Carpets play an important role in how your home looks and feels, but they can become dirty rather quickly, particularly if you have pets or young children running around the house. When this happens, you’ll want to make sure you know how to thoroughly clean your carpets so that they’re fresh and welcoming again when it’s time to relax or entertain guests. This guide will walk you through the process of choosing the right cleaning agents, using the right techniques and tools, and maintaining your carpets properly so that they look their best as often as possible.
1. Always vacuum first
Vacuuming first is essential because it removes a lot of dust and dirt from carpets, which will make your carpet cleaner last longer. Always remember to vacuum first so that you are doing as little clean-up as possible at the end of your cleaning session. If your kids have spilled something on your carpet or there’s mud everywhere from kids having fun in winter weather, it’s okay to clean up before vacuuming.
2. Put your nose to work
If you smell something strange, that could be an indicator of a bigger problem. Stale or musty odors can be a sign of mold growth, which is dangerous for your health and wallet. If it’s accompanied by peeling paint or wallpaper, you may want to call in experts. Dusty floors also indicate a need for deep cleaning—just make sure they don’t have too much dirt before deciding on whether to replace them or re-coat them.
3. Pre-treatment is key
When it comes to getting carpets clean, you can’t skimp on pre-treatment. Using warm water, mix up a solution of mild detergent (don’t overdo it) and allow your carpets to soak for a few minutes before cleaning them. This will remove much of what needs to be removed from your carpets before you apply any extra cleaners—this is especially important for people with sensitive skin and respiratory problems.
4. Use hot water
Hot water will help lift dirt, dust, and grime from carpets more effectively than cool or cold water. Coldwater should only be used if you’re using a machine that doesn’t heat tap water first. If you do use cool or cold water, run your machine for longer to ensure it penetrates deep into carpet fibers and removes all traces of dirt.
5. Treat stains as soon as possible
If you have an accident, do everything in your power to remove it immediately—the longer you wait, the more likely a stain will set and become harder to remove. The best way to handle spills is to act quickly and simply blot them up with a clean rag or paper towel; not rubbing or scrubbing, as that can spread a spill and make it even more difficult to clean up.
6. To stay fresh, wash regularly
Vacuuming at least once a week is a simple and effective way to keep your carpets clean. But it’s not enough to pull out your trusty machine, roll it around your home, and then put it away until next time. There are tricks you can use to make sure you give your carpets a deeper clean with each pass of the vacuum cleaner.
7. Try light colours
Light colours are your best friend when it comes to keeping carpets clean. If your carpet gets a big stain, make sure you try to get out as much of it as possible, and call a professional if necessary. When choosing light-colored rugs and carpets, go for warm neutrals like beige or cream rather than stark white – they’ll hide stains better. Of course, if you have kids or pets, dark may be a safer bet!
Conclusion
There are plenty of professional carpet cleaning services out there that offer great rates for their service. Keep in mind, however, that a cheap price does not always mean good service. Investing in high-quality chemicals and materials to keep your carpets clean is key for keeping your home fresh and free of germs.
