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Regularly cleaning your carpets is essential to keep a spotless and bacteria-free home.
But in doing so, many people make the same mistakes, like using the wrong cleaning products or not reading the manufacturer’s instructions on what would be the best way to treat the carpet.
If you want to ensure their longevity, you must enlighten yourself on how to care for your carpets and keep them looking their best.
There are certain dos and don’ts when it comes to carpet cleaning. So, if you want to be sure your carpets always look good and completely refreshed, follow these guidelines.
What to Do When Cleaning Your Carpets
Plan For Cleaning
Planning can be key to achieving the best results when it comes to carpet cleaning. Taking a few minutes to prepare and inform yourselves can save you time, effort, and even money in the long run.
Before you start, determine the best time to clean your carpets so that the process doesn’t disrupt your daily routine. Also, remove any furniture from the rug, ensuring you can reach every little spot and clean it effectively.
Prepare all the necessary products and items you will need in advance, and make sure to protect yourself by wearing gloves.
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Regular Vacuuming Is Key
Regularly vacuuming your carpets and rugs is crucial for maintaining their appearance and longevity. In addition, it helps to remove everyday dirt, dust, and germs that can accumulate over time.
Be sure to empty the vacuum cleaner bags frequently and clean the suction tubes and filters to ensure your vacuum cleaner works effectively.
Deal With Spills and Stains Quickly
Accidents happen, and spills and stains are inevitable. It’s essential to deal with them quickly by using warm but not hot water and gently dabbing the affected area with a clean cloth or towel.
Avoid rubbing the stain, as this can cause the spill to spread further into the carpet fibers.
Pay More Attention to Areas That You Frequently Walk On
“High traffic” areas such as doorways tend to accumulate more dirt and grime than other areas of your home. Paying extra attention to these places will prevent a buildup of dirt over a short period of time and help you keep your carpets looking clean.
Read the Manufacturer’s Instructions
Read the care and maintenance booklets from your carpet manufacturer to know exactly how to treat your carpets, which cleaning solutions to avoid, and the right ones to use.
Use a Welcome Mat or Rug
Buy a welcome mat or rug to lay at the exterior doors to ensure that most of the dirt from the outside is brushed off before people enter your home.
Test Before Treating Stains
Test a small area before treating an entire carpet to ensure it won’t permanently damage it. The methods you use will depend on the type of fibers your carpet has.
Use Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products
Use eco-friendly cleaning products that are safe for the environment and harmless for children and pets. These will also ensure that no residues are left in the fibers of your carpets after being cleaned.
Hire Carpet Cleaning Professionals
If you’re not confident in your ability to deep clean your carpets or want to ensure that your carpets are cleaned professionally, consider hiring a carpet cleaning service.
Be sure to choose a reputable firm certified by the appropriate carpet organization and read customer testimonials before hiring them.
Deep Clean Carpets Annually
Deep clean your carpets at least once a year to increase your carpet’s life. However, if you have pets, small children, or smokers in your home, you should have them cleaned more regularly.
What Not to Do When Cleaning Carpets
Don’t Use Cheap Carpet Cleaners
Make sure not to go for the cheapest carpet cleaners from your local supermarket, as they won’t be as effective in removing all stain marks and filth. They can also permanently damage your carpet fibers by removing your carpet’s natural protection.
Avoid Chemical-Based Cleaning Products
Don’t use chemical-based cleaning solutions and products that can cause health problems and allergies. If you do feel the need to apply solid chemical solutions, make sure that they are thoroughly extracted after a deep cleaning.
Try to Avoid Pulling Up Loose Carpet Fibers
Loose fibers will occur as you and your pets regularly step on the carpet or go through it with vacuum cleaners. Pulling them can cause the carpet fibers to unravel further. To prevent it is best to snip off the end using scissors.
Don’t Scrub Stains
Scrubbing a stain will spread it even further into the carpet fibers, making it worse. Instead, gently blot the area using a clean cloth, starting from the outer edge and working towards the center.
Don’t Use Very Hot Water on Stains
Using hot water can cause the stain to embed more profoundly into the carpet fibers, making it harder to remove. Similarly, avoid using heat-powered appliances such as hair dryers, as they can also set stains.
Avoid Highly Alkaline Cleaners
Do not apply a highly alkaline cleaner on your carpets. It may remove the stain, but it could also strip away the stain blockers on your carpet, which won’t protect your carpets so efficiently in the future.
Vinegar on Cotton Carpets and Alcohol on Acrylic Is a Big No
Vinegar on cotton carpets can damage the fibers and cause discoloration, while alcohol on acrylic can dissolve the fibers. It is best to avoid using these products when cleaning the carpet yourself and use a cleaning solution recommended by the carpet manufacturer.
Don’t Buy or Hire Equipment Without Knowing How to Use It
Carpet cleaning equipment can be complex and require special knowledge to operate. Therefore, it is essential to know how to use the equipment before buying or hiring it to avoid causing damage to your carpet.
Make Sure Not to Overdo the Water in Steam or Hot Water Extraction
Overdoing water usage in a steam or hot water extraction method will only help mold and mildew build up because it takes a long time to dry.
Don’t Walk on Wet Carpets
Walk on your carpets only when they are completely dry. This will prevent any markings or indents that can occur whilst remaining wet or damp.
Conclusion
Taking care of your carpets requires careful consideration of your type of carpet and the correct cleaning procedures.
Regular vacuuming and dealing with spills quickly are just a few examples of what you need to do to keep your carpets clean.
On the other hand, try to avoid all the “don’t” we’ve mentioned, and you will be able to extend the life of your carpet for a longer time.
With proper care and attention, your carpets will look great and provide a healthy and comfortable environment for you and your loved ones.
