6 Steps to Deep Clean Your Carpet

Your carpet puts up with a lot of abuse. Aside from regular vacuuming, it’s important to give your carpet a good deep clean every so often. If you’re looking for an instruction guide on how to deep clean carpet, you’ve come to the right place.

How to Deep Clean Carpet

When it’s time for a deep clean, there are several important steps to remember. This will ensure the best results.

Read Also:

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• 8 Signs You’re In Desperate Need of a Carpet Cleaning
• Carpet Catastrophe: How to Remove Carpet Stains

Step 1: Clear the Room

Pick up small objects in the room, such as TVs, tables, chairs, books, shoes, trashcans, and small bookshelves. You also want to take out as much furniture as you can. It may not be possible to move everything, but smaller pieces should definitely be taken out.

Step 2: Vacuum the Carpet

Vacuuming will get rid of some dirt, dust, and pet hair/dander. Give the entire floor a once-over especially areas you rarely clean because of furniture.

Step 3: Pre-treat Stains

Spray any stains with carpet cleaner solution and let it sit for 15-20 minutes or as directed on the bottle. Then blot (don’t scrub!) the stain with a damp cloth or sponge.

If you don’t have a carpet stain remover, you can improvise with things you probably have at home.

Shaving cream – Spray the cream on the stain and wait 30 minutes. Blot and then spray with vinegar.

Homemade spot cleaning solution – Mix ¼ cup of salt, ¼ cup of Borax, and ¼ cup of vinegar. Put the paste directly on the carpet stain. Wait until it dries and then vacuum.

If you don’t have Borax, baking soda will work.

Step 4: Use a Carpet Cleaner

Industrial carpet cleaners use steam and special solution to remove dirt down to the bottom. You can rent a cleaning machine at Home Depot, Lowe’s, Wal-Mart, CVS, Walgreens, and even places like PetSmart. You can also get a portable carpet cleaner which will be more affordable and convenient to use.

If you have a lot of carpets or you need to clean more often than 1-2 times a year, it may be cost-effective to buy a carpet cleaner machine. A new one can cost anywhere from $100 to $500.

Step 5: Test a Small Spot

Clean a small patch of carpet in an out-of-the-way place. If the cleaning solution causes discoloration or fading, try another method. You can mix a cup of hot water with a cup of vinegar in the steamer as an alternative.

Step 6: Start Cleaning

The best way to clean carpet is to start at the furthest corner of the room and make your way toward the door. Use slow, even strokes, cleaning the entire surface of the carpet. If you still notice dirt or stains wait till the carpet dries and clean a second time.

Make sure you let the carpet dry to prevent mildew or mold. Open a door/window or use a fan/dehumidifier if necessary.

It’s also a good idea to have a professional deep clean your home periodically. Towers Restoration & Cleaning offers premium service to clean all floor surfaces, including carpets, tile/grout, rugs, and hardwood floors, as well as upholstery.

Clean Carpet, Clean Home

Cleaning your carpet will help it look beautiful and last longer. You’ll also feel better knowing your family is protected from dirt and allergens. Hopefully, this guide will instruct you on how to deep clean the carpet.

If you need more home cleaning, maintenance, or decorating tips, explore our site.