Tips for Keeping your Carpet Clean
No one likes a dirty, stained carpet in their home. Sometimes it can feel like the stains and dirt are racking up faster than you can clean them. The key is doing the right things the right way. Here are a few tips to help keep your head above water with this never ending chore.
Blot, don’t rub spots
A common mistake many people make when cleaning up stains is they will try to rub the spot out. Doing this actually just spreads the stain wider and drives it deeper into the carpet fibers. Instead, you’ll want to lightly blot the spot with a wet rag until you pull start to pull the spot out. A simple formula for removing basic spots goes as follows. One-fourth cup white vinegar, one tablespoon of dish soap, and water. Then spray the area liberally, let it soak for 5-10 minutes, and you’ll begin to blot out the spot until it is gone. You may want to test a small area first. Stubborn spots might need turned over to professional carpet cleaners.
Use your vacuum the right way
Vacuums are obviously the most widely used method of keeping floors clean, but they also may be the most misused. These are a few tips to using your vacuum more effectively. First, start with a clean bag or filter when you vacuum. A dirty bag or filter can cut your vacuum’s sucking power by half. Make sure to replace your bags when they get three-quarters full to prevent that from happening.
Second, it’s important to vacuum at the right speed. Go slowly over the carpet to suck up as much dirt as possible. Go once over low traffic areas and twice over high traffic areas.
Third, (and this is the one most people don’t think about it) put the height of your vacuum at the right height for your carpet. If your vacuum is set too low, it may damage the vacuum’s roller brush, drive belt, and your carpet. On the other hand, if it is too high it won’t pick up all the dirt.
Carpet protection
When you spill something on unprotected carpet the fibers absorb the mess creating long lasting stains and odors. Carpet protection is simply meant to repel any stains from getting into the carpet. It doesn’t guarantee that there won’t be any damage, but it does make any stains more superficial and easier to clean. It is relatively inexpensive to use. The average cost per square foot varies, but can be a very cost-effective way of protecting your carpet.
Professionally clean periodically
Another crucial element to keeping your carpet neat and clean is to involve professionals in the cleaning process semi-annually or at least annually. With their specialized equipment they will be able to maintain a level of cleanliness that no home remedy could match. At Hitchcock Clean and Restore located in the Fleetwood, Michigan area we are committed to helping you keep your carpet looking the way it did when you first bought it. Don’t hesitate to call and let us answer any questions you might have and work with you in keeping your carpet clean year round.
