Keep a few simple things in mind when cleaning carpets and rugs.It's easy for dirt to hide in the fibers of a long, shaggier carpet.It is possible to keep your carpet looking its best by vacuuming it.Your carpet will look great for years if you clean it regularly.
Step 1: Turn off your vacuum's beater bar.
The brush on a beater bar can break the fibers, so use a vacuum that doesn't brush the carpet.The beater bar can be turned off if you have a stand vacuum.You can turn the bar off with a button on the side or top of the vacuum.You can adjust the level of suction on some vacuums.The vacuum won't pull hard on the fibers if it's set to a low level.
Step 2: Avoid using a brush nozzle.
If you need to spot clean a small area of carpet, don't use the attachment on your vacuum.The carpet can be damaged by the small brush attachment.The best way to clean a small area of carpet is with a vacuum.
Step 3: The carpet needs to be vacuumed 3 to 5 times.
It's easy to rush when you're vacuuming, but take the time to pass over the same area 3 to 5 times.The most dust, dirt, and hair is sucked up by vacuuming slowly.To make sure you don't miss a spot, work from left to right in straight lines.If your vacuum isn't working efficiently, you should check the vacuum hose occasionally.
Step 4: It's a good idea to vacuum your carpet at least once a week.
If you make vacuuming part of your weekly cleaning routine, it will be one of the most effective ways to clean your carpet.If your carpet is located in an area that doesn't get a lot of use, you should vacuum it once a week.It should be vacuumed every 2 to 3 days if it gets light use.If you vacuum every day, you won't damage the carpet.If the carpet or rug is in a high-traffic area, vacuuming daily is necessary to maintain the fibers.
Step 5: You can protect the carpet in your entryway by laying down an entrance mat.
Place a walk-off mat in your entryway to prevent people from tracking dirt onto the carpet.The mat protects your carpet if it is vacuumed every few days.The life of your carpet can be extended by laying mats in high-traffic areas.
Step 6: The stain should be worked on immediately so it doesn't set.
If the stain is set into the fibers, it will be harder to remove.If you notice a spill, get out cleaning supplies and lift the stain.If the stain is dry, spray hot soapy water onto it and blot the carpet to lift it.
Step 7: Put a cloth on the stain to absorb the liquid.
If you've spilled something on the carpet, lay a clean cloth on it.Press firmly to absorb the liquid and stop it from soaking into the carpet.You don't want to put dirt on the stain.
Step 8: The water-soluble stains include juice, dirt, or mud.
You can fill a spray bottle with white vinegar and 4 cups of water.Shake the solution and spray the stain.Blot the stain with a dry cloth.Save the solution for another cleaning project because you won't use all of it.
Step 9: It's a good idea to spread soapy water on dark stains.
The liquid dish soap should be mixed in a cup of water.After pouring it over the stain, let it sit for 5 minutes before blotting the area with a damp cloth.If the stain is still visible, you may need to repeat this.Once you've lifted the stain, press a dry cloth over the area.
Step 10: Before you clean the carpet, sprinkle baking soda over urine stains.
Sprinkle baking soda over the carpet if the urine is still wet.Put the baking soda in a container and let it sit for a while.Baking soda helps absorb odors.If the stain is dry, sprinkle baking soda over it.If you have a pet that pees in the same spot on your carpet, call a professional floor cleaner.Before they steam the carpet, the professional will apply an enzyme that will completely remove the odor.
Step 11: Don't rub any stain.
It's important to remember that you're trying to remove the stain from the surface.You push the stain down where it's harder to remove if you rub back and forth or in a circular motion.The stain must be worked to the surface.Since brushing can tangle the fibers, never use brushes to scrub the stain.