There are a number of reasons your carpet will need a little tender loving care from time to time. Many homeowners mistakenly believe caring for their carpets is too large a task to complete on their own. However, there are a number of tips at your disposal that will make keeping your carpet clean and beautiful a breeze.
1. Clean It Now
A good rule of thumb when it comes to cleaning your carpet is to clean what ails your carpet now because it will only be more difficult to do so later. This goes for everything unwanted that can appear on your carpet including dust, dirt, and spills. These substances, if left to sit, will work their way into the fibre of the carpet and make it much more difficult to clean.
It is a good idea to vacuum twice a week even if no dirt or dust is seen on the carpet. Spills should be cleaned immediately with a towel that can fully absorb the fluid.
2. Gum Removal
You should first use your hand to remove as much of the gum as possible. But be mindful of not causing damage to carpet fibres. Next, you should place ice cubes in a bag and hold it against the gum. Once the gum is frozen, you can chip away at it with a spoon. Once the shavings have been all collected, apply a cleaning solution to the spot so that no stickiness remains. Finish the process by cleaning the spot with a little warm, soapy water.
3. Treat Stains As Soon As Noticed
There are two major considerations to keep in mind when dealing with stains. First, the more time that passes before you address the issue of a stain, the more work you have created for yourself.
The second point to remember is a stain should never be rubbed. It is better to blot the stain instead. Rubbing a stain may set the substance deeper into the fibres of the carpet and make the stain permanent.
Dab a bit of cleaning solution on the troubled area of the carpet. You should then blot the area with a paper towel or clean cloth. Blot the stain from the outside to its middle so as not to spread it further than it has reached already.
4. The Right Equipment
There is an assortment of vacuum types available to clean the carpet in different areas of your home. For example, a handheld carpet cleaner will be much more effective at cleaning the carpet on the stairs. Likewise, a large upright vacuum cleaner will do the trick on large open floor spaces. It will save you time and labour to use the right equipment for each carpet cleaning tasks in your home.
5. Perform A Biannual Deep Cleaning
The twice a week vacuuming suggested earlier is a great idea but it is no substitute for deep cleaning of your carpet. Performing a deep clean two times a year is enough in most cases but it is possible that more can be necessary if you have children and pets.
6. Pet Accidents
Despite how well you train your pet, he or she will have an occasional accident. There are a number of organic cleaners available that will avoid the necessity of chemicals being used. Spray the organic cleaner directly onto the stain then perform a little scrubbing. Next, use a cloth or a towel to wipe the spot clean. These cleaners are also excellent for stains caused by things like coffee or sauces.
7. Heat For Candle Wax
Candle wax on carpet has caused many homeowners to lose their minds. Some of them have even taken scissors to their carpet in order to remove the wax. A better way to deal with the problem is to take a knife and place it under the spot where the wax lies on the carpet. Remove as much of the wax as you can with the knife.
The second step is to put a couple of paper towels over the wax that is still on the carpet. Then, use an iron on the paper towels. The remaining wax will be gone when you lift the cloth.
8. Degrease With Dishwashing Detergent
Many homeowners know the headache a difficult to clean grease spots can cause. But not many of them know that a couple of drops of dishwashing liquid and a cup of water will greatly decrease the difficulty of cleaning the spot. The dishwashing liquid will eliminate grease from your carpet as quickly and easily as it does from the dishes in your sink.
9. Robot Vacuum Cleaners
If you want to keep your carpet clean but do not have the time or the desire to regularly vacuum the carpet yourself, a robot vacuum cleaner is an option. A good robot vacuum can be scheduled to perform desired tasks when you are not in the home. This means your carpets can stay dust and dirt free without any physical exertion on your part. It is a good idea to go over problem areas on your carpet every so often with your upright vacuum cleaner. However, your robot cleaner will be sufficient for most cleanings.
10. No Excess Water
If you choose to rent a steamer from time to time, be careful not to put too much water on your carpet. Guard against over-wetting the carpet and double-check that the ventilation is proper. If your carpet becomes oversaturated, it can begin to shrink. Your carpet can also begin to develop foul odours when too much water is applied to it. There is also the chance that mould will begin to grow.
The Bottom Line
Keeping your carpet clean and pleasing to your eye does not have to be expensive or cause you a major headache. A little planning and organization, along with adherence to the tips above, will ensure your carpet stays in tip-top shape.
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