One of the biggest additions to any room in the house has got to be the carpet. However it’s also considered one of the biggest dirt magnets around. That doesn’t mean that it’s not a worthwhile investment though. Instead, it just requires proper carpet care to keep it clean, chic and attractive.
Now, vacuuming is probably the most preferred method of getting dust off a carpet. If the carpet is found in an often used room however, this may prove to be a little difficult to do. If you’re faced with this predicament, vacuuming once a week is fine. If you have wall to wall carpeting in the room, split it up into quadrants and clean them one by one. Every few weeks, just take extra time to clear up hard to reach places like radiators and backboards so that the grime doesn’t build up there.
In the event that the dirt has gotten deep into the carpet fibers, the next best form of carpet care is to steam clean your carpet. This can be done either by a professional carpet cleaner or with the use of a deep cleaning machine. Do this every six months to a year to avoid deep seated dirt and grime that can ruin your carpet for good.
Then there are the inevitable stains. Keep paper towels or a rag nearby so that in the event of a stain, you can blot it out quickly and prevent the moisture from seeping in. Never use a hair dryer or an iron to dry up a stain as it will only make a permanent mark on the rug. Whatever you do, don’t rub on the stain either as it’ll just cause a smear. Instead, try using water or diluted vinegar to take the stain out. It’s much more economical and it won’t damage the fibers on the carpet. If the stain is particularly stubborn, get a damp cloth and weigh it with something heavy overnight to absorb most of the spill before cleaning.
For particularly stubborn stains, mold and mildew, go for non-chlorine bleach or lemon juice and salt. If the fabric is white, brush it with a solution of hydrogen peroxide and water. Using a mild cleaning product is best as it doesn’t harm that carpet material. Leave the harsher chemicals for only the most obstinate of stains.
If you prefer to use chemical-based cleaners as opposed to home remedies, remember to read the label and follow the instructions carefully. This also goes for if you’re trying out a new gadget to remove them. Keep in mind that one wrong step might end up just doing more damage.
Lastly, remember that prevention is always the best carpet cleaning tip to keep not just a carpet but anything clean. I’d suggest using an entrance mat, one for outside the house to get the bigger pieces of dirt off people’s shoes, and one for inside the house so that people can get conscious about the dirt that they’re tracking in. This way, guests are given the proper time to remove their shoes and resort to slippers.