Carpets are an important component of any home, but they can be difficult to maintain and keep looking clean. Fortunately, with the right preventative measures and Carpet Cleaning Orem tips, you can keep your carpets fresh and vibrant.
Address spills and stains immediately. Always blot, not rub, as rubbing can damage carpet fibers and cause the stain to spread.
Prevent The Stain
Carpet can be a magnet for stains. From messy pets and accident-prone children to food spillages, there’s no shortage of opportunities for stains to appear in the most unsightly places. The good news is that with the right know-how, many stains can be prevented from reappearing on your gorgeous floors.
The first step to keeping your carpets stain-free is to be proactive when it comes to spills and stains. Be sure to vacuum regularly and keep your floor clear of debris and dirt that can scratch and wear away at the fibers. It’s also helpful to encourage family members to eat and drink in designated areas, rather than on the carpet, to prevent accidental spills and stains.
When a stain does occur, it’s essential to act quickly. It’s best to blot the stain instead of rubbing, as rubbing only grinds the stain into the fibers, making it more difficult to remove. Using a stack of paper towels or an old cloth towel that you don’t care about is a great way to soak up as much of the liquid as possible. If the stain is especially deep, try leaving a white towel over the area and stacking books or other heavy objects on top overnight to help sop up the moisture.
It’s also important to avoid using over-the-counter or DIY stain removers on fresh stains. These products often leave behind residue that makes the stains sticky, which can attract more dirt and cause them to reappear. If you do need to use a cleaner, always test the product on an inconspicuous spot of your carpet or furniture to make sure that it doesn’t bleach or damage the fabric.
Another effective stain-prevention tip is to apply a protective coating to new carpets as soon as they’re installed. This coating will give the carpet an extra layer of protection from dry soiling and accidental stains. This treatment is available at most home improvement stores, and it’s well worth the investment in your home’s long-term beauty.
Remove The Stain
We all try to keep our carpets clean, but between kids, pets, and the many food-related messes in our homes, it’s almost impossible to keep carpets completely stain-free. When a stain does occur, it’s important to act quickly and use the proper method to remove the mark. The first step is to identify the stain. Then, you can determine the best way to treat it.
It’s important to understand that different stains require different treatments. There are two general types of stains: water-soluble and non-soluble. Water-soluble stains include washable ink, milk, latex paint, berries, and mud. These can be easily treated with a spray of water and a towel. Non-soluble stains are much more difficult to clean and are caused by wine, pet stains, blood, chocolate, and coffee. These stains can be removed by using an oxygenating cleaner such as hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol.
The secret to removing any stain is to blot, not rub, as this will pull the liquid up rather than push it deeper into the fibers. So, when a stain occurs, grab some absorbent cloths or paper towels and blot away the excess as soon as possible.
If the stain is old or doesn’t respond to blotting, spray a solution of equal parts water and detergent for natural fiber (or wool blend) carpets. Work the solution into the stain using a sponge or cloth, then blot again until there is no more soapy residue. Rinse and dry the area thoroughly, then evaluate if the stain has been fully removed.
Oil stains are particularly challenging to remove, but they can be done with the right product. Mix a paste of three-to-one baking soda and water and apply to the stain, using a sponge or brush. After the paste dries, vacuum up the remnants. You can also spray the stain with a solution of equal parts water and rubbing alcohol, then blot until the stain is lighter or gone. You can also try a commercial carpet stain remover that is specifically designed for your type of carpet.
Removing The Stain
A few days after a spill, you notice the stain has reappeared. What happened? There are a couple of possible reasons a stain might reappear. One reason is soiling, which happens when soapy residue remains on the carpet fibers after using a spot cleaner. That sticky residue attracts dirt and other debris that makes the spot appear to reappear. Another possible reason is wicking, which can happen when water or other liquids get trapped in the carpet fibers and lift them. This can make the spot look darker and appear to reappear.
The best way to prevent either of these problems is to use a spot cleaner that works on the specific type of stain. For example, a chemical that removes red wine and juice drinks will usually work on liquid spills of similar colors. Another good way to minimize the chance of a color change is to act quickly. Blotting (not rubbing) the stain with an absorbent cloth or paper towel as soon as a stain occurs can help reduce the risk of permanent color loss.
If a stain does occur, immediately blot it with a dry white cloth or paper towel to soak up as much of the excess liquid as possible. Try to avoid rubbing, as that can push the liquid deeper into the carpet fibers. Then, if you have a bottle of the recommended cleaning solution for the type of stain you have, apply it according to the label instructions.
Before applying a spot removal solution to an old stain, test it in an out-of-sight area of your carpet. Doing this helps to ensure the product won’t oversaturate, discolor, or damage your carpet threads. Then rinse and let the area fully dry before assessing the results.
If you can’t get a stubborn stain out of your carpet with the DIY cleaning methods above, it might be time to hire a professional. Stains like paint, permanent ink, or pet stains often require the attention of a trained stain removal specialist to be completely removed from the carpet. If you’ve tried the steps above and a professional stain removal process and still can’t get your stain out, it might be a sign that your carpet has reached its end of life.
Clean The Area
Carpets are a popular flooring choice for homes because they add warmth, comfort, and style to a room. However, it’s important to maintain your carpets properly to prevent stains and keep them looking their best. Follow these DIY carpet cleaning strategies and tips to help keep your carpets clean and healthy for years to come.
Begin by gathering your supplies, including the cleaning solution of your choice and microfiber cloths. Next, remove any items from the area or surface you are cleaning. This will not only make it easier to clean but will also minimize the risk of accidents and injuries. Heavy objects in particular should be moved carefully to avoid causing injury.
Before you begin, dust or vacuum the soiled area to remove any isolated particles. Then apply your cleaning solution and scrub the area. Once you’ve finished scrubbing, rinse or wipe the area with a dry, clean cloth. This will remove any residue left behind by the cleaner and prevent re-soiling.
Lastly, allow the area to air-dry. This will prevent moisture build-up, which can lead to mold and mildew. Ideally, you should block off the area and avoid walking or placing furniture on it until it is fully dry.
The most important thing to remember is that prevention and early intervention are key to a successful home cleaning project. This is particularly true for your carpets. Dirt, dust, and debris that accumulate in your home can be easily tracked onto carpets through doors, windows, and screens. By implementing doormats and establishing a no-shoes policy indoors, you can minimize the amount of dirt that makes it inside your home.
Additionally, by regularly vacuuming and using spot-treatment methods for stains, you can extend the life of your carpets. If you follow these carpet care and cleaning tips, along with a 12-month professional carpet cleaning, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying the benefits of your carpeting for many years to come.