If you want your carpets to look good and last longer, follow these 10 carpet cleaning tips.
- Vacuum frequently. Vacuuming at least once a week is essential. For those with pets and/or children, vacuuming should be done as often as possible, as much as three times each week.
- Get to that spot before it becomes a stain. Carpet cleaning is most effective right after a spill. If possible, quickly remove the spot before it damages the carpet and becomes a stain. Don’t wait until tomorrow, because by then the spot may be a permanent stain.
- Blot, don’t rub. When trying to lift a stain, the key is to blot the stain, not to rub. Rubbing the stain will only serve to push it deeper into the carpet and harm the carpet fibers, making carpet cleaning more difficult.
- Thorough stain removal is essential. If after DIY carpet cleaning, your stains seem to reappear, it could be because you haven’t thoroughly removed the spot or the detergents. As part of the cleaning process, place a think cloth on the stain and weight it down with a heavy object. Leave the cloth on the stain over night to remove the most amount of liquid.
- Don’t use heat on your carpet. After carpet cleaning, do not use an iron or hair dryer to dry the area, this will only serve to seal the stain to your carpet.
- Use mild cleaning detergents. Carpet cleaning is most effective with mild detergents that are easy to remove from the carpet. Use stronger detergents only on stubborn stains.
- Detergents left in the carpet will attract dirt. If detergent residue remains after carpet cleaning, it will attract dirt like a magnet and your carpets will appear dirty soon after cleaning.
- Prevent dirt getting to your carpets. Prevention makes a huge dent in your carpet cleaning needs. Entrance mats at each door will help to clean dirt off shoes. Going barefoot, or with indoor shoes, helps to keep carpets clean.
- Regular steam cleaning is essential. Professional steam cleaning should be performed at least once every 18 months. Carpet in high traffic areas will benefit from more frequent professional carpet cleaning.
- Establish a relationship with your local carpet cleaning company. Finding a carpet cleaning company that is reliable, affordable and effective will help your carpets look their best. When you find that company, use them regularly so they become familiar your carpets and can advise you on their maintenance.
Tags: Carpet Cleaning, Carpet Cleaning Service, Carpet Cleaning Tips, Residential Carpet Cleaning