Everybody loves a good crumb-less, dirt-less, spotless carpet, but unfortunately not everyone knows how to keep them looking as great as the day they first walked on them. And this can be attributed to two possible factors; either you’re not cleaning your carpets often enough or you’re not cleaning your carpets the right way.
Like everything else in this world, there’s a right way and a wrong way to do things. Carpet cleaning done the wrong way can lead to worn, stained, and discolored looking carpets that have cost you a fortune in cleaning products, appliances, gadgets and professional services. Avoid disappointment and keep your carpets looking fresh, clean and new with these 7 essential tips on how to clean your carpet the right way.
Tip #1: Set Your Vacuum to the Right Settings for Maximum Results
Vacuums are designed with multiple settings and adjustments and that’s because manufacturers know that not all carpets are made the same. Some carpets are thicker and longer while others may be shorter and flatter. Before you start vacuuming, adjust your vacuum’s height level so it’s perfect for your carpet because if it’s too high, you won’t pick up any dirt. When you’re at the right height, you’ll feel your vacuum start to tug itself forward. Vacuum slowly over high traffic areas to get more dirt out efficiently. Also you want to make sure your filter, dirt cup or bags are changed and cleaned out often. A dirty one can cut the vacuum’s suction power in half.
Tip #2: Don’t Dig or Scoop Food Spills
Food spills can be the worst, especially when they involve chunky, saucy, crumbly food. You never want to start digging or try scooping up food with your bare hands as this can work the stains and food particles even deeper into the carpet. Instead, use a spoon or a dull knife to gather the solids into the middle of the spill then carefully scraping them onto a towel. Once you’re certain you’ve removed all the food, then you can work on treating the stain.
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Tip #3: Clean Stains and Spills Right Away, Don’t Let Them Sit
The longer you wait to clean up a spill, the more the stains will react with the chemicals in the carpet thus making it harder to get out. Act quickly and clean up the spill immediately. When treated right away, 80% of stains can be removed with plain tap water. Absorb as much of the spill into a clean, white rag by blotting. Then with a damp rag continue to blot out the rest of the stain working from the outer edge to the center of the spill; this prevents the spill from spreading. Be sure to use a clean rag when doing so and remember, always blot and never scrub or rub. Scrubbing and rubbing can damage carpet fibers which can lead to fuzzy areas.
Tip #4: For Tougher Stains Use Vinegar or Club Soda
If you have a stubborn stain that won’t get out with water alone, then you can use a 50/50 white vinegar and water solution or club soda to remove it before resorting to chemicals or cleaning products. Spray the area with the solution and let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes before blotting out the stain.
Tip #5: Let Your Carpets Dry Thoroughly When Using Wet Cleaning Solutions
For those of you who use DIY carpet cleaning machines, be sure you never over wet your carpets. These machines generally don’t have a strong enough suction to efficiently extract all the moisture out. Limit the soaping and rinsing process to a single pass with 2 or 3 runs of the drying/suctioning process. Prolonged wet carpets are the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew so dry your carpets thoroughly. You can also open windows, use dehumidifiers or fans to help the process along.
Tip #6: Wrap or Elevate Furniture Legs before Returning to Damp Carpet
If you plan on cleaning your carpet with a wet solution, whether DIY or professionally, take the time to wrap your furniture’s legs with aluminum foil or plastic film before moving them around. This helps to prevent any rust or stains from the metal casters, paints or finishes from transferring onto your newly cleaned carpets. You can also place wood blocks under pieces that don’t have legs, e.g. coffee tables, ottomans, desks etc.
Tip #7: Always Test Commercial Products before Applying to Entire Carpeted Area
Not all carpet cleaning solutions are actually good for your carpets. Sure they may be effective in getting out the stains, but there are those that can actually cause the carpet to get dirtier faster as well as eventually damage the color and texture of your carpet. Always test your commercial products on a small and inconspicuous area before applying it to the rest of the room. Check online for recommendations of carpet manufacturer-approved stain and carpet cleaners if you’d like more suggestions on what’s safe to use so you can preserve the quality and longevity of your carpets.
Author Bio – Barbara Ferro, the author of this article, writes on behalf of majikservices.com, a premier commercial cleaning company offering customized programs that include carpet cleaning, floor waxing, window washing and more. To learn more about their services, click here for info.