If your carpet has been urinated on many times (for example, if you used
to have a dog that frequently marked all around the house), you might want
to pay for professional cleaning.  This is an especially good idea if you
no longer have this dog; your money won’t be wasted, as the carpet won’t
be urinated on again right away.  However, if you have an ongoing problem
(you still own that dog that urine-marks), purchasing a steam carpet
cleaner designed for small-scale domestic use might be your best bet; you
can use this carpet cleaner over and over whenever you need to.  These
products deep-clean carpets, removing all traces of urine.  Instead of
using regular carpet shampoo in these, you can use a special shampoo for
pet accidents; this shampoo contains enzymes that break down the urine
smell and will prevent repeat accidents.  This is especially important if
the urine in the carpet was from a true pet “accident” (rather than a male
dog purposefully marking his territory, a young puppy or kitten still
confused about where it is supposed to go to the bathroom).

However, if you need a “quick fix” and don’t have time to thoroughly
remove the urine, there are many ways to cover up the smell indefinitely
even if the urine is still on the carpet.  Odor removers for cloth
surfaces, such as Febreeze, will almost entirely eliminate odors from the
carpet.  Inexpensive household baking soda, which is frequently contained
in more expensive odor-fighting cleaners, can also work wonders on urine
odors in carpet.  After the urine has been cleaned up and the carpet is
dry, sprinkle it liberally over the area, let it sit for an hour, and
vacuum it up.

Fortunately, removing urine smell from carpet is possible.  The odor will
become undetectable if you properly remove the urine and deodorize the
carpet.

You probably don’t notice your carpet until it’s not living up to
expectations, but ugly stains or matted high-traffic areas will get your
attention. You may try professional carpet cleaning, but you might
discover cleaning spruces up your carpet but do little for real problem
areas.

At that point, you have three choices. You can live with sub-standard
carpet, but that’s embarrassing. You can replace the carpet altogether,
but that’s expensive. Or you can have the carpet dyed.

Carpet dyeing is not a well-known procedure, but it’s often a perfect
solution to carpet problems. How do you know if carpet dyeing is right for
you? Here’s some guidelines.

If you’re trying to get rid of one or a few stains, spot carpet dyeing can
take care of that. A professional dye technician can match the dye to your
carpet and cover that bleach spot or the stain where Billy spilled his
grape juice. This should only be done by a professional, though. Trying to
match your carpet color with a do-it-yourself dye kit is a recipe for a
splotchy disaster.

If your carpet is stained in many places, or sun faded, or matted by
traffic, you will want to consider whole-room dyeing. In this case you
have the option of trying to match the original color or going for a new
look with a brand new color. This will restore your carpet’s beauty in
many cases, but not in all.

Carpet dyeing won’t work if the carpet is torn or worn down the to
backing. In such cases your only option is to replace the carpet.

It’s also not possible to lighten a carpet’s color through dyeing. Color
is being added, so the carpet can only be darkened. If that’s not what you
want, you’ll have to replace the carpet.

The benefits of carpet dyeing are numerous. It only costs about half as
much as replacing the carpet. When done by a professional company, there’s
minimal disruption to your home – your dyed carpet will be ready to walk
on in about ten minutes. Dyed carpet can be cleaned as usual, and the
color will last as long as the original color did, potentially doubling
the life of your carpet.

That’s a lot of years to enjoy walking all over your carpet without having
to notice it.

After the toy has been removed from Rover’s tail, Fluffy has hidden under
the sofa, and Johnny’s face has been attended to, the gum still lurks
forgotten near the cocktail table. It’s a warm day and the gum is getting
drowsy, settling into the carpet fibers for a gooey nap. You find it
there, all nice and cozy, the next day.

You don’t cuss around the children but that doesn’t keep you from
inventing some silent new expressions as you hold back your inner
screaming. Reaching back into your store of wisdom, a distant memory from
a magazine article about gum removal makes its way to the top of your
mind. Maybe you can clean this up yourself without calling the carpet
cleaning business across town.

Okay, the first step is an ice cube. The chewing gum goes into rigor
mortis as the ice cube is rubbed across it. Ha! What a lovely gummy corpse
it is now, all nice and stiff.

What comes next? Oh, yeah. Scrape up the gum corpse with a dull knife. A
piece of plastic flatware does a nice job because it won’t damage the
carpet fibers and you can throw the whole bloody mess away when you’re
done.

