Using carpet can help to add more color and warmth to the home, making your living space look much more exciting. On the other hand, it can also be susceptible to dust, odor, and naughty stains. Considering that you eat and walk around your carpet, it’s no surprise that they can get dirty quite easily. Thus, understanding how to clean a carpet is important. Worry not about how to do it, as we have a wealth of tips below to help ensure your carpet stays as plush as ever!
How to Clean a Carpet?
Maintaining clean carpets at home is very important due to the constant wear and tear they endure from shoes, spills, and even pets (if you have one). Allowing dust and soil particles to linger on the carpet fiber will not only result in a dull appearance but can also lead to unpleasant odors. Over time, it can even cause deterioration in the carpet!
To prevent it from happening, below are comprehensive tips to help you learn how to do routine cleaning or the deep cleaning method for your carpet!
Vacuum Carpet Regularly
Regular vacuuming is essential to keep your carpets clean and prolong its lifespan. Using vacuum cleaners can help to remove dust, dirt, and all small particles that settle deep into the fibers. If you don’t clean all of these often, it can damage your carpets eventually.
Aside from vacuuming regularly, choosing the right vacuum is also as important for every carpet owner. Use a vacuum with strong suction and a brush roll designed for your carpet type, this will make your cleaning much more effective and efficient. Here are some of the best tips for vacuuming your carpets properly!
- Vacuum in Multiple Directions: Going over the carpet from different angles to pick up deeply embedded dirt
- Focus on High-Traffic Ares: Pay extra attention to spots with heavy foot traffic, such as entrances.
- Dont Rush: Move the vacuum slowly to allow it to such up debris thoroughly
Using Lint Roller to Remove Pet Fur
Have pets in your home? That can be wonderful, but at the same time, it means that you need to go the extra mile to keep your carpet clean. Pet fur tends to cling stubbornly to carpets and may not always come off with regular vacuuming.
Thus, if you have carpets with short fibers, you can make life easier by cleaning the sheds with a squeegee. Just run the squeegee along the carpet to collect the pet hair, before vacuuming it up.
Dry Clean with Baking Soda
It is no secret that baking soda is also an excellent natural cleaner that we can use at home. It can be a deodorizer that helps remove odors, freshen up the fibers, can even loosen dirt!
Spread a thin, even layer of baking soda across the carpet. For extra freshness, you can mix it with a few drops of essential oil. Leave the baking soda on the carpet for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for stronger odors. Afterward, use the vacuum cleaner to suck up the baking soda, which will have absorbed odors and dirt.
Remove Carpet Stain
Stains can be tricky, especially if left untreated for too long on your carpet. It’s best to address them as soon as they occur. Here are some common stains that often happen on your carpet and how to treat them!
Coffee Stain
Having a cup of coffee in the morning and suddenly a spill happens? No worries, you can follow these tips to remove the stains effectively.
- Start by blotting the stain with a rag to remove as much of the coffee as possible.
- Next, make a detergent solution by mixing liquid dish soap, white vinegar, and lukewarm water.
- Spray the cleaning solution on a microfiber cloth, and blot the stained area. If the stain appears to be fading and transferring to the cloth, you should repeat the step until the stain is fully removed. Find the in-depth guide to remove this particular stain here.
Red Wine
Red wine spills during a night bender can be alarming, but quick action can prevent a permanent stain! You can follow our simple tips below or check out more comprehensive tips on how to deal with red wine stains here.
- Start blotting the stain with a clean cloth or paper towel to remove excess wine.
- Mix a solution of equal parts dishwashing soap and hydrogen peroxide.
- Apply the mixture to the stain, and allow it to sit for a few minutes.
- Rinse the stained area with cold water and allow it to air dry!
Ink Stains
Ink stains can happen unexpectedly, especially when your children are writing or lounging around on the carpet. But no worry, you can get rid of it effectively at home with minimal effort!
- Start by dabbing the ink stain with rubbing alcohol using a cotton ball or cloth. Do not rub, as this can spread the ink.
- Rinse the carpet in cold water to remove any residual ink.
Grass Stains
Not having a welcoming mat in your home can be the reason why you often have grass stains around your carpet. But you can conquer them with this DIY approach!
- Create a mixture of equal parts of white vinegar and water.
- Apply the solution to the grass stain and use a toothbrush to gently scrub the area.
- Rinse the carpet with water.
- Allow it to air-dry after.
Read More: How to Remove Pet Stains from Carpet
Deep Clean the Carpet Periodically
Deep cleaning the carpet periodically is crucial to maintain its appearance and extend its lifespan. While regular vacuuming and spot cleaning can remove surface dirt, deep cleaning helps tackle the deeper grime and odors that accumulate over time.
The two most effective ways to deep clean your carpet are carpet shampooing and steam cleaning. Both are effective methods for deep cleaning carpets, but steam cleaning typically is a better option for every type of carpet and it stains.
Carpet Shampooing Method
Carpet shampooing involves applying a specially formulated shampoo to the carpet fibers, agitating the solution with a brush or machine, and then extracting it with water or a vacuum.
This method works well for removing dirt and stains from the surface and deeper layers of the carpet.
While the shampoo can leave the carpet looking and smelling fresh, it does require a significant drying time of around 6 to 10 hours!
Steam Cleaning
Steam cleaning, also known as hot water extraction, is another popular method for deep cleaning carpets. This process involves spraying hot water onto the carpet and using high-pressure steam to loosen dirt and grime.
Steam cleaning is often considered a gentler method than shampooing, as it uses only water and heat, without the need for harsh chemicals or detergents. It’s particularly effective for lifting stubborn stains and allergens from deep within the fibers.
The benefits of steam cleaning include faster drying times and the ability to sanitize the carpet, as the high temperature of the steam kills bacteria and dust mites.
Read More: Want to Deep Clean Your Carpet with Natural Ingredients? Find the Way Here!
Whether you want to shampoo the carpet or steam clean it, the decision will ultimately depend on you. Consider factors such as the carpet’s condition, the severity of the stains, and your personal preferences.
If you’re dealing with stubborn odors on your carpet, be sure to check out our article here for effective solutions.
Leave it to the Experts
Cleaning and maintaining your carpet might look like a daunting task, but with these expert tips at your fingertips, you can easily clean and maintain your carpet at home!
Don’t want to do it yourself? Entrust your carpet to Luce expert cleaners who have the proper equipment and knowledge to keep your carpets looking clean and fresh in the long run.
Contact us today to book a cleaning spot!
