It’s no secret that carpeting can be a little dirty. The fibers of your carpet soak up all sorts of grime and dust, and the more you walk on it, the more it gets ground. This is why you’ll want to clean your carpet regularly. But how often? Below are some tips for carpet cleaning:
Clean your carpet at least once a year:
Experts recommend springtime. You’ll want to wait until after you’ve pulled out the heavy winter clothes, but before it gets warm enough to wear summer clothes. Spring is also a good time to clean your air conditioning filters, which have been collecting dust over the winter months. Cleaning these filters will make your home feel fresher and cleaner for the warmer months ahead.
When cleaning your carpets, use the right tools:
A vacuum with a rotating brush will help loosen up dirt deep down in the fibers of your carpeting and get rid of some of the grime that just isn’t coming up with regular vacuuming alone. An upright vacuum is preferable because they’re often better at removing dirt from carpets than canister vacuums. They generally have wider mouths and brushes that can cover more area as you vacuum.
Deep clean at least once a year:
If you have time for only one deep clean per year, focus on your upholstery, rugs, and carpets. Most of the dirt that builds up in these areas is dead skin cells and hair from people sitting or walking on them.
To get rid of stains as they happen, like dry spills, blot as much of the moisture as possible with paper towels before applying a mild detergent and water solution with a clean cloth or sponge. This will help prevent stains from setting in. For spots already set in, use an enzyme-based cleaner diluted in hot water to remove as much of the stain as possible.
Use a window squeegee to remove pet hair
A window squeegee can be used as a tool for removing pet hair that accumulates on your carpeting. Most of us have one in our homes already. Simply run the rubber edge over your carpeting and watch as it pulls loose hairs from the fibers and deposits them into a pile. You’ll need to do this several times for each area of your carpet in order to completely clear it of pet hair, but this is an easy way to get out even the most stubborn hairs that have been ground into the fibers of your carpet.
Check for colorfastness before you shampoo your carpets
Carpet manufacturers recommend cleaning carpets with a pH-neutral cleaner between semiannual professional cleanings. Be sure to check the colorfastness of any cleaning products you use before applying them directly to your carpets, and test an inconspicuous area first to ensure they won’t alter the color of your carpeting
Key Takeaway
Cleaning your carpet is an essential component of carpet maintenance. If you don’t clean your carpet, dander, pollen and other allergens will build up over time, making your home’s air quality uncomfortable for you and your family.