After a not-so-reverent burial of the dead chewing gum, you return to the
scene of the crime. There are still some little globules of goo clinging
to the carpet fibers. Taking out your trusty three-speed, three-heat-level
hair dryer, you aim its nozzle at the offending material as you giggle to
yourself, “Die, chewing gum, die. Muah-ha-ha!” After it’s heated, rub a
little muscle-ache cream on the remaining globs. but be sure you’re using
something that has methyl salicylate in it. Mop up the remnants of the gum
with a cloth dampened with water and a dollop of dishwashing liquid, rinse
with cold water, and then dry the spot as fast as you can.

The next step requires a call to that commercial carpet cleaning company
across town. The gum cleaning episode has left one remarkably clean spot
in the middle of the living room, surrounded by a sea of grunge.

The final step: Hide Johnny’s cars and banish the pets from the living
room.

Spot cleaning spills as soon as possible after the spill occurs can be
quite successful.  If you have it handy, try pouring a little club soda
onto a clean rag and dab gently at the spot. Repeat several times, and
follow up by blotting with a clean, dry cloth.

Spray carpet spot cleaners can also produce excellent results in cleaning
carpets, but make sure the product is approved for your specific type of
rug with the spot.  Be sure to read the instructions carefully before
using the product, and it is usually recommended to do a product spot test
first in an out-of-the-way area.

Some carpet stains have specific instructions for their successful
removal:
.    Gum: First, try to remove all the larger chunks of gum that you
can, using a metal or plastic comb or something similar.  Applying ice to
solidify the gum may make this easier.  Next, try applying heat to remove
the gum residue.  Fold a clean damp rag twice over the spot, and use an
iron on a low setting to remove the residue.  Finally, use a carpet
cleaning solvent (test a patch in an out-of-the-way area first) to get at
the last of the gum.  If traces remain, it’s time to call in a carpet
cleaning company.  You can also restrict the kids to chewing gum outdoors;
good luck with that!
.    Pet Urine: This is a tough stain as the smell often remains after
cleaning.  Try using a cleaning product with enzymes for the best chance
of success.  If the odor remains, it is possible that the padding
underneath the carpet has been saturated, and that is a job best left for
the professionals.

When using any cleaning product, be sure to follow the instructions for
the material of which your carpet is made.  Fine wool and silk rugs are
very temperamental and won’t take the same treatment as modern synthetic
rugs.  When in doubt, it’s worth making a call to a reputable carpet
cleaning service, and many will provide free estimates.

The first thing to remember is that pre-treating is key. Carpets with
stain protection such as ScotchGard can make your life much, much easier.
This type of product actually repels stains and keeps them from soaking
into the carpet fibers.

All the protection in the world won’t save you from life’s little (or
huge) messes. In this case, using the proper techniques can help you keep
your carpet looking like new. First, always use an absorbent towel to sop
up liquid messes. Then blot the spill, don’t rub. Rubbing only forces the
stain deeper into the carpet fibers, and may leave you with a stain that’s
difficult or even impossible to remove. Now, it’s well known that for some
people it’s hard not to get in there with some serious elbow grease and
scrub the daylights out of the rug, but please resist the temptation. It’s
in your best interest.

Next, you’ll want to use a manufacturer-recommended carpet cleaner to help
release the remaining stain. If, like the majority of us out there, you
don’t know what the manufacturer’s recommendations are, then make sure you
use a trusted brand of carpet cleaner. Always test for colorfastness in an
inconspicuous spot first. Removing the color from your carpets defeats the
purpose of stain removal. Apply the cleaner generously and give it a few
minutes to penetrate. Then, gently blot until the stain lifts. Some carpet
cleaner makers recommend a light “rinse” using a clean cloth dampened with
lukewarm water. After the stain has lifted, allow the area to dry, and
then vacuum.

Sometimes you’ll have the dreaded non-liquid stains. (i.e., stepped-on
Pop-Tarts, dog poop) For this type of mess, use a clean cloth to remove as
much of the solid part of the stain as you can. Then, follow the above
steps to remove the remaining stain. As tempted as you may be, it’s never
a good idea to vacuum these types of stain first, as this will force the
stain deeper into the carpet.

With a little bit (aw, heck. A whole LOT) of patience, you can keep your
carpet looking like new.

Except for one minor detail. Carpet fibers are not strands growing from
living tissue. Don’t like the dye job on your head ’cause it resembles an
Aurora Borealis? Not to worry. Your hair will grow back its normal color.
But when your carpet ends up looking like a schizophrenic quilt you’ve got
problems. Carpet needs careful attention to achieve the best results. Some
experts consider carpet fiber to be more fragile than human hair.
Concerned about commiting unintentional hari-kiri on your beautiful
carpet? Don’t be alarmed. You have great company.

