A carpet undeniably adds beauty to your home, and keeping it clean is a really difficult task. Carpet cleaning is a task that requires a lot of patience and experience to be done properly. A clean carpet makes a room look very neat, regardless of its size.
When you walk into a home improvement store, grocery store, or regular hardware store, what’s the first thing you see next to the cash register? It may shock you, but the truth is that you see carpet shampoo. You may find it hard to believe, but some rental companies actually believe that the equipment and materials they sell will clean your carpets without damaging them. However, the truth is that there are many ways to clean carpets, but only one is guaranteed to meet your individual needs, and that is to hire a professional carpet cleaner.
How do I clean my carpet myself?
When carpet cleaning is needed, many factors come into play when deciding which method is best for your carpet. The professional will evaluate the carpet based on criteria such as the condition of the carpet, the degree of soiling, the size of the area to be cleaned, the amount of time needed, and how quickly the carpet needs to dry and be functional again for the homeowner.
There are three basic methods for cleaning carpets: Hot water extraction, very low moisture cleaning, and dry cleaning. Before you start cleaning your carpet, it is always advisable to consult a reputable company that will help you choose the right cleaning method for your carpet. There are many companies in the market today that can be considered for carpet cleaning.
Dry cleaning of carpets
The procedure of dry cleaning of carpets is done in this manner. Chemical cleaning agents are used to remove the dirt. Dry cleaning can be done in three methods: Dry foam, dry chemicals, or dry mixtures. In the dry foam method, the carpet is usually shampooed, then dried and vacuumed. This brings up the dirt with the dried foam. In the dry chemical method, a cleaning solution is applied to the carpet and the machine then rotates the large hood from side to side to pick up the dirt from the carpet.
This process continues until the cover is saturated with dirt, at which point it is replaced. In the dry-mix method, an absorbent mixture, similar to sawdust, is applied to the carpet, and then the machine rubs this mixture into the carpet, which absorbs the dirt. After the mixture dries, it is removed with a vacuum cleaner to get rid of the dirt.
Hot water extraction or steam cleaning
The hot water extraction method is the second method of carpet cleaning. This method is also called hot water extraction or steam cleaning. Many carpet manufacturers and carpet cleaning professionals still recommend this method.
In the hot water extraction method, water is pumped deep into the carpet by a high-pressure jet. The water is then drawn through a suction slot as it exits the carpet. With this method, a detergent or simply water is sprayed onto the carpet pile and the water and dirt are sucked into a tank with a powerful vacuum cleaner. This system can be mounted on a truck or you can have a small portable cleaning system at your home.
A truck-mounted system is recommended because the dirt and moisture are removed, otherwise, they circulate back into the home. Truck-mounted cleaning systems are considered more efficient and effective than small portable systems, but with advances in technology, many portable systems can be just as effective.
Low moisture carpet cleaning
Very low moisture carpet cleaning is the third method. It is very similar to dry cleaning and uses a rotary or oscillating machine to clean carpets. First, a cleaning solution is sprayed on the carpet to loosen and absorb the dirt, and then high-pile cotton or synthetic mat is used to pick up the dirt on the carpet. The main difference between this method and the dry method is that the pads are moistened in a cleaning solution or clear water to aid in the dirt absorption process. Your carpets will be cleaner than with the dry method and the drying time will be significantly reduced compared to the hot water extraction method.
Clean your carpet before it gets too dirty. Carpets should be cleaned every 10 to 12 months, depending on the number of people living in the house, the type of activity, the number of children and of course the color of the carpet – light or dark. Remember, even though dirt is not as visible on dark carpets as it is on light carpets, the carpet is still dirty and needs to be cleaned to preserve the wear and tear on the carpet.
Routine carpet cleaning Do’s and Don’ts
There are a few things to consider when cleaning your home carpet, especially if you want to do it yourself. There are many carpet cleaning services offered by different companies that can save you time and hassle. However, if you want to do it yourself or do not have a sufficient budget, you need to weigh the pros and cons of carpet cleaning.
What you need to do to clean your carpet:
1. Schedule a day when you want to clean the carpet.
Cleaning the carpet in your home can be a tedious and time-consuming task. There is a lot to do, such as moving furniture, finding the right cleaning product, etc. It is best to schedule it for a long weekend or spring cleaning when that time suits you. With good planning, you can also clean more efficiently.
2. Vacuum the carpet regularly or before cleaning with a carpet cleaning solution.
Vacuuming the carpet before cleaning with a carpet cleaning solution is a great way to speed up the cleaning process. There are many things that are difficult to clean with a cleaning solution alone, such as dirt, hair, paper shreds, or other small items. Vacuuming your carpet regularly will also keep it cleaner longer.
3. move your furniture while cleaning the carpet.
If you want to clean the carpet thoroughly, you should also clean the areas where the furniture is. Move the furniture to get to the areas underneath. In this way, you will ensure that it is thoroughly cleaned and you will be able to prolong its life.
What not to do when cleaning a carpet:
1. do not use a simple carpet cleaning solution.
There are special cleaning solutions for different types of carpets. Do not use anything without knowing what type of solution is best. Using a cleaning solution that is not compatible with your carpet can damage the fibers and cause damage to the carpet. So, when buying the cleaner, find out which type of solution is best.
2. do not pull the loose ends of the carpet.
Sometimes fibers can stick out of the carpet and disturb the design. If you have this problem, never try to pull them out by hand. If you do, you could have a gaping hole in your carpet. To fix this problem, you can simply cut off the loose fibers. This will restore the carpet to its original shape without damaging it.
If you follow these simple carpet cleaning tips, you can be sure that you will do a good job without much effort.
