Exploring Bedroom Furniture, Decorations and Layouts

Keeping Carpet Clean

26 January 2015

Margie Craig

If you have carpeting throughout your home, you will want to keep it looking clean to keep it looking nice. Dirty carpet is not a desired look and it is full of bacteria. Here are some methods you can use to keep your carpeting free from stains and dirt buildup.

Vacuuming

Take the time to vacuum your carpet at least weekly to remove any dirt from the surface of your carpeting. The longer you wait between vacuuming sessions, the harder it is to remove dirt. People will continue to walk on carpeting, pushing any dirt into the fibers. To avoid having dirt become embedded, vacuum frequently.

Steam Cleaning

Using a professional steam cleaning vacuum is recommended on many carpet materials to keep carpets looking like new. Buy a heavy-duty steam cleaning shampoo and steam all areas of the carpeting, giving a bit more attention to the high-traffic areas. The carpeting will need to dry completely before it can be walked upon so new dirt does not stick to the wet fibers of the carpeting.

Stain Removal

if something has spilled on your carpeting, there are a few ways to get it out so a stain does not remain. Never rub liquid that has spilled onto carpet because this will spread it into the fibers making a stain harder to remove. Instead, try to keep the stain contained by blotting with a clean towel. Start the blotting process from the outside edges of the stain and work your way to the middle. This helps to keep the stain small without dragging it across the carpeting.

Most stains will be water-soluble and can be removed using a mixture of water with vinegar. Mix a 1/4 teaspoon of vinegar with 32 ounces of water in a spray bottle and spray directly on the stain. Blot the area with a clean, dry cloth and allow the area to dry. Stains from tea, coffee, wine, vomit or blood need a little extra power to remove. Mix a tablespoon of ammonia with a cup of water. Pour it directly on the stained area. Allow it to sit for a minute and then blot with a clean cloth to remove.

Special Fibers

If you have an Oriental rug, liquid should be avoided in cleaning as the dyes can run very easily. Steam cleaning is not recommended. You can use a mixture of vinegar and water to spritz over a stained area, but it must be done with an extremely fine mist and should be blotted immediately. The carpet should not be hung, as it could lead to color bleeding. Instead, drape over a few items to allow it to dry horizontally.

Wool-fiber carpeting needs a little special treatment, as well. Stains in wool should not be treated with ammonia. Instead make a mixture of a tablespoon of dish detergent with a cup of water. This can be sprayed onto the carpet and then blotted out with a clean cloth. Talk to a professional like Chem Dry of Spotsylvania for assistance.

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