Keeping your carpets clean is crucial for maintaining a beautiful and healthy home. However, many homeowners often make mistakes that can severely damage their carpets or make them less effective.
Cleaning your carpets the right way does not require any skill or high-quality appliances, as all you need to know is the basics of carpet cleaning and avoid making certain mistakes that can cause more harm than good to your carpets.
So delve into this comprehensive guide where we will discuss key Dos and Don’ts of carpet cleaning, ensuring you achieve optimal results without harming your investment.
Dos Of Carpet Cleaning
⇒ Prioritize Vacuuming First
Before cleaning your carpet, make sure you vacuum it thoroughly, covering every single part. Carpets are notorious for trapping dirt, dust, and other contaminants that, with time, accumulate deep within the fibers.
A vacuum has a powerful suction or a HEPA filter (you might attach) that can trap and remove these particles, which, in one way, prepares the carpet for more effective cleaning without any hindrances.
⇒ Use A High-Quality Vacuum Cleaner
It is important to vacuum the carpet, but it is equally important to use a high-quality vacuum cleaner for effective cleaning. Using a low-quality vacuum cleaner is a sheer waste of time, as such appliances yield little to no results, ultimately leading to disappointment. Therefore, invest in a top-quality vacuum cleaner to achieve the desired outcome.
⇒ Pre-Treat The Stains Before Cleaning Them
When tackling common carpet stains, ensure you pre-treat them. Pre-treatment solutions (like enzymes) can aid in breaking down the stain-causing molecules in the first place, making it easier for you to banish them later without much effort.
Note: It is essential to read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and follow the recommended steps if you are using a commercial pre-treatment solution. To avoid damaging your carpet, conduct a patch test in an inconspicuous area of the carpet before using the solution on the stained area.
⇒ Allow The Carpet To Dry Thoroughly
Once you’ve cleaned your carpet, allow it to dry thoroughly before walking or moving your furniture over it. If not dried appropriately, carpet fibers might swell or remain dampened, which, in turn, could allow mold to grow. Normally, it takes around 4-5 hours for the carpet to dry completely, but you can use dehumidifiers or overhead fans to speed up the process.
Don’ts Of Carpet Cleaning
⇒ Don’t Let Stains Settle
Spilling food, drink, ink, and other substances on the carpet is absolutely common for any homeowner. But the good thing is that spills can’t affect the fibers unless allowed to sit or settle for long hours, so make sure you clean them as early as possible to protect your carpet from damage beyond any hope of repair.
⇒ Avoid Using Harsh Chemicals
Most homeowners think the stronger a solution, the more it can impact the stain, ultimately banishing it. But that is completely wrong. Strong or harsh solutions (like bleach) can severely brittle the fibers, so utilize suitable or mild cleaning solutions.
If you’re unsure which solutions to use, it’s always a good idea to contact a professional carpet cleaning company. They can help you determine the best approach to cleaning your carpets safely and effectively.
⇒ Do Not Over-Wet The Carpet
Another misconception most homeowners have is that using excess water helps tackle the stains to the core. But that is also completely wrong because too much water can cause the fibers to swell or become damp, much enough to allow mold to grow and thrive. Henceforth, use an appropriate amount of water to avoid such issues.
⇒ Make Sure Not To Scrub Or Rub The Fibers
While cleaning a stain, ensure you blot it instead of rubbing it. Rubbing or scrubbing the stain can damage the fibers or may allow the stain to set further deep beneath them. Blotting is the best way to soak and remove a stain without hampering the fibers in any way.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your carpets clean can extend their lifespan and improve your indoor air quality. By following these simple do’s and don’ts, you can ensure that you’re cleaning your carpets safely and effectively without affecting them in any worst case possible.
