Carpet adds warmth and color to our homes, but it also traps dirt, dust, and allergens. Regular cleaning improves indoor air quality and extends the lifespan of your carpets.
The Ultimate Guide To Carpet Cleaning explores best practices, effective stain removal techniques, and essential maintenance tips for healthy carpets. Learn more about popular carpet cleaning methods and their potential hazards.
Vacuuming
Carpets add texture and color to a room, but they also trap dirt, dust, and allergens that can cause breathing issues and other health problems. Regular vacuuming and spot cleaning with traditional stain removers can keep these contaminants from becoming embedded in the fibers, but even with this maintenance, some stains may prove too stubborn to clean up completely. In addition, a lack of proper cleaning can damage the carpets and lead to premature wear, so it’s important to understand how to correctly clean different types of carpet.
Vacuuming is the most basic and necessary step in keeping your carpets clean. High-traffic areas should be vacuumed 4-7 times a week, while low-traffic areas may only need to be vacuumed once per week. The type of vacuum cleaner you use is also very important. Look for a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter that can remove the vast majority of dust and debris in your carpets, and a hose attachment that can get the corners and edges of furniture and stairs.
When it comes to spot cleaning, it is important to blot the stain rather than rub it, as this can spread the stain into the fibers of the carpet. In addition, you should always test your cleaning product on an inconspicuous part of the carpet before using it. It’s also important to vacuum the area immediately after scrubbing it, as this can help prevent the stain from setting in.
Another common way to clean your carpets is to shampoo them. This can be done with a commercial shampoo that is designed to penetrate the carpet’s fibers and kill germs, or you can use a homemade solution. While this method is often touted as being “clean” and “green,” it’s important to remember that any cleaning product that contains chemicals will leave a residue of some kind behind on your floors.
It’s important to schedule a professional non-toxic carpet cleaning every 6-12 months, or as needed to keep your family and guests healthy and your carpets looking their best. A professional will know how to use a superior, non-toxic steam cleaning protocol that dries quickly and can eliminate the most stubborn stains. Click here to learn more about the benefits of non-toxic carpet cleaning and to schedule your appointment today!
Stain Removal
The best way to keep stains at bay is to vacuum regularly, which removes embedded dirt particles and prevents them from grinding against your carpet fibers. However, if stains do occur, it’s important to act quickly. The basic stain removal guidelines (act quickly, blot, use cold water) apply for all types of stains but different methods work better on various materials and specific stains.
Wine and food stains can be treated with white vinegar, which will break down the stain and deodorize your home. Oil-based stains, including grease and ink, can be treated by mixing equal parts of cornstarch and baking soda and applying the paste to the affected area. You can also try rubbing alcohol on the spill, which is effective at breaking down grease and will dry clean the carpet. If your stains are particularly stubborn, consider a commercial stain remover such as Wine Away, which is specifically designed for carpet.
Regular spot cleaning will help keep small accidents from becoming large stains and should be done at least once per week. It’s also a good idea to deep clean your carpets every six months to prevent trapped dirt from damaging the fibers. Steam cleaning is one of the most effective and natural ways to get rid of dirt, bacteria, and allergens from your carpets.
When having a professional team clean your carpets, it’s important to choose a company that is green and chemical-free. Many popular cleaning products advertise themselves as “green” and “clean” but still contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful to your family and pets. To learn more about the types of cleaning solutions that are safe for your carpets and the environment, Click here to download a free copy of The Ultimate Guide to Healthy Carpet Cleaning.
To prepare for a professional carpet cleaning, be sure to clear obstructions like books, toys, and area rugs. It’s also a good idea for homeowners to have their own cleaning supplies on hand to treat minor accidents and spills before they have the chance to set in. If you have questions about the safest cleaners to use on your carpeting, click here to schedule a healthy carpet cleaning appointment with our expert team.
Preventing Damage
The best way to protect your carpeting and extend its lifespan is to prevent damage from happening in the first place. This can be done by keeping dirt and debris from becoming trapped in the fibers of your carpets, which can deteriorate them over time.
Vacuuming your carpets regularly is one of the most effective ways to prevent this build-up from occurring. This will lift away the dirt and debris before it has a chance to sink in, preventing your carpets from becoming permanently damaged or dull-looking.
It’s also important to address spills and stains as soon as they happen, to prevent them from having a chance to set in. Blotting the stain with a clean, dry cloth will help to minimize the amount of liquid that is absorbed into the fibers. If necessary, use a cleaning solution that is specifically designed for your type of carpet and stain. Always read the labels of any cleaning products you plan to use, and test them in an inconspicuous area before applying to the whole surface of your carpet.
Heavy furniture can also cause damage to your carpeting, by crushing and flattening the fibers. To protect your carpets, place a canvas tarp or drop cloth underneath any heavy furniture that is being moved around the room. This will prevent the carpets from becoming permanently indented, and will also prevent any rips or tears that could occur when the furniture is being dragged across the floor.
Another way to prevent carpet damage is by using protective covers or mats in high traffic areas. These will keep grit and other debris from being tracked onto the carpets, and will make it easier to remove any accidental spills or spots before they have a chance to set in.
It is also important to have an entry mat at the door, and to ask family members and guests to wipe their feet before entering your home. This will help to keep the dirt and germs that are commonly found on shoes from being tracked into your carpeting. It’s also a good idea to invest in a runner for any high-traffic areas of the house, to help to prolong the life of your carpeting.
Maintenance
Proper carpet cleaning and maintenance keeps your home healthy and looking great. Regular cleaning removes dust, dirt and allergens trapped deep in the fibers and prevents them from circulating in the air, promoting good health for you and your family. It also extends the life of your carpet, saving you money in replacement costs and making it more attractive.
Regular vacuuming is the best way to keep your carpets clean and free of debris. It is recommended to vacuum at least once a week, more often in high-traffic areas and homes with pets. Be sure to use a high-quality vacuum with adjustable settings to cater to different carpet piles and sizes.
Addressing stains promptly is also essential. Blot the spill or stain with a paper towel or cloth to soak up as much of the liquid as possible, then use a cleaner that is appropriate for your carpet type (water-based or oil-based). Always test the cleaning solution in an inconspicuous area first to ensure it won’t discolor or damage the fabric.
Aside from keeping up with regular cleaning, there are several other ways to help maintain your carpets and prevent future damage. Place a rug or runner near entryways to stop shoes from tracking in dirt and moisture. Ask your family and visitors to take their shoes off when entering your home. Lastly, put aluminum foil squares, wood blocks or plastic film under and around the legs of furniture to prevent rust from metal casters or stains from paint or finishes on wood surfaces from transferring to damp carpet.
If you don’t have the time or energy to do regular DIY cleaning, it is a good idea to hire a professional once or twice a year. A professional can use detergents and steam to get your carpets as clean as possible. Be sure to choose a company that uses healthy cleaning methods and avoids shampooing techniques. For more information about how to choose a non-toxic cleaning company, click here. You can also schedule healthy carpet cleaning online by clicking here.