It’s no secret that keeping your carpets clean is an essential part of having a fresh and healthy home. 

Not only do they make your floors look nicer, but they also play an essential role in protecting your family from allergens and other contaminants.

So how do you keep this essential family household staple clean?

The first step is to vacuum regularly. This will help remove any dirt, dust, and debris tracked into your home. Be sure to use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to trap as many allergens as possible.

Next, you’ll want to deep clean your carpets at least 2-3 times a year. You can do this yourself with a rented carpet cleaner or hire a professional carpet cleaning company. You may contact our expert carpet cleaners here at Sidepost for mattress cleaning, upholstery cleaning, and many more.

In this blog post, we will discuss some of the best ways to clean your carpets at home using everyday household items and give tips on choosing the right guys for the bigger jobs.

We’ll also guide you in selecting the right equipment for the job. So whether you’re dealing with a small spill or a full-blown carpet cleaning emergency, we’ve got you covered!

How to Test Carpet for Colorfastness

Colourfastness is a term used to refer to the coloured dye leaking out of a carpet. Why is this important? 

Colourfast dyes are less likely to bleed and stay within the carpet fibres.

Carpets can be made with colourfast or non-colourfast dyes. 

However, non-colourfast dyes are more likely to bleed and transfer onto other surfaces. 

To test for colourfastness, follow these three easy steps:

  1. Dampen a white towel.
  2. Rub the damp white towel against the carpet
  3. Check the towel to see if any dye has rubbed off onto the material.   

If the white towel shows dye from the carpet, it is not dyed with colourfast dye.

Effective Cleaning Methods

Effective Cleaning Methods
Image by Pinterest

Anyone who has ever had spills knows cleaning a carpet is no easy task. There are multiple ways to clean a carpet, but not all methods are created equal.

Vacuuming

Vacuuming
Image by Olivia Rink

Vacuuming is often the first step in carpet cleaning, and for a good reason. Regular vacuuming can remove up to 80% of dirt and debris from your carpets, making it an essential part of keeping them clean.

It can also help extend the life of your carpet and keep it looking its best!

But how does vacuuming work? The answer lies in the power of suction. When you vacuum, the motor creates a powerful airflow that lifts dirt and debris off the carpet’s surface and into the vacuum bag or canister. This not only helps to remove visible dirt and debris but it also helps to remove harmful allergens that can trigger asthma and allergies.

In addition, vacuuming also helps to remove pet hair, dander, and other small particles that can accumulate over time. 

So whether you’re looking to remove everyday dirt and grime or deep-down allergens, vacuuming is always the first line of defence. While it can help remove dirt and dust, it won’t do much for stains.

Stain Removal

Stain Removal
Image by Pinterest

Unless you’re planning on hosting a stains-only party, it’s essential to remove them from your carpet as soon as possible. The longer a stain sits, the harder it becomes to remove. And no one likes the sight of a faded colour – it’s like a bad memory that won’t go away. 

So how do you remove stains from your carpet?

  1. To treat stains at home, try mixing a 1/4 cup of white vinegar, 1 tbsp. Dawn dish soap and water. 
  2. Spray the mixture to the stain and then blot with a clean cloth. 
  3. You may need to repeat the process several times for more difficult stains. 
  4. For stubborn stains, you may need to call in a professional cleaner. 

But by taking quick action, you can help keep your carpets looking their best.

Carpet Cleaning Machine

Carpet Cleaning Machine
Image by Rug Doctor

Another option is to buy a carpet cleaning machine. These machines use powerful suction to remove carpets’ dirt, dust, and stains.

Low-moisture foam or dry cleaning powder is applied to the carpet, which helps loosen dirt and debris. Then, a rotating brush or scrubber agitates the carpet fibres, helping to loosen and lift the dirt. 

Finally, a powerful vacuum sucks up the dirt, leaving behind a clean, fresh carpet. 

