14 Cleaning Tips for Long Lasting Carpet
Carpet is an expensive addition to any home and can bring a certain amount of style and comfort unrivaled by other flooring types. However, it does need regular cleaning and maintenance to maintain its fresh appearance and extend its life expectancy.
This article provides some great tips on carpet cleaning in order to keep it looking new, regardless of the type you have in your home.
For Long Lasting Carpet, Follow These Tips
1. Vacuum regularly- for between cleaning sessions, vacuum at least once a week. This will remove surface soil that could cause future dirt buildup in the carpet, which ultimately leads to the need for replacing your carpet.
2. Avoid steaming- if you are unsure how to use your steam cleaner properly on your carpet, do not attempt it until you have done further research. Steam cleaners are great at giving carpets a deeper clean and for getting rid of dirt, but they can also cause damage to the fibers and will wear them out much faster.
3. Do not wait for stains to set- act as soon as you see any type of stain on your carpet. Using a white cloth or paper towel, absorb as much of the spill up as possible and avoid working it deeper into the fibers before cleaning.
4. Use wet cleaning- if you do not have any carpet stain remover, the best way to clean your carpet is by using a mixture of water and a mild detergent with a soft brush for scrubbing. Keep in mind that this will only be effective on stains that have already been absorbed into the fibers of your carpet.
5. Do not use household chemicals- most household chemicals will create a reaction with the fibers of your carpet, causing them to change color and also deteriorate over time. It is best only to use designated cleaning supplies that have been tested for the effective removal of stains from specific types of carpets.
6. Act quickly on pet stains- pet stains are difficult to remove and if not treated, they will likely smell. Blot at the area with a white cloth or paper towel, using cold water only. This will help draw out as much liquid as possible without causing damage to your carpet.
7. Remove blood stains immediately- this may require some time and effort on your part, but it is a necessary step to take in order to prevent permanent damage. Apply a cleaning agent directly onto the stain and rub it in circular motions with a soft brush or cloth. Follow this by applying another round of the same type of cleaner and allow it to sit for about 15 minutes before blotting at the area with a dry cloth or paper towel.
8. Use white vinegar- for those stains that you just cannot seem to remove, reach for the simplest solution first: white vinegar. Pour it directly onto the stain and allow it to sit for about 15 minutes before blotting at the area with a wet cloth or paper towel. Repeat as necessary until the stain has been removed.
9. Avoid using dark-colored carpet- while there are some benefits to having darker carpet, this is not one of them. Since it soaks up stains much faster than lighter colored carpets, you will be forced to clean it more often in order to maintain its quality for a longer time before it needs to be replaced.
10. Avoid using deep cleaning chemicals- these types of cleaners are only designed for experienced carpet owners and should not be used unless there is a need to, such as removing specific difficult stains.
11. Use baking soda- another simple solution that can help remove an array of common carpet stains. Combine it with water to form a paste consistency before applying it directly to the stain, allowing it to sit for about 15 minutes before wiping with a cloth or paper towel.
12. Avoid direct sunlight on carpets- while excess sunlight is good for killing some types of stains and germs that develop on carpeting, too much exposure will also weaken your carpet's fibers as well as fade the color.
13. Use dry-cleaning solvents- these are some of the best types of cleaners to use on carpets because they are designed specifically for the job and will not cause damage to your carpet's fibers or colors. However, it is important that you do research first to ensure that the solvent selected is safe for your type of carpet.
14. Allow carpets to dry completely- the longer they remain wet, the more damage will be done to their fibers and colors. Direct sunlight will also cause uneven drying, which can lead to permanent color changes and damage over time due to mold and mildew growth. If you do happen to get water on your carpeting and are unable to fully dry it, have a fan sit over the area until it is dry.
When it comes to carpet cleaning, many people enjoy renting or buying expensive machines that clean the entire room with one spray. There are also handheld machines available for spot cleaning. These methods do work very well, but they can be expensive and not worth their price if you only have a small section that needs attention. The simplest solution is often the best one when it comes to cleaning carpets. For those tough stains that seem impossible to remove, reach for the simplest products you have at home before taking more drastic actions.
Above All Organic Cleaning Services
1221 Birchwood Dr,
Flushing, MI 48433