How to Clean Carpets

If you have carpets in your home, you know how dirty they can get over time. People track in dirt from outside, spills are unavoidable, and pet hair doesn’t help the matter at all. Not only does this make your carpet look bad, but it leads to bad odors as well. Regular carpet cleaning is very important to keep this problem from getting worse.

Vacuuming is something you should do often. Using a quality vacuum that is suited for your type of carpet makes a big difference, as does using the correct attachments. However, while regular vacuuming is vital, annual deep carpet cleaning will help your carpet last longer, often renewing it to near its original condition.

Steam or Hot Water Carpet Cleaning

The best way to deep-clean carpets is by using a steam cleaner, which forcefully sprays hot water mixed with a cleaning solution into the pile of the carpet, and then sucks it back out with a strong suction vacuum. This not only cleans your carpet but removes most stains as well. It does leave the carpet damp, so be sure to allow time for drying if you’re planning to clean your carpets before an important party, event or family gathering.

Renting or Buying Carpet Cleaning Machines

Steam cleaning the carpets yourself is one option. Many companies offer one-day rentals of professional carpet cleaning equipment that is not difficult to use. However, avoid buying the cheaper machines, such as those you often see for rent at the front of the grocery store, as they usually do not have enough suction power to remove all of the steam or water and cleaning solution from the carpet. This will leave the carpet too soaked to dry itself before it begins to damage your carpet irrevocably from mildew, mold or rot, or by causing the carpet’s backing to peel off beneath the surface. Rent a steam cleaner from a company that specializes in carpet cleaning or rentals of quality equipment, and be sure you get instructions and an explanation of how the machine works and how to operate it. The same company should supply you with the correct cleaning solution to use with the machine you rent; make sure you specify what sort of carpet you have, as using the wrong sort of solution can damage your carpet’s fibers.

Professional Carpet Cleaning

If you’re concerned about doing your own carpet cleaning properly, consider hiring a professional. Many companies have machines mounted in trucks that can do a far better job than any portable cleaners, and they are usually experienced in cleaning all sorts of carpets and will know which solutions to use on yours. Their cleaning methods usually involve a shorter drying time due to the more powerful suction of the cleaning machines. Choose a reputable company, and ask if they offer a discounted rate for doing several rooms at once. It can be more expensive than doing it on your own, but the results will be worth a few extra dollars.

Carpet Cleaning Considerations

Whether you do it yourself or hire a professional, make sure you know whether your carpet has a stain-resistant treatment on it, as the carpet cleaning solutions for this type of carpets are different. Carpets must never be treated with any solution that contains silicone or bleach.

After your carpet cleaning, remember that it will need to dry for 12 hours. Set up some fans and a dehumidifier to help speed this process, but don’t walk on it while it’s still damp.

If you’re concerned about the cost of carpet cleaning, remember that cleaning your carpet yearly will not only make it look better, but extend the life of your carpet for years to come.