It’s admissible that we have this love-hate relationship with our carpets. On one hand, they provide warmth and aesthetics to any space and on the other, they can absorb dirt and stains quite easily. The constant foot traffic and the food and drinks splattering around will take their toll on the carpets. Eventually, they become a habitat for allergens and germs, making your allergies worse. If you are torn between replacing or cleaning your carpet, you'll be happy to know that several tips and tricks can easily tackle the job. Here's how to apply some carpet cleaning techniques for your prized heirloom.
Carpet Cleaning Methods
Spot Cleaning
To spot-clean a carpet, first blot up as much of the spill as possible with a clean cloth. Do not scrub, as this will only damage the carpet. If water does not remove the stain, try a spot cleaner. Test the spot cleaner on an inconspicuous area of the carpet first to make sure it does not damage the fibres. Apply the spot cleaner to the stain and blot until it is gone. If the stain is still visible, repeat the process.
Here are some additional tips for spot-cleaning a carpet:
- Use a clean, white cloth to blot the stain. Coloured cloths can transfer dye to the carpet.
- Work from the outside of the stain towards the centre to prevent the stain from spreading.
- Blot, do not rub. Rubbing can damage the carpet fibres.
- Rinse the area with water after you have removed the stain.
- Allow the carpet to dry completely before vacuuming.
Here are some common household items that can be used as spot cleaners:
- Dish soap and water
- White vinegar
- Club soda
- Baking soda
- Hydrogen peroxide
The key to spot-cleaning a carpet is to act quickly and to blot, not rub. By following these tips, you can keep your carpets looking their best. If you are unable to remove the stain yourself, you can hire a professional carpet cleaner.
Hot Water Extraction
Hot water extraction uses high-pressure hot water to loosen and remove dirt, stains, and other debris from the carpet fibres. The process typically involves applying a cleaning agent to the soiled area, allowing it to sit for a few minutes, and then using a steaming machine to rinse the area clean. The carpet is then left to dry in a room at a low temperature.
This method is more effective than traditional vacuuming at removing deep-seated dirt and stains, and it can also help to kill bacteria and allergens. It is a good option for carpets that are heavily soiled or that have pet stains.
Encapsulation
This low-moisture carpet cleaning method uses synthetic detergents to loosen dirt and encapsulate it in a powder. This powder can then be vacuumed or brushed away. Encapsulation is a more environmentally friendly method than traditional carpet cleaning, as it uses less water. However, it is not as effective at removing stains from heavily soiled carpets.
Bonnet Cleaning
Bonnet cleaning is a quick and easy way to clean the surface of carpet fibres. A heavy-duty machine with a spinning pad is used to apply cleaning solution to the carpet. However, bonnet cleaning does not clean below the surface fibres, so it is not as effective as other methods of carpet cleaning. Additionally, bonnet cleaning can sometimes push dirt and chemicals back into the carpet, which can lead to the accumulation of residue.
Dry Cleaning
Dry carpet cleaning is a newer carpet cleaning technology that uses cleaning compounds or powders to clean carpets without water. The compounds are applied to the bottom of the carpet using a motorised brush machine, which opens up the carpet fibres and allows the compounds to settle inside. This results in a thorough, deep clean that is safe for all types of carpets, including heavy-duty synthetic carpets.
Different Types of Carpet Fibres
Synthetic
Synthetic carpets should be vacuumed regularly to maintain their appearance. If the care label specifies special cleaning instructions, follow them. Otherwise, a mixture of baking soda and warm water can be used. Nylon carpets are durable and resistant to wear, but they may not be as stain-resistant. Some modern varieties have a stain-resistant treatment.
Wool
Wool carpets are best cleaned with a vacuum cleaner. Avoid alkaline products as they can damage the fibres. Wool carpets take longer to dry than other types of carpets. If you have a wool carpet, you can check the fire safety label to be sure. Bleach should never be used on wool carpets, even diluted. It can destroy the fibres and cause a patch in the carpet.
Natural Fibres (Jute, Sisal & Others)
Natural fibre carpets are more sensitive to stains than synthetic or wool carpets. They require more attention when cleaning, and machines should be set to their lowest setting to avoid disturbing the natural lay of the fibres. When drying, natural fibre carpets are more likely to curl at the edges, so experts recommend using a fan or air conditioner to speed up the process.
Berber
Berber carpets with large loops are the easiest to clean. Dirt and pollutants don't penetrate deeply, so vacuuming once or twice a week and a deeper clean every three months is sufficient. Most cleaning solutions work, but pets may find the larger loops easier to pick at.
Clean the Carpet Underlays Too
Carpet underlays can also absorb stains, especially if the carpet is thin or delicate. Low-quality foam-based underlays are more likely to absorb stains, making the carpet appear dirty even if it is not. Higher quality underlays made of foam chips or recycled rubber will help to keep stains in the carpet, where they can be cleaned more easily.
Final Thoughts
Carpet cleaning does not only solve the problem of filthy dirt and stains; it also prevents respiratory diseases that can occur to any member of the family. Thus, you save more by not buying a new carpet. Should the process be tedious and time-consuming on your part, there are reliable carpet cleaners to rely on. Either way, you can choose which method works best considering your time and budget.
For your carpet cleaning concerns, it is always better to hire a professional and trusted carpet cleaning specialists in your area. Please don't hesitate to contact us on 1300 867 872 to get more information.