Carpets are great at filtering dust and allergens, but over time they can become saturated. Regular cleaning prevents build up and keeps your facility healthy.
Pass your vacuum over high traffic carpet areas at least twice a week. Be sure to vacuum furniture legs, as metal can cause rust.
How often should I clean my carpets?
Carpet Cleaning is great for adding warmth and comfort to any room, but they can also hold a lot of dirt and grime. Regular cleaning is essential to keep your carpets looking good and preventing stains. Vacuuming your carpets twice a week, or daily if you have a crawling baby or furry friend that sheds, will help remove surface dirt and pet hair.
If you have pets you may need to vacuum more often, as well as having your carpets shampooed at least every 3-6 months (more for heavy traffic areas and for those with animals prone to accidents). It is also important to clean up pet messes as soon as they happen to avoid lingering odors.
If you have a large amount of furniture, it is a good idea to ask the carpet cleaners you hire to move your furniture before they start. This helps prevent stains from the furniture legs getting stuck in the wet carpet.
How do I remove stains from my carpets?
There are many different types of stains that can be found on your carpets, and each one requires a different treatment. The first step is to determine what type of stain it is, as this will help you to choose the best method of removal. Stains can be classified as either water soluble or non-soluble, with those that dissolve in water such as washable ink, milk and latex paint being easier to remove than those that do not, such as wine, coffee and blood.
Water soluble stains can often be removed by using a mild detergent solution. Dip a clean white cloth into the solution and begin to dab at the stain, starting from the outside of the stain and working toward the center. If the cloth becomes saturated, swap it out for a fresh one and continue blotting until the stain is gone. You can also use hydrogen peroxide and baking soda, spraying the area with peroxide and pouring a small amount of baking soda over it. Leave for 4 to 5 minutes and then blot the area with a clean dry cloth.
How do I clean my upholstery?
No matter how diligent you are, there are probably times when your upholstery needs a little extra TLC. Kids, pets and life can be hard on carpets and furniture alike – and even the toughest stains can become set in if not treated quickly and properly.
Before treating a stain, check your upholstery’s cleaning code (if available) and the cleaner’s directions on the label. Fabrics with a W (water) cleaning code can usually be cleaned with water-based cleaner. If your couch has a code of WS or S, you can use both water and solvents to clean the fabric.
If the fabric code is X or D, you’ll need to take it to a dry cleaner. For major stains, Cohoon suggests using a spot-treating product to treat the stain, and then applying an ice cube over it to melt the grease. If you do decide to use a cleaner, blot the spot and then rinse the area with clear water. Vigorous scrubbing can actually make some stains worse, so don’t be afraid to gently dab the spot with a cloth or sponge.
How do I keep my carpets clean?
If you want your carpets to stay plush and clean, regular cleaning is a must. Vacuuming at least once a week is ideal, and vacuum more often if you have children or pets. Using washable mats outside and inside the door can help catch excess dirt before it gets to your carpets, as can regularly brushing and bathing your dogs and cats. Placing rugs in high traffic areas can also protect your carpets from damage and staining.
Remember to blot spills rather than scrub them, and always use a natural cleaner as these are less damaging to your carpets. Solid residues should be gently scraped and soaked up, while greasy stains can be attacked with an oil/grease remover and blotted dry as soon as possible.
Keep in mind, however, that even with all these measures your carpets can still be infested with germs that are tough to kill. That’s where professional cleaning can help. Look for a pro who uses truck-mounted equipment and pretreats stains before cleaning, to prevent them from reappearing.