How to perform regular carpet cleaning
Regular carpet cleaning is the best way to extend the lifespan of your carpet and keep it looking clean and like-new. Using a vacuum picks up a lot of dirt and debris from your carpet, and a robot vacuum can even be used to cut down on time spent on chores. You can also take care of your carpet by being sure to wipe off your shoes at the door, or better yet stop wearing shoes in the house entirely. Cleaning your air filters also reduces the overall amount of dust in your home, which eventually settles into the carpet.How to spot clean stains and other messes
No matter how careful you are with your carpet, life happens (especially if you have kids!) and odds are there will be some spills. In these situations, it’s possible to get your carpet looking back to normal if you know the right methods to use.There are a few rules of thumb when it comes to spot cleaning stains and other messes on carpet. The first is that you should treat the stain as soon as possible to avoid giving extra time for the substance to set deeper into the carpet fibers and dry. You also want to be sure to blot or dab at a stain while attempting to remove it– never rub. Blotting a stain allows your cloth to absorb the spilled liquid, while a rubbing motion pushes it deeper into the carpet and can potentially cause long-term damage to fibers. Lastly, always use a paper towel or white cloth to clean a stain in order to avoid passing the color of your towel onto the carpet.
There are many commercially-available carpet cleaning solutions and pet stain removers on the market, which can be very effective. If you don’t have one of these products on hand, shaving cream or a solution of water and white vinegar are often just as effective if you let the solution sit for 10-15 minutes before cleaning up. No matter what product you use, always do a small test on an inconspicuous piece of carpet to make sure it won’t cause damage or discoloration.
Below are a few tried-and-true tips for common difficult stains:
- Gum: Freeze with an ice cube, then lift up with a spoon and cut free from the fibers.
- Wax: Cover with a towel and heat with an iron until it’s soft enough to scrape up.
- Blood: Pour a small amount of hydrogen peroxide. When it’s finished bubbling and fizzing, blot with a cloth or paper towel.
- Grease: Put a few drops of dish soap into warm water and mix, then spray over the stain.