Archaeologists digging in the Altai Mountains in Central Asia discovered
the most ancient carpet — the Pazyryk carpet of the 6th to 5th century
BC.  Before that animal hides used as clothing also became floor
coverings. Later, industrious ancestors made crudely woven rugs from reeds
and other vegetation. Carpet fibers as we know them weren’t manufactured
commercially until the late 19th Century.

But there’s always been the problem of cleaning the carpets. Carpet
cleaning is a no-brainer, right? How long have we been tie-dying our
carpets? The most expensive carpet ever ruined — with the exception of
what was submerged on the Titanic — was a $351,000 carpet, specially
commissioned by Queen Elizabeth II, by spilled tea. Buckingham Palace
experts, who supervised the week-long $85,000 cleaning job, were baffled
as nothing removed the tea stains. Eventually the large section was cut
out and replaced. Historians, studying rolls of ancient papyrus, are
trying to verify tales by ancient mariners who tell of priceless flying
carpets dumped into the sea by marauders raiding cities in ancient Arabia.

But this is the 21st Century. And carpet cleaning should be simple. Not
so, say experts, who contend that old-time stains can still easily
outmatch the most potent carpet cleaning solutions. Stains that defy the
new millennium include blood; candle wax; stains from berries, grape
jelly, and tomato sauce; and red wine. But the solutions are equally old.
Blood, for example, can be removed using a diluted solution of dish
detergent. Ivory bar soap works on berry stains, say experts. And red wine
can be removed by offering it a chaser of white wine.

And spot cleaning your carpet is still the best way to maintain a clean
and healthy carpet. But regardless of your dilemma, carpet cleaning
professionals recommend a thorough carpet cleaning at least once a year.
Carpet cleaning services follow manufacturers’ recommendations and can
offer tips on keeping your carpet trouble free.

Surprisingly, a few household products can work as well as expensive
chemicals on stains.  For example, hydrogen peroxide reacts chemically to
bubble away blood and other substances and will not lighten the carpet if
cleaned away quickly afterward.  Pour some hydrogen peroxide in a spray
bottle; you may want to dilute it half-and-half with tap water.  Spritz it
onto the stain and let it bubble for sixty seconds.  Then wipe the stain
gently away.  Follow by spritzing with water, wiping, and repeating a few
times.  Another common household product helpful to carpet is baking soda,
an inexpensive, safe deodorizer.  To freshen carpet, sprinkle baking soda
over the carpet and let it settle for at least an hour.  Then simply
vacuum it up.  Repeat, or use more baking soda, on areas that need more
help (for example, the corner where the dog likes to sleep).

You may find it worthwhile to invest in a steaming carpet cleaner for home
use.  Priced similarly to vacuums, these are a great way to deeply clean
your carpet.  Professional cleaning is expensive because you must pay
every time you get your carpet cleaned; when you buy a steam cleaner, you
are paying once for a product you can use over and over yourself.  These
are convenient because you can use them on demand for an unexpected mess
(a spilled drink or a pet accident) as well as for a planned monthly
cleaning of the entire floor.

Even families that put a lot of stress on their carpet by having pets and
children can maintain their carpet in a clean, presentable state with the
use of a few common cleaners and regular steam cleaning.

A professional cleaning service, if competent and well-trained, can make
your carpets and upholstery look bright and new. The power of
truck-mounted equipment and hot water extraction can make all the
difference in the world.

Begin by looking in the Yellow Pages (in print or online at
yellowpages.com), under Carpet & Rug Cleaners. You will no doubt find at
least a handful, and in a large city, probably a few dozen. How do you
decide which of these companies is right for you? If you are methodical
about it, you can narrow down the choices until you find the best cleaning
service.

Make a few telephone calls and get price quotes, starting with companies
that are smaller and locally-owned. Ask them exactly:

* what they do,

* how they do it,

* how much it costs, and

* what kinds of machines and chemicals are involved.

Truck-mounted equipment is standard, but is not always necessary for a
thorough, professional cleaning job. The good companies will have portable
equipment that does the same job as a truck-mounted extractor. What you
want is to make sure that they vacuum, treat stains, spray with detergent
(what kind?), and have some sort of agitation or scrubbing, then hot-water
extraction — in that order. You also want to make sure that they wear
shoe covers when they come into your home. Many companies describe on
their websites exactly what they do.

