Tips to Clean Carpets

Isn’t it amazing how fast carpets can get dirty? Just one child with muddy shoes or a dog tracking in dirt is all it takes! While carpet cleaning can seem tough, you can get results that rival the pros – all on your own.

If you share your home with others, keeping carpets fresh and free from dirt is a must. Thankfully, with a little guidance and a few smart techniques, maintaining spotless carpets is easier than you might think.

Check out our tips to get started!

General Vacuuming Tips

Effective carpet cleaning starts with regular maintenance. Even if you can’t see it, your carpet traps dust, dirt, and pet dander daily, which, over time, can embed deep into the fibers and make cleaning more challenging.

Regular vacuuming is essential for keeping carpets fresh and free of grime. Here are a few carpet cleaning tips to maximize your efforts:

• Clear the way: Pick up any large debris from the floor to make vacuuming easier.
• Vacuum in multiple directions: Start by vacuuming in one direction to lift surface dirt. Then, go over the same area in the opposite direction to capture particles missed the first time.
• Repeat for a thorough clean: Vacuum the same section several times from various angles to lift as much dirt as possible.
• Work back to exit: When vacuuming, start at the back of the room and work your way toward the exit. This approach prevents you from walking over freshly cleaned areas and leaves the carpet looking flawless when you finish. It’s a simple trick for a more efficient and satisfying clean!
• Maintain your vacuum: Keep the vacuum bags and filters clean to ensure maximum suction power.
  Following these steps will help keep your carpet looking and feeling fresh!

Shampooing Carpets

Promptly addressing carpet stains is essential – don’t let them sit, or they can set in permanently. Before steam cleaning, be sure to thoroughly vacuum the carpet to avoid creating muddy water.

In many homes, carpets in certain rooms may need deep cleaning every six months, while high-traffic areas might benefit from monthly cleaning.

If you have a carpet shampooer or steam cleaner, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for best results. Test any new cleaning solution in a hidden spot first to ensure it won’t damage or discolor the carpet.

For a truly deep clean, consider hiring a professional carpet cleaning service at least once a year. It’s a worthwhile investment that can prolong the life and appearance of your carpet.

Remember to clean all rugs, including area rugs, throw rugs, and hallway runners. Keeping these maintained is just as important as cleaning wall-to-wall carpet. Here are some helpful tips for tackling these different types of carpeting.

Cleaning Area and Throw Rugs

For delicate, antique, or high-value rugs, it’s wise to use a professional cleaning service to avoid potential damage or color bleeding.

For machine-made or less expensive rugs, many can be cleaned in a washing machine—just follow the manufacturer’s care instructions. Avoid machine washing throw rugs if they have a rubber or plastic backing, as it can crack and deteriorate during washing.

Instead of washing these rugs in the machine, try this: lay them on an outdoor surface like your porch or steps and hose them off. This approach is gentle, effective, and requires no detergent unless tackling grease stains. Keep in mind, they’ll become heavily saturated, so let gravity help with the drainage. Once the excess water is gone, lay the rug flat to dry. You can drape it over a fence, railing, or in the garage, but avoid putting it in the dryer.

For hallway runners, use the same method as for throw rugs. Check for any frayed edges, and make sure they’re fully dry before placing them back on top of other carpets.

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