Carpets are amazing because they look great on the floor and enhance a room’s elegance. Most carpets are stain-resistant, meaning that the manufacturer has treated them to reduce staining. However, no carpet is stain-proof. Over time, the carpet’s fibers trap dirt, oils and bacteria which can discolor the material and cause unpleasant odors and stains. Before you start cleaning your carpet, take the time to familiarize yourself with the manufacturer’s cleaning recommendations. You should also be aware that even if you follow these recommendations to the letter, you’re not guaranteed perfect results. Most people think they only need to clean their carpet when they see very noticeable stains. This isn’t true; in fact, carpets generally require cleaning every 12 to 18 months, although this can vary depending on your manufacturer’s warranty information.
Carpets differ in many ways. There are low loop rugs, softer and shaggy carpets. These come either with or without stain protection and can be made of anything from 100 percent wool to synthetic fibers. Below are different ways to tackle carpet cleaning.
Remove stains with an iron
Careful application of ironing can actually be used to remove certain stains. First, vacuum the carpets so that there are no dirt or dust particles on it. Then dip a clean towel into a concentrated solution made of one part vinegar and three parts of water (tap water is fine.) Use the towel to cover the stains and iron over it. The heat from the iron will cause the stain to transfer from the carpet to the towel. Check the progress regularly and stop ironing when the stain is removed.
Baking soda and carpet cooler with essential oil
It is possible for your carpet to smell nice, like when you walk in a Daisy field, make your own deodorant by adding about 10-20 drops of essential oil with about a 16-ounce can of baking soda. Mix well so that the oils are completely absorbed and stored in a glass container. When you want to use it, just shake some of the fragrant baking soda on your carpet, wait 5 minutes and vacuum.
Clean and deep carpet cleaner
Deep cleaning your carpets will help get rid of allergens and mites. Most people think you need to use a specialized chemical cleaser with your carpet cleaning equipment, but you can actually make your own eco-friendly deep cleaner. You will need 3/4 cup hydrogen peroxide, 1/4 cup white vinegar, five drops of essential oils, two tablespoons of soap, two tablespoons of fabric softener and one gallon of water. Mix those ingredients together to make a non-toxic deep cleaner for your machine: Use it in your carpet cleaning machine instead of store-brand options filled with expensive chemicals.
Properly clean a shag carpet
The shag carpet is making a comeback, so if you have this type of carpet in your home, it is essential to know how to clean it. Most vacuum cleaners have too much suction and can cause frizz or suck up the shag. If you notice that your carpet “loses” regularly, clean it using only your vacuum cleaner’s hose fitting. Yes, it will take longer but it will allow you to penetrate deep into the fibers of the carpet without affecting the strength or appearance of the shag.
Carpet peeling technique
Fluff up all the hardened and stained areas of your floor covering with a carpet remover of equal parts vinegar and water. Let the agent work, then mop up the stain. At this point, run a spoon along the carpet (hold the spoon sideways) to “inflate” the fibers and encourage them to stand up straight again. A classic example are the velvet carpets with short hair. While they are perfect for high-traffic areas, they may not be as apt to abandon stains as stuffed carpets. You need to be patient when cleaning the short-haired/curly carpet.
Tired of the indents left by your furniture pressing on the carpet? Get an ice cube to melt into the bumps. Once the water is completely dissolved, take a soft towel and mop up the excess moisture. Don’t press hard; This will damage the carpet again. Lay the wet towel on top of the dented area and run an iron (on the cotton setting) back and forth over the towel. When the fibers are almost dry, stop ironing the area. Leave the carpet to air dry, then use your hands to inflate the spot.
Your carpet is behind the first impression many people will have when they step into your home or office. With some patience, you can have the rug you like to look back and feel wonderful again. Further, if you’re saving money on new carpets, it’ll help you extend the life of your current floor. This means more dollars in your handbag and a nice clean house in the spring.
