How to Clean Carpets
Homemade Carpet Cleaner
Do you have carpet stains that are difficult to remove? This article will teach you about how to clean carpet, including general maintenance tips. With the right methods and products, you can get your floors looking fresh and clean again.
DIY carpet cleaning is a great way to save money and make sure your carpet stays in tip-top shape. By regularly vacuuming, spot treating, and deep cleaning, you can keep dirt and allergens from building up in the carpet fibres. Not only will your home be cleaner and healthier, but your carpet will last longer too.
With just a few basic supplies and these step-by-step instructions, you’ll be ready to tackle even the dirtiest carpet.
Cleaning Method | Time to Clean | What You Need |
---|---|---|
Vacuuming | 10-20 mins per room | Vacuum, attachments |
Spot Cleaning | 5-15 mins per stain | Towels, cleaner, water |
DIY Steam Clean | 30-60 mins per room | Bucket, brush, cleaner, towels |
Rent Machine | 30-60 mins per room | Machine, cleaner, towels |
Supplies You’ll Need To Clean Carpet
Start by gathering the key tools and products you need:
- A good vacuum cleaner – Look for one with high suction and a rotating brush attachment for the best results
- Carpet Stain Remover – For DIY options, you’ll want white vinegar, baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), dish soap, hydrogen peroxide, and salt. Mild detergent-based cleaners can also be used. For commercial cleaning needs, stronger chemical may be required.
- Clean cloths and paper towels
- Brushes – Opt for ones with stiff bristles
- A bucket and spray bottle
Store your supplies in a dry place away from direct sunlight.
With these basics, you’ll be ready to clean. Let’s go over when and how often you should be getting those covered floors sparkling.
Test for Colourfastness
Before you start cleaning, it’s crucial to test for colourfastness to ensure that the carpet cleaners you use won’t cause any damage or discolouration to your carpet fibres. Here’s how to do it:
- Choose an inconspicuous area of your carpet, such as a corner or behind a piece of furniture.
- Apply a small amount of your mixture to a white cloth.
- Gently dab the rag onto the fabric and wait a few minutes.
- Check the towel for any colour transfer. If you see any, your carpet is not colourfast. You’ll need to use a different solution.
It’s essential to perform this test beforehand to avoid any potential damage or costly replacements.
5-Step Process for Cleaning Carpets
Step 1: Vacuum
The first step in getting your carpets clean is to give them a good, thorough vacuuming. This cleaning process will help remove any loose dirt, dust, and debris that’s been hanging around, making it easier to tackle those deeper stains.
When you’re vacuuming, make sure to:
- Move furniture out of the way so you can get to all the nooks and crannies
- Go over each area multiple times to ensure you’re getting all the dirt
- Use the crevice tool to get into tight spaces and along baseboards
- Empty the vacuum bag or canister when it gets full to maintain suction power
Regular vacuuming without deep cleaning will make the next session easier.
Step 2: Spot Clean
Next up, take a good look at your carpet and identify any particularly stubborn stains that need some extra TLC. Apply cleaning solutions directly to these problem areas and let it sit for a few minutes to penetrate the fibres.
When spot cleaning carpet, keep in mind:
- Test the mixture on a small, hidden area first to make sure it won’t cause any discolouration or damage
- Don’t be too heavy-handed with the it – a little goes a long way
- For tough stains, try using a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water
- If you have pets, consider using an enzymatic cleaner specifically designed to tackle pet stains and odours
Always blot out or treat fresh stain immediately to prevent them from being permanent. This will make DIY stain removal easier.
Step 3: Wash Thoroughly
Using your brush, gently work the solution into the stains using circular motions. Be careful not to scrub too hard, which can damage the delicate carpet fibres.
While you’re scrubbing, remember to:
- Work from the outside of the stain towards the centre to avoid spreading it further
- Rinse often in clean water to avoid re-depositing dirt and grime
- Take your time and be thorough – rushing through this step won’t do you any favours
Step 4: Rinse and Repeat
After you’ve given your carpet a good scrubbing, rinse away all that dirt and solution. Use a clean towel or sponge dipped in fresh water to thoroughly rinse the area. Make sure to remove all traces of the product, as any residue left behind can attract more dirt and make your carpets look dull and dingy.
When rinsing, be sure to:
- Use clean, cold water
- Wring out your cloth or sponge frequently to avoid oversaturation
- Go over each area repeatedly to ensure all the solution is removed
- Blot the area with a dry towel to remove excess moisture
Step 5: Dry It Out
Finally, the last step is to let your carpet air dry completely before walking on them or replacing any furniture. Depending on the humidity levels in your home and the thickness of your carpets, this could take anywhere from a few hours to a full day.
To speed up the drying process, you can:
- Open windows and turn on fans to increase air circulation
- Use a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture from the air
- Avoid walking on the carpeted floors until they’re fully dry to prevent matting and re-soiling
Guide To Deep Clean Carpet
Every 6 months, sanitise carpet and remove grime. There are a few options to thorough clean carpet:
- Use a vinegar solution – Mix 1 part vinegar and 3 parts water. Scrub into the cover using a stiff brush. Blot and let dry.
- Try the baking soda method – Sprinkle the powder over the carpet. Spritz with water and wash. Blot up residue with towels.
- Rent a steam cleaner – Uses hot water and a cleaning solution to extract dirt from the carpet fibres.
Types Of Carpet Stains
Check out these tips below for removing some of the most hard-to-remove carpet stains:
- Red Wine – Try using club soda on the stain then cover with salt. After it dries, vacuum up the residue. Baking soda pastes also work to draw out wine stains.
- Pet Urine – Mix equal parts of water and vinegar. Spray on stained area and let sit briefly before blotting.
- Candle Wax – Place an old cloth or paper towel over the wax stain and run a warm iron over it to melt the wax so it transfers from the surface to the cloth. Repeat as needed.
As you can see, almost any stain can be conquered with the right effective techniques. With some elbow grease and DIY motivation, you can get your carpets cleaned and rid of stubborn marks.
How Frequently Should You Clean Your Carpet?
To keep carpets looking fresh, aim to:
- Vacuum at least once a week – More often if you are having kids or pets.
- Spot clean spills immediately as they occur.
- Deep clean carpet every 6 months with professional carpet steam cleaning.
Consistency is important for reducing the dirt and allergens tracked in and trapped by fibres.
Conclusion
Cleaning your own carpets can be a bit of a chore, but the results are well worth it. By following these simple steps and tips, you can keep having a clean carpet all year round. So go ahead, grab your materials, and get to work. Follow these steps for the best results. There are benefits to hiring a professional carpet cleaner.
If you need assistance, don’t hesitate to contact our team for advice.