Carpets play an important role in making interiors stylish and put together. They bring character and value to your space, and they deserve good treatment for that. Keeping your home carpet clean and dirt-free seems like a tedious task but it is always worth it. Also, tedious or not, you have not much choice in the matter.
If you want your place to look pleasant and hygienic, regular carpet cleaning is one of the ways to do it. So whether it’s an area rug or wall to wall carpets, you can clean them easily at home with the following tips and tricks. So, let’s dive right in!
Tools & Equipment You’ll Need For Carpet Cleaning
- Vacuum
- Microfiber Cloth
- Steam Mop
- Clean White Towels
- Baking Soda
- Spray Bottle
- Carpet Cleaner
- White Vinegar
- Brush
Step-By-Step Carpet Cleaning Instructions
Start Vacuuming
Regularly vacuuming your carpet can prevent the accumulation of dirt and dust. This will also make it easier to deep clean the carpet when you need to. Even if you don’t do it everyday, moving furniture every once in a while during vacuuming can help you clean more thoroughly.
Set the vacuum to the right settings for your carpet type and then get vacuuming. Make sure that you don’t do it hastily. Go over the spots that experience more traffic and usage. This will offer better results and make sure there is no dirt or dust left inside the carpet fibers.
Spot Cleaning
Spot cleaning is a good way to treat the spots that were not significant and left untreated previously. You will need a microfiber cloth and the right type of cleaning product for your carpet.
Prepare a cleaning solution using the cleaner and mixing it with water. Dip the microfiber cloth in the solution and wring out the excess moisture. Then dab the cloth onto the stain and rub it gently. Keep rubbing until the stain is fully gone.
You can also use white vinegar diluted with water to clean the stain if a carpet cleaner is not available. Use one part white vinegar and two parts water to prepare a solution and use it the same way as mentioned above.
Deep Cleaning
A good deep cleaning will help in getting rid of embedded dirt and dust from the carpet. It can also remove allergens trapped in the carpet fibers and make the carpet more hygienic and health-friendly. Deep cleaning the carpet doesn’t have to happen everyday. You can do it every one or two months to give your carpet a fresh look.
You can use a carpet cleaning machine and set it on the right settings for your carpet type before you begin. You can use any mild detergent and water to the machine and then clean the carpet with it like a vacuum.
If you don’t have access to a carpet cleaning machine, then worry not. You can also hand wash the carpet by placing it outside. Prepare a cleaning solution by mixing carpet shampoo in a bucket of water. You can use a soft-bristled brush to rub the cleaning solution all over the carpet. Work in small sections and rub each part gently in circular motions. After cleaning it thoroughly, rinse the carpet with clean water and soak up the extra moisture with a towel.
Dry The Carpet
Once you have soaked up the extra moisture from the carpet, leave it to dry. It will take some time but letting it dry outside will make sure there is no moisture trapped in the fibers. If the moisture remains, it can be a health risk. It can cause odors and grow mold and mildew in the fibers.
Make sure that you let the carpet dry in an open place with continuous air flow. You can also leave the fan turned on to let the carpet dry more efficiently.
Deodorize
When the carpet has dried fully, you can sprinkle some baking soda on it to deodorize the carpet. Leaving it overnight will do the job more effectively. The baking soda will remove all the bad smells and stink from the carpet. You can vacuum out the residual baking soda from the carpet the next day.
Vacuum Again
One more round of vacuuming will give your carpet some final touches. Any leftover dirt or baking soda will be sucked out and the carpet will be good to go. It will also enhance the carpet’s look and bring the texture and fluff back to its fibers. Make sure to use a clean vacuum filter to get the best results.
Some Additional Tips To Maintain Your Carpet
- Place a doormat on the entrance of the room so that your footwear doesn’t bring in dirt.
- Take off your shoes before walking on the carpet so you don’t leave bacteria and dirt.
- Vacuum regularly to prevent the buildup of dirt and dust.
- In case of spills, treat them before they stain the carpet.
- Use HVAC filters for the vacuum and clean/change them regularly to trap the dust particles and allergens.
- If you have pets, brush them to remove excess hair and protect the carpet.
Final Words
Your carpet is an investment and ensuring its maintenance can help you get more value in return. A clean carpet will go a long way — not just in terms of performance, but in looks as well. You can make it routine to clean your carpet regularly. Vacuuming it everyday can help the carpet remain hygienic and also improve the air quality. Treat spills and stains immediately to keep the carpet in good shape. So, gather your tools and get to cleaning!
