high-traffic area will require more frequent vacuuming, at least once a week. The steps you need to take are as follows:
Prepare the area
Clear the area by moving the tables, chairs, and other objects. Make sure your vacuum is free of any debris.
Prepare the vacuum cleaner
Empty the collection bin and set the cleaning brush to the recommended height.
Slow and steady passes
Move the vacuum along the carpet to allow the brushes to lift the dirt. A few overlap passes will capture any dirt embedded in the fibers.
Change the filters
When cleaning large carpets, you may need to change the vacuum cleaners. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s manual.
Treat with water and vinegar
These environmentally friendly products can eliminate smells from your carpet. To prevent discoloration, you could try a spot test. To treat your rugs with vinegar and water, you should:
- Mix white vinegar with three parts of water and add to a spray bottle.
- Apply the solution on the affected area (lightly) and let it sit for a few minutes.
- Use a paper towel to blot the area. Avoid rubbing the stain to prevent it from penetrating deeply into the fibers.
- Air-dry your carpet and vacuum to remove any debris.
Use baking soda
Your carpets will smell better after using this household cleaning product. Just sprinkle some baking soda on stinky areas, leave it for 10-15 minutes, and vacuum. If your carpets are quite dirty, you might need several treatments.
Use commercial cleaning solution
Commercial cleaning supplies can be used to get rid of stains and smells. However, you have to adhere to the application techniques specified by the manufacturer. You can prevent discoloration problems through a spot test if you’re unsure about the outcome. Only use mild cleaning agents.
Salt treatment
When combined with borax or baking soda, salt can eliminate stubborn odors. Simply mix equal parts of baking soda and salt with three tbsp. of water.
- Apply the paste to a small area to establish whether your rug can handle the product.
- Spread the paste over the entire rug and let it sit for 15-20 minutes.
- After drying, vacuum your rug.
Note: borax can irritate the skin, so you should handle it with care.
Remove stubborn stains
Always remove your stains as soon as you spot them. If you accidentally spill a drink, you need a specially formulated solution to tackle it. While each product requires a unique application method, a spot test is necessary. The top three products to stock are vinegar, salt, and baking soda.
For stains that penetrate deeper into the fibers, you should prepare a solution and blot the area lightly. A few passes will do the magic. Whether it’s pet urine, blood, wine, or wax stain, you should follow the recommended cleaning method.
Use a carpet brush
If you have to put in extra effort to maintain your carpets shine, a brush can be a useful tool. Some come with thick bristles to ensure your precious rug is grim-free. You should vacuum your carpet to get rid of any loose dirt before brushing it.
To protect the fibers, brush in the same direction with moderate strokes. Areas that tend to accumulate more grime require several passes.
For a heavily soiled carpet, you should prepare a solution by mixing salt, borax, vinegar, and water. Then, blot the area with a soft cloth and allow the mixture to sit for several minutes. Move the brush lightly to remove the debris and air dry. Be sure to clean the brush after use.
Steam cleaning
Steam cleaning softens embedded dust, dirt, and debris – each model has specific instructions. The best way to save a few bucks is to rent the machine and buy a steam cleaning solution. You can budget for $55 to $75 for each cleaning session. Here are the basic steps to follow:
- Read the manufacturer’s instructions to understand the product.
- Add water and the cleaning solution to the tank.
- Power on your steamer and start the cleaning process. Start from the corner and proceed to high-traffic areas. You can make overlap passes to ensure you don’t miss a spot.
- Dry your carpets before walking on them.
How to prevent dirty carpets
While regular cleaning will make your carpets shine, you can support your cleaning efforts to prolong their life.
Use doormats
To reduce soil from outside, you can place some doormats in the hallway. This might be a good idea in the winter. Clean your doormats regularly to maintain their effectiveness.
No-shoes policy
The “no-shoe policy” lessens the possibility of bringing dangerous contaminants inside your house. Before stepping onto your carpet, ask family members and visitors to take off their shoes.
Address spills as soon as they occur
Accidental spills should be cleaned at once to prevent the stains from getting deeply embedded in the fibers. Spot-clean the area with a gentle cloth.
Vacuum regularly
It keeps debris from penetrating the carpet deeply. Vacuuming should be done twice a week in areas with heavy traffic.
Move the furniture
Rotating heavy furniture will prevent indentation and prevent excessive wear. Using furniture pads and coasters can also reduce the damage.
DIY or Professional Carpet Cleaner
You’re probably not sure whether to hire a professional or go the DIY route. Many factors, such as the degree of soiling, carpet size, and budget, will influence your decision. Let’s examine the benefits and drawbacks of each.
DIY
If you’re happy rolling up your sleeves, you can save some bucks cleaning your carpet. If you can access simple homemade products, the job gets even easier. Not to mention, you’re in control of the standard of cleaning and you work within your schedule. On the downside, you may lack the expertise to achieve the desired results.
Professional carpet cleaning
There are numerous advantages to hiring a professional. Experts are equipped with the knowledge and skills to handle difficult stains and produce excellent cleaning results. Second, the experts have access to the best cleaning supplies and equipment. You won’t get your hands dirty, of course. Working with a professional will cost more than doing it yourself. But when you look at the outcome, the investment pays off.
FAQs
Can I do a carpet’s deep cleaning by myself?
Yes. All you require is a cleaning agent that is effective against tough stains. To maintain the luster and shine of your carpet, mix equal parts baking soda, vinegar, salt, and water.
Do all methods give the best results?
The best cleaning method will depend on the level of soiling and carpet material. When it comes to removing ingrained filth, steam cleaning is the most efficient method.
Is it safe to clean carpets using baking soda?
Odors are neutralized with baking soda, which also won’t harm your carpet. You should vacuum the area after cleaning.
How can I keep my carpet looking good in between cleanings?
You should include vacuuming in your cleaning regimen. Maintaining a no-shoes policy and quickly cleaning up spills are two easy ways to keep your carpets looking fresh.