Try to find a company such as oxifresh.com that uses “green” or
eco-friendly cleaning products; they’re better for the environment and for
your health and your family’s. This is especially important if you have
pets and/or small children. You can even use the words “green carpet
cleaning” in a web search. Many small, locally-owned companies such as
missoulagreencarpetcleaning.com now offer environmentally safe services –
check in your area.

Don’t base your decision solely on the above, but ask a few more
sophisticated questions.

* Is the company insured and bonded? If they do any damage in your home,
who pays for it?  If you are injured because of something directly related
to the cleaning (breathing fumes, or slipping on a wet carpet) who pays
for it?

* Do they do the work themselves? Some places advertising themselves as
carpet/upholstery cleaning companies are actually sub-contractors who hire
the work out to a third, independent person. Some of these are good, but
many are not! You can’t take that risk.

* Is the company a member of the Better Business Bureau? (Often it’s a
good idea to check the company out with the BBB at http://www.bbb.org to
see what their record is.)

* Ask around the neighborhood — talk to people at your church, school,
grocery store. Has anyone ever heard of or employed this company? How
satisfied were they? Look on the internet and see if the company is listed
on any consumer reports-type websites, and what kind of ratings they
received.

* Are the workers trained and certified with an organization such as the
Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification
(http://www.iicrc.org) or the Restoration Industry Association
(http://www.ascr.org)?

* Do they have an iron-clad guarantee — if they messed up, missed
something, or in any way you are not pleased with the results, do they
offer a full refund?, will they come back and correct the problems for
free?

It’s not impossible to find high quality carpet and upholstery cleaning
service at reasonable prices. Follow these guidelines, and you will avoid
a lot of unnecessary frustration.

Deciding to clean your carpets yourself can save you money.  However,
before you clean them, you will want to take the time to research the best
cleaning solutions to use on the type of material your carpet is made
with.  Certain solutions should not be used on many materials.   For
example, bleach products can not be used on carpets containing wool.   Do
the research required or you may cause permanent damage with your home
carpet cleaning techniques.

You will also want to consider the type of stains in the carpet.  Is it
simply dirt build up?  Or is your child or animal prone to accidents?
Urine stains, juice stains, and other cruddy matter may require a
different type of solution.   The solution must be able to break down the
matter and pull it up out of the carpet without doing any damage.   Using
the wrong solutions on stains can actually set them further and make them
a permanent fixture in the material.

When you hire a professional carpet cleaning company, you will find they
will be knowledgeable about all of the available solutions that can be
used on the type of carpet you own.  The stains that haunt your dreams
will be able to be removed by them quickly and efficiently.   Just make
certain you are honest about what the stains actually are, as this will
help them choose the right solution to clean them.

The big questions is whether you want to spend money to hire a carpet cleaning company to get your carpets looking new or do you want to take a
chance and try to figure it out for yourself?  By hiring a professional to
do the job, you can be certain that the job will get done in the most
efficient and effective manner as possible.

So, what do you do to remove stubborn pet odors, stale cigarette smells,
or smelly food spills from your carpet?  You deodorize.

There are many over the counter products being sold in stores today that
promise everything from great smelling carpets to complete sanitation.
The problem is that most of these preparations can’t actually deliver on
their promises, no matter how fastidious the user is.  The problem is that
there is a lack of understanding of the proper methods of removing
specific odors by the homeowner.

Odor chemistry is as diverse as the situations that make them.  The
chemical make up of each odor determines the best method of odor removal.
For example, did you know that a urine stain contains an ammonia base that
is best neutralized with a specific enzyme?  Most people believe that over
the counter carpet stain removers will also remove odors, but most merely
cover it up.  As soon as your nose becomes accustomed to the perfume in
the cleaner, the original odor is noticeable again.  Professional carpet
cleaners are skilled in the art of understanding what causes specific
odors and the best way at removing them.

Your health and the health of your family can also be directly affected by
the improper use of deodorizers.  The chemicals used to remove odors can
poison small children or pets and should be used sparingly.  A
professional carpet cleaner can thoroughly sanitize your carpet, keeping
your carpet from releasing pollutants into your indoor air, reducing the
instance of respiratory illnesses such as asthma and allergies.

You should have your carpet professionally cleaned and deodorized at
minimum every year, but it is recommended that you have it done semi
annually, especially in high traffic areas to prolong the life of your
carpet and maintain a healthy, happy home.