Even the best-kept carpets will eventually get dirty. These fibres trap dust, dirt and other microscopic life like mildew, fungus and allergens, which can affect family health.
For this reason, it’s important to vacuum often and to spot treat stains as soon as they happen. For this, keep a jug of hydrogen peroxide handy; it’s the most effective stain remover around.
1. Vacuuming
Vacuuming is one of the most important carpet cleaning techniques. It is crucial for getting rid of dirt, dust, and debris that is deep in the carpet pile. Unless you vacuum often, these particles will eventually cause your carpet to look dull and lifeless. You should vacuum your carpet at least once a week, twice a week in high-traffic areas.
When you vacuum, make sure you use the right settings for your carpet. Most vacuums have a special setting for carpet that will provide the best suction without scratching your floors. Also, you should use a hose and brush attachments to get into corners and other hard-to-reach spots.
In addition to regular vacuuming, you should treat stains and spills as they occur. For many common stains (like candle wax, coffee, and red wine), simply blot the spot instead of pushing or rubbing. This will help the stain to lift rather than sink into the carpet fibers.
For tougher stains, use a commercial stain remover that is compatible with your carpet type and color. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to apply the product and test it in an inconspicuous area.
Another way to keep your carpet looking great is to add soil retardants to your cleaning regimen. These chemicals are designed to slow down the build-up of dirt and oil in your carpet fibers.
Some carpet-cleaning machines use a wet shampoo with water, but you can also do a “dry” shampoo using foam or powder that is left to absorb dirt and grime, then vacuumed away. These products are effective, but they don’t penetrate as deeply into the fibers as a wet cleaning machine.
Some manufacturers offer “dry” shampoos that can be applied to your carpet with a hand-held sprayer. This is a good choice for many homes that do not have the space or budget to store a carpet-cleaning machine. If you choose to use a dry shampoo, be sure you apply the product to a small area to ensure that your carpet is not damaged by the process. You should also use a dry towel to soak up excess powder, as it can be difficult to remove completely.
2. Hot Water Extraction
If you’ve ever been to a restaurant or hotel lobby late at night, you may have seen a carpet cleaning technician operating a large floor buffer or rotary carpet cleaner. This device uses a spinning pad to scrub and polish floors of linoleum, tile, concrete, or carpeted surfaces. These machines are incredibly powerful, but it’s important to know that not all vacuuming and scrubbing methods are created equal.
When it comes to cleaning, hot water extraction is still the best method available for most stains. This technique uses industrial-grade equipment to inject hot water and cleaning agents into the carpet fibres at high pressure, which loosens and lifts dirt particles. A power-driven twin vacuum then extracts all of the dirty water, leaving the carpet fresh and clean. This method also works to disinfect the carpet from various bacteria and battle stale odours.
Unlike old-fashioned bonnet cleaning, this technique does not use large quantities of water and soap to achieve results, making it far more eco-friendly. Additionally, hot water extraction can leave your carpets dry in as little as a few hours. This significantly reduces the chance of mildew and mould, which can be a real health risk.
Another benefit of using hot water extraction is that it’s very effective at removing stubborn stains. Many people assume that they need to scrub blood or food stains from their carpet, but in fact, this often makes the stain worse. Scrubbing with a rotary machine simply scrapes the surface of the stain and pushes it further into the carpet fibres. A much better solution is to use hydrogen peroxide on the affected area.
Hydrogen peroxide oxidizes the stain and helps to break down the blood or food particles, making it easier for the vacuum or washing machine to remove. It’s also very effective on wine stains and coffee grounds. Keeping a no-shoes policy in your home will help to prevent outside dirt and grime from being tracked onto your carpets, which can lead to stains that are hard to get out with conventional cleaning methods.
3. Drying
When we think of cleaning our carpets, most people automatically imagine hot water extraction, or steam cleaning. This is one of the most common and well-known carpet cleaning methods available, and for good reason! Hot water extraction is an effective and efficient way to clean your carpets and it also helps your carpets last longer.
If you want to extend the lifespan of your carpets, it is essential that you maintain regular cleaning routines. If you do not, the fibres of your carpets will become damaged and your carpet will start to look dull and dingy over time. If this happens, you may need to invest in new carpets as soon as possible.
Carpet cleaning can be a bit messy, so it is best to hire a professional cleaner who has experience with a wide variety of carpet cleaning techniques. At Dang Good, our crews are highly trained and use the latest equipment to ensure your carpets come out looking their best. We have years of experience with both portable and truck-mounted steam cleaning, so you can rest assured that your carpets are in good hands!
This method is a good option for those who want their carpets cleaned but don’t have the time for a thorough wash. This process involves spraying the carpets with a special powder, which acts like tiny sponges and absorbs dirt and grime. It is then vacuumed up, leaving your carpets clean and dry in a matter of hours. This is an ideal solution for busy homes and offices where the carpets are used frequently and need to be cleaned quickly.
Another popular option is encapsulation carpet cleaning. This process uses a special kind of foam that crystalizes the dirt, so it can be easily removed with a vacuum. It is also a good choice for those with sensitive allergies because it does not leave any moisture behind. However, it is important to vacuum both before and after the treatment to remove any lingering dirt particles.
This is an older carpet cleaning technique that still works today, particularly for commercial properties with heavy foot traffic that need to remain visibly clean. The cleaning shampoo, which is a foam-like chemical substance, is applied to the carpet and then scrubbed in with an industry machine that resembles a floor buffer and has stiff bristles. Once the foam is dry, it can be vacuumed up with an industrial vacuum.
4. Deodorizing
When you have guests coming over, your carpet will make or break their impression of your home. Smelly carpets can turn people off, even if the rest of your home is clean. Thankfully, there are deodorizing sprays and powders that can help your carpet smell fresh again. However, many of these products contain chemicals that could trigger allergic reactions or just mask odors with toxic fragrances. Instead, try these natural options that won’t pollute your indoor air.
Using baking soda on your carpet can also remove unpleasant odors. Sprinkle the powder evenly over the carpet and let it sit overnight before vacuuming it. This method is especially effective for removing odors caused by smoke, pets, and cooking. You can also add a few drops of essential oils to the baking soda for an added fragrance.
Absorbent compound cleaning is another way to deodorize your carpet without having to wet it. A mechanical brush distributes the absorbent compound over your carpet, which then binds to dirt and other substances. After it has had time to break down stains and disperse debris, it is then vacuumed up with a professional-strength dry vacuum.
While this technique isn’t as thorough as hot water extraction or steaming, it is still very effective for removing tough stains and odors from your carpet. It can be used on your own, or in conjunction with other cleaning methods such as scrubbing and rotary cleaning.
One of the most common causes of unwanted odors in your carpet is pet urine. Despite your best efforts to keep your pets on the furniture, they will often relieve themselves on your carpet. You can purchase a variety of odor removers at hardware stores or grocery stores that will remove the scent of urine, forcing your pets to find another place to relieve themselves.
You can also reduce non-living allergens such as dust mite matter, mildew, and fungus in your carpet by cleaning it regularly with hot water extraction and/or vacuuming. While these methods won’t eliminate all of your carpet stains, they will greatly reduce them and help your family breathe easier.