A quality carpet can really make a house feel like a home, adding a touch of comfort and warmth which is appreciated all the more on those winter mornings when hardwood or stone floors can feel like ice beneath your feet. However, as most homeowners discover before long, carpets can be notoriously difficult to keep clean. Professional carpet cleaning is the most effective solution, but here’s five tips for dealing with common stains and general wear and tear:
1. Make Vacuuming Part of Your Schedule
The first step on the road to cleaner carpets is a regular vacuuming schedule. It may seem obvious, yet vacuuming is one of those jobs that often gets put off, or is done in a hurry, with the intention of finishing it off when there’s more time. Unfortunately, the dust and dirt that builds up in your carpet does more than simply affect its appearance. These particles wear away at the fibres, gradually degrading them, and shortening your carpet’s lifespan.
Of course, a quick onceover is better than nothing at all, but ideally you want to thoroughly vacuum all your carpets at least twice a week; possibly three times if you have a busy household, pets, or young children. By adding this chore to your weekly schedule, you can plan ahead and make time for it. Your home will look cleaner, and those last-minute dashes before guests arrive will become a thing of the past.
2. Keep Some Vinegar On Hand
Vacuuming will deal with the normal accumulation of dust and similar particles, but eventually, your carpet is likely to suffer some more serious soiling. Whether it’s a sauce stain, a spilt glass of wine, or a child’s picture lovingly drawn in felt tip pen, these blemishes can be alarming at first glance. However, if tackled quickly and carefully, most stains can be removed using a simple mixture of vinegar and cold water.
You will need a spray bottle, filled with four parts fresh water to one part vinegar. Start by blotting the area with paper towels, or a clean cloth, to soak up anything that hasn’t fully worked its way into your carpet. You can then begin working on the stain itself, spraying it with a light coating of the vinegar mixture, and blotting to remove the moisture. Do not scrub, as this can cause the stain to spread, and can cause severe damage to your carpet’s fibres.
Repeat this process until the stain is gone, then cover the area with a clean, dry cloth or paper towels. Weigh this down with something you don’t mind getting a little damp, and leave it for a couple of hours. This will allow the area to dry, and make it easier to verify that the stain has been completely removed.
3. Beware Commercial Cleaning Products
You might wonder, why would you use vinegar when most supermarkets carry a wide range of carpet cleaning products. Well, some of these products can be very effective, and if your carpet comes with a particular recommendation, then you are likely to get good results by using the suggested brands.
However, many products contain fairly aggressive chemicals which may not be suitable for all types of carpet, and can permanently damage their fibres. As such, you should always exercise caution when purchasing cleaning products. Contact your carpet’s manufacturer, or speak to a professional carpet cleaner for guidance on suitable brands, and how to apply them.
4. Apply Heat To Shift Stubborn Wax Stains
Some of the toughest stains at first glance can actually be the most straightforward to remedy. If you have ever knocked over a candle, or had crayons crushed into your carpet, you may have tried to pick the wax out by hand, only to find it firmly attached to the fibres.
Fortunately, you can remove it easily by placing a sheet of brown paper over the wax, then applying heat to the area using an iron. Keep the iron on a low heat setting, with no steam, and press down gently on the paper. This will cause the wax to melt onto the paper, allowing you to remove it by slowly drawing the paper out from under the iron.
When you reach the end of the sheet, start a fresh one, taking care not to place the iron directly onto the carpet or the wax and repeat until the stain is no longer visible. To remove any lasting residue, lightly spray the area with your vinegar mixture, cover this with a clean cloth, and apply the iron for a few seconds at a time until the moisture is gone. This should take around 20-30 seconds.
5. Invest In Long-Term Protection
There are a variety of high quality stain protectors available that can significantly diminish the amount of work required to keep your carpets stain-free. These products reduce the chance of stains becoming permanent, and protect against abrasion from dust and dirt.
In addition, it is sensible to arrange to have your carpets professionally cleaned at least once a year, although every 18-24 months may be enough if you have no pets. Regular deep-cleaning reduces wear and tear by removing dirt and residues that cannot be reached by surface cleaning methods.
Finally, you can always consult your local professional cleaner if you require more specific guidance on maintaining your carpets and other furnishings. By maintaining a regular cleaning schedule, and tackling spills as promptly as possible, you can keep your carpets looking pristine for years to come, no matter how many crayons, paws, and muddy shoes come through your home.
Carpet Cleaning
Cleaning
