Carpet Cleaning Tips
Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, nothing should be ignored when it comes to cleaning, and your household carpet is no exception. Carpet collects our dirt and dust daily, which not only traps odors, but also loosens carpet fibers and produces a dingy-looking carpet. However, you do not need a professional to bring the luster back to your carpet. Rather, all you need is the right vacuum and some simple tips and tricks for stains and odors.
To ensure you are getting the best vacuum for your home, evaluate your needs and choose a vacuum based on that rather than opting for the most expensive one. For example, if shedding pets are the problem, it would be more beneficial to select a vacuum with strong suction abilities and a hose. If you have stairs, a vacuum that is lightweight with separate attachments is preferable. Or, for messy children, a vacuum with a double brush roll system that can handle a variety of messes.
When carpet cleaning, vacuuming is the first step in preventing the dirt and dust sinking deeper into the fibers. A helpful trick is to dust blinds, windowsills and other dust-collecting areas before vacuuming so the excess dust can be consequently vacuumed up. The best thing you can do for your carpet when vacuuming is to take your time. It is recommended to count to three slowly with each forward and backward motion in order to let the vacuum work to the best of its ability. Additionally, alternate directions when vacuuming, both horizontally and vertically, as carpet fibers tend to be twisted, and this will assist in capturing the maximum amount of dirt and dust. Vacuuming high-traffic areas, such as entryways, at least three times a week can make a world’s difference in the appearance of your carpet as well.
In order to prolong the life of your vacuum, empty or replace your bag or canister frequently, or when it is roughly two-thirds full to ensure maximum suction. Furthermore, check for clogs and change the filter when it starts to turn gray.
Beyond vacuuming, another effective way to clean your carpet is steam cleaning, which uses extreme heat to not only rid your carpet of dirt and other stains, but bacteria and germs as well. Steam cleaners can be found in a vacuum cleaner aisle and when done correctly, can remove 99.999% of germs and bacteria. When steam cleaning, it is imperative to follow the directions to avoid leaving dirt-attracting residue. Most importantly, avoid letting your carpet get too wet and extract as much water as possible. An excess of water and moisture can cause mildew and or odd smells.
As for stains, it is optimal to clean them the minute they happen so they do not have time to set. To clean a stain, be sure to spot-clean by blotting, not scrubbing. Scrubbing can ruin carpet fibers. As aforementioned, avoid too much water. A mixture of water, vinegar or club soda and a white, dry cloth should get that stain right out. If a stain is leaving a lingering odor, simply sprinkle some baking soda on the carpet. Let it sit for at least fifteen minutes and then vacuum the spot.
Other suggestions for carpet cleaning include removing footwear to avoid tracking in dirt; restricting food and drink to non-carpet areas only; limiting your pets time indoors; and placing rugs on the inside and mats on the outside of your home in order to trap any excess grime before it can spread further.
Before purchasing any carpet cleaning machines or solutions, ensure you know what your carpet is made of to get the best possible cleaning. Always follow the instructions for the cleaners and solutions, and test the cleaner in an inconspicuous spot, such as the inside of a closet, to avoid leaving a potential visible stain.
By following these tips, you can add years to the life of your carpet.
