Frequent vacuuming and spot cleaning help maintain carpet appearance, but to extend its life and preserve colors, wall-to-wall carpet must be professionally cleaned at least once per year. This process removes heavier soil, re-establishes the buoyancy of fibers, and often revives the manufacturer’s warranty.
Before Carpet Cleaning Northern Suburbs Perth begins, remove or raise items such as lamps or desks that could be accidentally bumped or damaged. Also, point out stains and ask if they can be treated beforehand.
A quality professional knows how to identify and treat different types of stains, and their methods will get your carpets cleaner than you could do by yourself. A good cleaning method will also leave your carpets looking brighter and less dingy than before. A good quality carpet cleaning will also help prevent allergies by removing the dirt and dust mites that cause many people to suffer from asthma and other respiratory problems.
A good carpet cleaner should use a truck-mounted steam system with a powerful extraction unit that leaves your carpets dry and ready to be used in only a few hours. This process will remove most of the dirt, including the deep down, sticky dirt that most vacuum cleaners cannot reach.
It is important to protect your investment in your carpets and keep them clean by using a doormat at every entrance to trap dirt before it can track inside your home. It is also a good idea to have your visitors take off their shoes before entering the home and to regularly vacuum the carpets.
If you are going to do the cleaning yourself, it is a good idea to pre-treat any stained areas with baking soda mixed with cold water before you start scrubbing. Then vacuum the carpet before and after you have cleaned it to remove loosened soil and allow the area to air dry.
To clean your carpets, you can either rent a machine from a hardware store or a specialty shop. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’smanufacturer’s instructions and use the highest level of suction possible. During the drying process, you will need to open windows and use fans and a dehumidifier. Do not replace furniture or walk on the carpet until it is completely dry, which can take up to 12 hours.
If you are considering hiring a professional carpet cleaner, check their references and request an in-home inspection. Then choose a company that offers a fair price based on the square footage, type and condition of your carpeting rather than by the number of rooms to be cleaned. Cheaper pro services may be able to clean three rooms for fifty dollars, but will leave behind a soap residue that attracts more dirt than it removes.
A carpet stain should be treated as soon as possible to minimize its effect on the fibers. Vacuum the area to remove any solids and then blot — never rub — with white, absorbent cloths or paper towels. Continue blotting until the cloth no longer picks up color. Then, treat the spot with a cleaning solution that’sthat’s formulated for your type of carpet. Always follow the manufacturer’smanufacturer’s instructions for use, as improper application can damage or discolor the carpet.
If you’reyou’re not comfortable using chemicals, there are some easy homemade solutions that can remove most common stains from your carpet. For example, a combination of hydrogen peroxide and dish soap can lift many coffee stains from light-colored carpets, although you should test a small area first to make sure your carpet doesn’tdoesn’t discolor. After blotting the spot, soak it with a mixture of 1 cup hydrogen peroxide and 1/2 teaspoon of dish soap. Then, blot again until the spot is dry.
Other stains require stronger chemical cleaners. For synthetic red stains, such as those from juice drinks or frozen treats, you’llyou’ll need to use a “”reducing agent,”” which contains a compound like sodium metabisulfite. These products are available at most grocery stores and come in sprays or liquids. You can also try a popular product called OxiClean, which works well on many types of stains and is safe for most carpets.
Oil and grease stains can be especially challenging to remove from carpet, but you can try some homemade methods for removing them before trying more intensive cleaning. Sprinkle the area with cornstarch or baking soda to help absorb the liquid. Then, pour on a little table salt to help break down the grease or oil. You can also try an oxidizing cleaner, such as those made by COIT, which are usually safe for most carpets.
If you’veyou’ve tried these and the stain reappears, it may be a result of wicking, which occurs when the stained area absorbs moisture from the lower layers of the fibers or pad. To prevent this, place a stack of white cloths or paper towels over the spot and weight it down with a heavy object overnight. The soaked cloths will draw out the moisture and prevent the stain from reappearing.
Carpets are a magnet for smells, and the longer these odors have to live in your home, the more difficult they are to get rid of. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to keep your rugs smelling fresh and clean.
Odors are usually caused by the build-up of residue and dirt that gets packed into the carpet fibers and padding over time. This can give rise to an unwelcome odor that seems to come from nowhere. The best way to prevent this odor is to have a professional carpet cleaning company clean your carpet every six to twelve months to remove the dirt and residue that builds up in the carpet fibers and padding.
While there are a number of products you can use to deodorize your carpet, the most effective one is probably baking soda. Baking soda is a natural absorbent that can gobble up odors like smoke. Just pour baking soda over the smelly areas of your rug and let it sit for a few hours before vacuuming it up. It should take care of the odor for good.
Another great home remedy for removing odors is white vinegar. Just mix equal parts water and vinegar and spray the problem area. This will neutralize the odor and also act as a great stain remover.
If you have a pet, it is important to have a good quality stain removal product on hand at all times in case your furry friend has an accident on the carpet. If your pet is a puppy, make sure to treat accidents immediately. The longer a pet stain remains in the carpet, the more difficult it is to remove.
For urine stains, first blot the area to soak up as much of the stain as possible. Then sprinkle the carpet with Borax, a common household cleaner that is also an effective mold and mildew killer. Apply the Borax-baking soda mixture evenly over the stained area and allow it to sit for 30 minutes before vacuuming up. This will remove the odor from the carpet and stop it from seeping into the floorboards.
The most important part of keeping your carpets clean is preventing them from getting stained in the first place. The best way to do this is by regularly vacuuming. A good quality vacuum cleaner with strong suction is recommended to remove isolated dirt particles from the surface of the carpet before they can be ingested by the fibers. It is also important to keep track of any spills and to clean them up immediately. This prevents the staining process known as wicking. It is caused by moisture being drawn up into the fibers and can result in a permanent color change even if the original stain material is completely removed.
The use of an appropriate stain removal product after cleaning is recommended. Stains that are left untreated can resurface and attract dirt to the area, resulting in rapid resoiling. It is also a good idea to invest in a stain-resistant carpet, if possible. They are designed to hold up better against most life has to offer and will require less frequent cleanings.
It is also important to keep in mind that the underlying padding and underlay can develop mold and mildew if they are left damp for extended periods of time after shampooing or steam cleaning. This can eventually spread to the floor and can be extremely difficult to get rid of. The use of a dehumidifier can help to reduce the amount of moisture trapped under your carpeting and help to prevent this problem.
Another way to prevent stains is by having a supply of stain removal tools at hand. This can include items such as baking soda, club soda, clean rags, rubbing alcohol and stain-removal foam. These can be used in conjunction with your professional cleaning service, or on an as-needed basis.
Regular maintenance and proper care of your carpets can prolong their life and appearance, as well as provide a healthy indoor environment for you and your family. A professional carpet cleaning company can offer you these services and much more. Contact them today to learn more about the benefits of carpet cleaning.