Vacuuming is the cleaning method that most people start with when it comes to carpet cleaning.
That is why this article will focus more on removing stains and other cleaning problems that are not easy to deal with.
The Basics Of Carpet Cleaning.
To maintain the quality standards of your carpet, it is advisable that you vacuum it at least once a week. Moreover, in areas where there is heavy traffic, you can have the carpet vacuumed more often. Vacuuming your carpet frequently prevents the buildup of debris and other rough particles that can easily damage the carpet fibres.
Because of this reason, it is advisable that you sacrifice a little bit of your time and use a crevice tool to clean around the baseboards, radiators, and other areas that are not easy to reach. When vacuuming wall-to-wall carpeting, start by dividing the floor into few quadrants and then take time to vacuum each quadrant before moving to the next one.
Some carpets have dirt that is deeply embedded such as plush carpets. That is why it is necessary that you take extra time when vacuuming such carpets. Counter-check each section and work at a slow pace so that you can give the suction time to get rid of all the ground-in dirt and dust.
Areas, where people step on a lot when they sit, should also be given special attention. That is why it is advisable that you vacuum such areas in a crisscross pattern and overlapping strokes to remove tough stains.
You can also apply soil retardants on newly cleaned carpets, but make sure that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions or advice when doing this. Moreover, also make sure that you use the recommended equipment and techniques to carry out this task.
Fight odours by adding baking soda inside the vacuum bag.
Odours are not easy to deal with. Spills and spots are also another problem. However, one thing for sure is that spills and spots usually happen on almost all carpets and they are not easy to remove. Below, we will provide you with some tips on how you can deal with such blemishes.
Cleaning Carpet Spills And Spots.
The first rule of cleaning spills and spots on your carpet is to clean such stains immediately when they happen. That is because it is easy to clean a spill when it is fresh.
Here are a few tips to help you through the cleaning process.
First, do not apply any cleaning solution but instead, carefully scrape or blot the affected area and remove as many stains as possible.
The next step is to make sure that your carpet will not get damaged by the cleaner you plan to use. You can do this by testing your carpet in an open area. Test all the cleaning agents before applying them on your carpet.
Avoid rubbing the spill. That is because rubbing will only cause the spill to spread.
Furthermore, when cleaning any stain using a spot cleaner, make sure that you start cleaning from the outside moving towards the inside of the stain to prevent the stain from spreading. Once you apply a cleaning solution, remove or wipe out the moisture.
A white bath towel that is very clean is considered to be better for drying carpets and brushing them compared to other materials found in the market.
Deep Cleaning Method.
Even though vacuuming is considered to be the best way of maintaining your carpet, it comes a time when vacuuming is no longer reliable for restoring the appearance of your carpet. There are four signs which indicate that your carpet is in need of a deep cleaning process. These four signs are forming of dust storm when one runs across the carpet, discoloring, forming of grimy circles especially around the tables and chairs and lastly, the carpet feels sticky and matted.
If your carpet does indicate any of these signs, then it is necessary that you deep clean it. If you do not have the strength and the time to clean the carpet thoroughly, then you might want to contact a carpet cleaning expert for assistance. Here is how deep cleaning of carpets is done.
Start by testing for colourfastness before you begin cleaning the carpet. After that, moisten a clean white towel using a cleaning solution and then apply it on an inconspicuous area. If the clean white towel does not get any stains of colour, then it means that the solution is safe to use on the carpet.
Also, try to clear the room by removing furniture and once you are done, place plastic film or foil under the bases and legs on the rest of the furniture as a way of preventing stains.
Before you can proceed on to shampooing your carpet, it is advisable that you first vacuum it thoroughly, spot clean and then pre-treat the stains.
Follow all the instructions printed on the side of the carpet cleaner.
Use single strokes patterns when cleaning over the carpet surface.
When using a machine, avoid applying heavy pressure.
Wipe and dry the foam as well as cleaning solutions from the bases and legs of furniture immediately after cleaning to prevent damage. Also, do not forget to shake off the damp fibres after shampooing to help with drying. Furthermore, make sure that you put your carpet in a room that has good air circulation so that it can dry faster. Lastly, avoid walking and stepping on your carpet until it is completely dry.