How To Clean Your Carpet

By Author: James Minett
Total Articles: 1
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Carpet cleaning can be easy if you know how. Cleaning your carpet the wrong way can take more time and effort than necessary. Knowing what to do will help you clean your carpet without any stress or hassle. Below are tips on how to clean your carpet at home quickly and easily.
1) Vacuum The Carpet
The first thing you should do is vacuum the excess debris from the surface of your carpet. You don't want dirt or hairs stuck in between fibres, so using a vacuum with a brush attachment is best because it will collect all loose matter sticking to the fibres of your rug. If there are stains present, focus mainly on them because they are probably why you're cleaning this now anyway. Make sure that you clean out all sections of the vacuum cleaner after you're done.
Also Read: The Right Way to Vacuum (Yes, There Is a Right Way!) [Real Simple]
2) Prepare The Cleaner
When you are sure that your carpet is free of hair or anything else, it's time to actually clean the carpet. To do this, prepare a hot water and vinegar solution in a bucket. For every gallon of water you use, add half a cup of white vinegar. Some ...
... recipes (such as this one by carpet and rug world) suggest adding dishwasher detergent as well but if you do then make sure that there are no harmful chemicals present because at the end of the day all that will matter is how your rug looks!
3) Sponge It Out
Take your sponge with the rough side up and work off any stains on the surface one by one with circular motions. Once certain parts are dry, take out an old towel or rag and dab them dry. Make sure you are not pressing down hard on your carpet with the sponge or rag because this will flatten out the sponges and change what it looks like!
4) Let It Dry
After your rug is clean, let it dry for at least 30 minutes so that all excess moisture evaporates. Do not place any heat sources near your rug during this time as they can damage it further. Be patient, let the rug do its thing, and soon you'll have a clean carpet to enjoy.
5) Maintain Regularly
To keep your carpets clean without having to do anything else, maintain them regularly by vacuuming once every week or two depending on how much traffic it gets. If there's any liquid on it, take care of it right away so that stains do not form. Regular maintenance allows you to enjoy a clean carpet without having to exert too much effort!
"It's important to know how to clean your carpet so that you can keep them clean on your own," mentions James Minett, owner of Knights of Cleaning, a carpet cleaning company. "If you have any pets, especially dogs or cats, then chances are they have an accident from time to time. That is why regular maintenance is necessary."
James also adds: "If you find that your efforts are not enough, or if the stains are too tough to remove, then don't hesitate to call in a professional carpet cleaner. They can use specialized equipment to deep-clean your carpet."
Helpful Resource: How to Clean Carpet [Spruce]
My Carpet Still Smells, What Do I Do?
If your carpet continues to smell after you clean it, the problem may be due to some remaining dirt trapped in between your carpet's fibres. Don't worry; we've got a solution for that too! All you need is baking soda and some Febreeze (or another air freshener of your choice).
Take the vinegar solution that you used earlier and add about three tablespoons of baking soda. Take your rag or sponge with water and spray it until damp on one side. Wring out the excess moisture and then wipe down all over your carpet with this damp side until there isn't any more moisture coming off of it. Once finished, take a dry towel and rub away any leftover residue from cleaning products so that all you're left with is a clean smelling rug. Allow it to dry for at least half an hour. Once finished, take a spray bottle and evenly mist Febreeze or your other chosen air freshener all over the surface of your carpet. Let it dry for another half an hour before walking on it and you're good to go!
Remember that prevention is key when it comes to keeping your carpets clean - so be sure to vacuum and mop up any liquid spills as soon as they occur to avoid any long-term damage! If you follow these tips, then you'll be able to keep your carpets looking fresh and new for years to come!
Helpful Reading: How to Deodorize Carpets In 5 Easy Steps, Plus Best Products [Home Made Simple]