Everyone is aware that carpeting involves a significant investment. Your carpet requires frequent and constant care in order to preserve and maintain its useful life, and its beauty. Here are some useful carpet cleaning tips.
Generally, these tips are relevant for upholstery cleaning also.
A regularly planned and scheduled carpet and upholstery cleaning and maintenance program, will make your carpet look better, last longer, and contribute meaningfully to a healthier home environment. Here are 4 steps to a fresh, clean and healthy carpet.
Vacuum Frequently.
Most people in the know will tell you that the most important element in a good carpet maintenance program is regular and frequent vacuuming. You need to vacuum often. Vacuum once a day if possible.
If you cannot, then vacuum at least once per week. Vacuuming will remove the abrasive soil that filters down and settles among the carpet or upholstery fibers. Abrasive soil causes the fibers to be cut and sliced by pressure from foot traffic or any other heavy mass passing over it.
When you vacuum you will also remove loose particles of sand, grit, skin scales, hair, leaves, food or bugs, etc., from the base of the fibers. Although you may not be able to see these, you should be aware that your carpet is a filter.
Carpets collect all the particulate material that floats in the interior environment of your home, or is tracked upon it.
Clean Up Spots and Spills Immediately.Â
This is a key habit, which could save you a lot of frustration, heartache or just cold cash. And spots and spills that are allowed to remain on the carpet can become permanent stains that will be difficult or impossible to remove.
Blot. Don’t rub !
If the carpet is new or has had protector applied recently, fresh spots and stains can be removed by simply blotting with water. So remember to blot. Don’t rub. Because rubbing could cause the stain to spread and just lead to more grief.
And you will probably need to remove some spots with a good spotting agent. Be wary of spot removers purchased over the counter.
Because some of them will leave too much soapy residue and can cause yellowing or re-soiling. Some spot cleaners contain strong oxidizing agents, reducing agents, or bleach. So, you need to know how to use these safely.
Call a professional
If you do not know, try one that is recommended by your friendly professional carpet cleaner. Just call the carpet cleaning company and ask for their recommendation.
A good company will always be willing to offer their help without charge, but you must be careful to describe the condition exactly. Most importantly, let them know what caused the spill. Apply the spot cleaner carefully to the spot, with a white terry cloth towel, and blot repeatedly.
Never rub it in. If you are not able to remove any spot, or for problems with pet urine or feces, call in your professional carpet cleaning company immediately.
Of course the same applies to your furniture.
For best results call a professional upholstery cleaning company.
Have Your Carpet Professionally Cleaned Often.
Most people do not realize how important regular deep cleaning by a competent, certified carpet cleaning company can be. Carpet manufacturers recommend that this is to be done at least once per year.
For heavily soiled traffic areas, this should be done more often. If your traffic areas are visibly soiled, you have already waited too long.
Have Carpet Protector Re-Applied After Cleaning.Â
Most residencies have stain resistant synthetic, usually nylon, carpet installed. They come pretreated with a protective coating that causes soiling material to slide off the fibers and leave the carpet looking clean for extended periods.
This coating will be removed with wear however, after treatment with some of the harsher chemicals used in cleaning.
Therefore, the carpet will get soiled much more easily, wear faster, and become susceptible to permanent staining.
Ask your professional carpet cleaner to re-apply protector after carpet cleaning.
This carpet cleaning tip is somewhat costly, but is well worth it.
