Carpets add warmth and beauty to a home but they can also trap dirt, dust and allergens. Regular vacuuming and spot cleaning can help keep your carpets looking great.
Blotting is an effective way to remove stains from carpet. Be sure not to over-wet your carpet as this will waste detergent and increase drying time.
Baking Soda
Baking soda (bicarbonate of soda) is a multi-use green cleaning product that can banish many types of stains from carpet. When combined with the antibacterial and cleaning powers of white vinegar, it creates a simple and effective solution to clean carpet without a machine.
First, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda on the carpet stain. Let it sit for up to 30 minutes. This will help absorb odors and lift the oily residue that causes stains.
Use a scrub brush to work the baking soda into the carpet. Be sure to go over problem areas a few times. Then vacuum thoroughly.Get more info on this Carpet Cleaning website.
Baking soda can also be used to remove pet hair from carpet. Mix a paste of three parts baking soda to one part water and apply it to the hairy area. Then, blot it with a clean towel to soak up the paste. Allow the area to dry before vacuuming it again. This method can be time-consuming, so block off enough time to get the job done.
Dish Soap
There are plenty of commercial carpet cleaners that can really give your floor a deep clean, but many of them contain harsh chemicals that can damage the fibers. Dish soap can be a very effective substitute, however, and is one of the mildest household cleaning products you can find.
Mix a tablespoon of dish soap with a quart of warm water, then apply the solution to your carpet. Allow it to soak for a few minutes before using a microfiber cloth or paper towels to blot it. Repeat if necessary until the stain is gone.
This method also works well for spot cleaning stains or for removing dirt clumps from around furniture like TV stands and sofas. Alternatively, you can use packaging tape or a lint roller to pick up surface dirt before it dries.
White Vinegar
White vinegar is a very useful and cheap cleaning product that can be used for many different purposes. It is a disinfectant, deodorizer and cleaner, as well as an effective stain remover. It is also a great way to freshen up fabrics and get rid of odor-causing compounds like mildew.
To use white vinegar to clean your carpet, first blot the affected area as best you can. Once you have removed as much of the stain as possible, apply a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar to the area. Allow the solution to sit for a minute before blotting it again. Continue this process until the stain has faded completely.
For particularly stubborn stains, you can try mixing a little baking soda with your white vinegar to create a paste. Apply the paste to the stain and rub it into the fibres. Once the spot has dried, vacuum it up as normal. Repeat the process as necessary if the stain persists.
Water
It’s no secret that regular vacuuming is the best way to keep carpets looking and smelling good. But what’s less obvious is that a little preventive care can go a long way in reducing the need for more extensive cleaning.
Deal with spills and stains as they occur. A little action at the time of the event can make it much easier to remove a stain from a carpet than trying to get it out after the fact.
Mix one-quarter teaspoon of mild dishwashing liquid and 32 ounces of water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto an absorbent cloth and blot the carpet until the spot is gone. Be sure to rinse and blot dry the area afterwards to avoid trapping moisture that could lead to mold or mildew problems. Also, always test any cleaning solution or homemade concoction on a small section of your carpet to ensure that it doesn’t damage the fabric.