While they can be expensive to purchase outright, many stores offer rental options that make them more affordable.

What is the Water Extraction Method?

Water extraction is one of the most popular methods for cleaning carpets, and for a good reason. This method uses hot water and cleaning agents applied to the carpet’s fibres at high pressure.

The hot water loosens the dirt and grime, and the cleaning agents help break up any stubborn stains.

If you think about how dirty carpets are (over 4,000 times dirtier than a toilet seat), it’s no wonder this method is so popular.

Finally, the powerful vacuum removes the lifted soil, leaving behind a clean and fresh carpet.

Follow these steps to use the hot water extraction method properly:

  1. Vacuum the carpet thoroughly.
  2. Fill the steaming tank with warm water and the proper cleaning solution.
  3. Pour the de-foam product into the collection tank (NOT the solution tank).
  4. Fill the pump of your sprayer with warm water and the correct amount of solution. 
  5. To begin cleaning, work on ten ft. by ten ft. portions at a time.
  6. Apply the cleaning solution to the area with the sprayer, and allow a few minutes for it to soak in. Make sure not to overspray the carpet.
  7. Use the sprayer while suctioning in a backward motion to remove the solution.
  8. Go back and suction the same area twice to remove all solution. 
  9. Suppose the area is still wet; vacuum over the treated area. And that’s it!

With this simple process, you can enjoy clean carpets that look and smell great!

What is the Dry Extraction Method?

Dry Extraction Method
Image by Youtube

The dry extraction method of cleaning carpets is often promoted as a quicker and easier way to clean than the more traditional steaming or hot water methods.

With dry extraction, a chemical-based cleaner is sprayed onto the carpet and allowed to dwell for a short time before being vacuumed up.

This method can be appealing to busy homeowners who want to be able to use their carpets as soon as possible after cleaning.

However, dry extraction is not as effective at removing dirt, stains, and debris as the other methods. In addition, it can be challenging to ensure that all cleaning chemicals are removed from the carpet after vacuuming.

As a result, many homeowners prefer the steaming or hot water methods, even though they may take longer to complete.

How to Choose a Vacuum for Carpets

Vacuum for Carpets
Image by Pixabay

Vacuum cleaners have been around for over a hundred years and have come a long way since their early days as large and unwieldy machines. Today, there are two primary types of vacuum cleaners:

  1. Uprights
  2. Canisters

Uprights are the most popular type of vacuum in the United States and Great Britain, while canisters are more common in Europe and the rest of the world.

Canister vacuums are generally more versatile than uprights, as you can more easily use them on different surfaces.

According to an Electrolux survey, debris pickup is the single most significant parameter (30%) when purchasing a vacuum cleaner. Power/wattage and quality/durability follow in the second and third places, respectively (15%).

Other experts said you should choose a vacuum cleaner based on function instead of other variables.

Vacuums can either be a bag or bagless, meaning they either use a dust bag to collect debris or don’t. 

For those concerned about allergies or air quality, a vacuum with a dust bag may be a better choice, as it will contain more debris from the floor or carpet. However, bagless vacuums are typically easier to empty and maintain.

Other factors to consider when choosing a vacuum cleaner include storability, ease of use, and ability to reach hard-to-reach places. Vacuum cleaners also vary widely in price, so deciding what features are most important to you before purchasing is essential. 

What Materials Do I Need to Clean a Carpet?

Materials
Image by Pixabay

Carpets are one of the essential pieces of any home, and they are one of the most difficult to keep clean. 

To get your carpets looking their best, you’ll need a few key materials:

1. Vacuum cleaner: This is the most crucial tool in your carpet-cleaning arsenal, so make sure you choose a quality vacuum.

2. Carpet brush: This will help loosen dirt and debris ground into the carpet fibres.

3. Spot cleaner or stain remover. Accidents happen, so it’s always good to be prepared.

4. Baking soda: This humble pantry staple can be used to deodorize carpets and freshen them up between deep cleanings.

5. Vinegar: Vinegar is great for removing spots and stains from carpets, and it’s also effective at killing bacteria and freshening up musty smells.

