Easy Guidelines for Carpet Cleaning

Everyone loves carpets for their comfort and aesthetic appearance. But even we admit that sometimes, they're a bit hard to maintain properly. From pesky kids to drunken guests, every day a carpet disaster is waiting to happen.

So, when the inevitable occurs, what should you do about it? It's time to whip out the hoover and get the kids out of the room for the time being. Read how to care for your carpet fibres below:

How to keep my carpet clean and beautiful?

Trust us when we say that having clean and fresh carpets is no easy feat. On one hand, you have constant dust build-up which leads to dust mites and allergens. And then, there are children and pets, who can't help but drag in dirt from the playground inside. And let's not forget the constant threat of food and drink spillages.

Reading all that might make the newly-wed housewives tremble with fear and look to remove their carpets. Well, let's give you the flip side: there is no other flooring more comfortable than fitted carpets. They are also highly pleasing to the eye, and a key element of the home interior. And once you know how to take care of them, you will enjoy them for many years.

Now that you're not panicking, let's take a look at some basic carpet care tips:

Put down mats at both sides of the entrance doors

The best way to minimise damage from a punch is to not get punched. Similarly, the best way to deal with dirt on your carpet is to prevent it from getting there. Doing something as simple as placing a mat in front of your entrance doorway stops a ton of mud from getting in.

For even more grime to never make it to the carpets, place a mat behind the door as well. Most mats are cheap, meaning you can easily replace a fabric one once its fibres wear out. Alternatively, you can put down rubber mats, which can take a lot more abuse and are easier to maintain.

Hoover your carpets regularly

The Importance of Regular Vacuuming

The vacuum cleaner is the foundation of all carpet cleaning, whether you’re tackling it yourself or hiring professionals. Before addressing any grime or stains, always vacuum your carpets first. Skipping this step reduces the effectiveness of your cleaning solutions, leading to less impressive results.

Recommended Vacuuming Frequency

Experts advise hoovering your carpets at least twice a week. For homes with high foot traffic, children, or pets, you should vacuum even more frequently. In communal areas like office hallways and stairs, daily vacuuming is ideal to maintain cleanliness and hygiene.

Ensure Your Vacuum Is Ready

Before vacuuming, check that your vacuum cleaner is prepared for optimal performance. A full filter or bag reduces suction power, which affects cleaning results. Always replace or clean the filter and bag before starting your vacuuming session to ensure all dust and dirt are effectively removed.

Adjust Your Vacuum Settings Based on Carpet Pile

Not all carpet piles should be vacuumed the same way. For low pile carpets, set the vacuum at its lowest height for deeper cleaning, which enhances suction. However, for high pile carpets, avoid using a low setting. Additionally, turn off the rotating brush when vacuuming high pile carpets or area rugs, as leaving it on can cause fibers to get sucked into the vacuum.

Avoid Common Vacuuming Mistakes

To protect your high pile carpets, never use a vacuum with a low nozzle setting. Incorrect settings can damage your carpet and reduce its lifespan. By following the appropriate vacuuming techniques for different carpet types, you’ll maintain the beauty and longevity of your carpets.

Deal with stains as soon as they happen

Did you know that more than 80% of all stains can be cleaned off if you react straight away? This applies even to the vast majority of day to day issues, like tea, coffee and chocolate spillages. All you need to have good quality carpet is to blot stains with a white cloth as soon as you see them.

And if the stain is stubborn, you may need to take out the home remedies. Baking soda and white vinegar are popular among UK households for a good reason. They tend to successfully deal with most fresh carpet stains, if you know what you're doing.

The top 5 hardest to remove carpet stains, like red wine and paint, can also be dealt with swiftly. You may need to resort to using an appropriate carpet shampoo for those. For best results, combine it with a steam cleaner, if you own or can rent one within a few minutes. All that's left afterwards is leaving your carpets to dry.

Spot clean your carpet stains

Essential Spot Cleaning Supplies

Before you start spot cleaning your carpets, gather these essential items:

• Clean Cotton Cloths or Paper Towels: Ensure they are colorfast to avoid bleeding onto the carpet.
• Refillable Spray Bottle: For applying cleaning solutions.
• Sponge: For gentle scrubbing and blotting.
• Soft Brush: To help lift and loosen dirt.
• Baking Soda: Ideal for absorbing stains and odors.
• Distilled White Vinegar: Effective for neutralizing acids and breaking down stains.

Additional Tools for Pet-Related Stains

If dealing with pet-related stains, consider adding these tools:

• Squeegee or Comb: Useful for gathering pet hairs from carpets and upholstery, making them easier to vacuum.

General Spot Cleaning Method

Follow these steps for effective spot cleaning:

Blot the Stain: Immediately blot the stain with a clean cloth or paper towel to absorb as much liquid as possible. Avoid scrubbing, as this can push the stain deeper into the carpet fibers.

Apply the Cleaning Solution: Depending on the type of stain, use the appropriate solution:

• For Drinks or Oily Foods: Sprinkle baking soda on the stain to absorb the spill.
• For Red Wine or Acidic Spills: Apply distilled white vinegar to neutralize the acid and help lift the stain.

Explore More Carpet Cleaning Tips

For more detailed advice on professional carpet cleaning and tough stain removal, visit our blog. We offer a wealth of informative articles to help you maintain your carpets in top condition.

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