6. Rubber gloves: Carpet cleaning can be tough on the hands, so wear gloves to protect your skin.

How to Get Rid of Furniture Indents in Your Carpet

Get Rid of Furniture Indents
Image by Pixabay

Moving furniture around can be painful, but it’s even more distressing when it leaves behind unsightly indents on your carpet. The good news is that there’s an easy solution – place an ice cube on top of the indent and allow it to work its magic.

The moisture from the ice cube will help alleviate the carpet matting, giving your floors a fresh, new look. So the next time you rearrange your furniture, don’t forget the ice-cube trick!

Special Stains on Carpet and How To Remove Them

Margaret Boschetti is an extension specialist in interior design and home furnishing (published by The University of Nebraska).

She suggests the following for removing different types of stains from your carpet:

Rust Stains

Rust Stains

Rust stains occur when metal casters from tables or chairs become wet and leave a mark on the carpet. To prevent rust stains, you can use caps on your chair legs. If rust stains do occur, you can use a unique rust-cleaning product.

These products usually contain acid, such as diluted oxalic acid. Therefore, when using these products, wearing gloves and working in a well-ventilated area is essential.

To remove a rust stain, follow these steps:

1) Apply the rust-cleaning product to the stain and let it sit for several minutes.

2) Blot the area to remove the rust-cleaning product using a clean cloth.

3) Rinse the area with water and blot dry.

4) Repeat steps 1-3 until the stain is removed. With a bit of time and effort, you can remove rust stains from your carpet and restore it to its original condition.

Mildew Stains

Mildew Stains
Image by Youtube

First, it’s crucial to understand how mildew stains develop. If your carpet becomes wet or damp for any reason – whether from a spill, a leak, or simply high humidity – mildew can start to form. 

Once the mildew takes hold, it will begin to cause discolouration and staining on your carpet. The longer the mildew is left untreated, the more difficult it will be to remove.

1) Vacuum the affected area thoroughly to remove loose, dried-on mildew.

2) Then, treat the stain with a solution of one part 3% hydrogen peroxide to five parts water.

3) Apply the solution to the stain with a clean cloth and let it sit for several minutes.

4) Next, expose the treated area to sunlight (if possible) or artificial light to help kill the mildew spores.

5) Finally, shampoo the carpet to remove any remaining residue and freshen up the fabric.

How to Treat Odors In Your Carpet

If you’re dealing with an odour problem in your home, the chances are that your carpet is the culprit. Carpets can harbour all sorts of unpleasant smells, from pet accidents to musty mildew.

Luckily, there are several ways to remove offensive odours from your carpet. First, you can remove most odours with a simple mixture of household items. For example, you can use a mix of lavender essential oil and baking soda to freshen up any room. Just be sure not to use tea tree oil if you have pets, as it can be toxic to them.

Mix roughly 30 drops of essential oil and 1/2 cup of baking soda in any container with holes (an old deodorant container or baking soda box will work nicely). Then let the mixture sit for 24 hours.

Once the mixture has set, lightly dust it over the affected area of your carpet. Let it sit for 10-20 minutes, then vacuum as usual. The odour should be gone!

Another solution may be using white vinegar as an effective and natural way to freshen up your carpets. Pour a liberal amount of white vinegar into a spray bottle and spritz it onto the affected area. Hopefully, you will find that as the initial vinegary smell subsides, other unpleasant odours lurking on your carpet will subside as well.

Once the area is dry, check to see if the odour has been eliminated. If not, give it another spritz until you’ve resolved the issue. Who knew that something as simple as white vinegar could leave your carpets smelling so fresh and so clean? 

What Are the Benefits of Hiring Professional Carpet Cleaners?

All the home remedies in the world cannot prevent normal wear and tear. The best way to keep your carpet looking as fresh as possible is to hire a professional carpet cleaner every few months.

That’s because professional carpet cleaning removes about 98 percent of dirt, dust mites, and other allergens that can cause respiratory problems.

The bottom line is this: if you want your carpets to look their best, it’s worth investing in professional carpet cleaning services.

Professional cleaners typically work with one of two methods – steam cleaning or dry extraction (both of which can be incredibly effective). Note that a professional company’s equipment is likely more efficient than anything you can buy or rent for personal use.

Professional carpet cleaners offer several benefits that DIY methods can’t match. Here are just a few of the reasons why it’s worth hiring a pro:

1. They have the experience and expertise to do the job correctly. Carpet cleaning is more than just running a vacuum over your floor – it requires special equipment and solutions to break up dirt and stains and prevent re-soiling. Professionals know how to use this equipment properly and have access to better quality products than you’ll find at your local hardware store.

2. They can save you time and effort. Let’s face it – most of us don’t have the time (or patience) to clean our carpets as thoroughly as we should. But when you hire a professional carpet cleaner, you can sit back and relax while they do all the work for you.

3. They can help extend the life of your carpets. Regular professional cleaning can remove built-up dirt and grime that can damage carpet fibres, leading to premature wear and tear. Over time, this can save you money by extending the life of your carpets.

Should You Rent or Buy a Carpet Cleaning Machine?

Rent or Buy Cleaning Machine
Image by Pixabay

Anyone who has ever had a carpet knows that it can be tricky to keep clean. Stains happen, no matter how careful you are, and dirt seems to accumulate overnight.

As a result, many people face the choice of whether to rent or buy a carpet cleaning machine. Unfortunately, there is no correct answer to this question, as it depends entirely on personal preference.

If you have a tight budget, renting a machine may make more sense than buying one outright. 

However, if you feel confident in your ability to use a carpet cleaner, buying one may be the better option in the long run.When buying a carpet cleaning machine, you need to think economically. Carpet extractors can range anywhere from $1,000 to $4,000. That’s a pretty hefty price tag.

You need to ask yourself – Is the majority of your 4,000-square-foot suburban home carpeted? Or are you looking to clean one area rug in a 750-square-foot Manhattan apartment? If it’s the latter – it is probably not in your best interest to spend the money on buying a carpet cleaner outright. Instead, you can rent one from a local store for a fraction of the cost. 

Another decision-making factor can be storage space. Carpet Cleaning Machines are not typically small appliances – they take up valuable space in your home. If you feel you have the storage space and your investment will be put to good use – by all means, purchase your own. Otherwise, it might be wiser to save your money.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to what makes the most financial sense for your circumstances.

Conclusion

Many different carpet cleaning methods are available, each with its benefits and drawbacks. The most effective option is to hire a professional carpet cleaning company. However, this option will usually result in the cleanest carpets.

For those on a budget, many at-home carpet cleaning methods are available. These methods are often less effective than professional carpet cleaning, but they can still help prolong your carpet’s life.

Your carpet is an integral part of your home. Not only does it add comfort and style, but it also plays a vital role in your daily life. For example, when you come home and kick your shoes off, the carpet underneath your feet can be crucial to your relaxation. As a result, it’s essential to choose the proper carpet cleaning method for your needs.

Various carpet cleaning methods are available, and the best choice for you will depend on many factors. These include the type of carpet you have, the initial investment you made in the carpet, and your personal preferences.

For example, if you have a cheap area rug that seems to be beyond repair, you may consider purchasing a new one. On the other hand, if you have a beautiful carpet that you spent a lot of time and effort choosing and installing, it may be worth investing in professional cleaners here and there.

No matter what type of carpet you have, regular cleaning is essential to maintain its beauty and longevity. Choosing the proper carpet cleaning method for your needs can keep your carpet looking its best for years to come.