You expect warmth and comfort when you walk barefoot on your soft carpet. You feel something sticky instead. Stepping in an unknown substance is worse than stepping over a Lego. It may seem like a Greek tragedy to carpet care specialists, but you don’t need to wrestle a bear. Keep your carpets in top condition with these tips.

Let’s start by tackling those stubborn stains. Have you ever spilled coffee or red wine? You panic and grab the towel closest to you. Stop! Blot, don’t rub. Rubbing just spreads the stains around like a bad word of mouth. Baking soda and vinegar work wonders on a variety of stains. Sprinkle baking soda on the stain and spray with vinegar-water. Let the foaming begin. Then dab the area. This is like a science project for your carpet.

What about the dirt and grime which makes your carpet appear as if it has lost its will to survive? Vacuuming doesn’t have to be for show. Regular vacuuming will prevent your carpet from becoming a matted, sad mess. Pro-tip: Do not forget to go over the high traffic areas several times. The floor of your living room is as busy as Times Square at New Year’s Eve. But, the bedroom? Not so much. Give it the attention that it wants.

Steam cleaning is the heavyweight champ. Steam cleaning is more effective than vacuuming because it goes deeper, examines the fibers and removes dirt that’s been hidden. Renting a Steam Cleaner might be well worth it. This is like giving your carpet a spa treatment, it rejuvenates and raises the quality of it. Be sure you choose one that has good reviews. Don’t buy a dud.

Have you ever had a bad smell that won’t go away? Again, baking soda comes to the rescue! Sprinkle the baking soda over your carpet, leave it for a couple of hours (or overnight if you are feeling adventurous), and then vacuum it up. This is a piranha to those bad smells. Essential oils are another hot tip. Sprinkle baking soda with a few drops of essential oils. Your carpet will not only smell fresh but the whole house will.

Do you love it when the sun shines and you can open your windows? So does your carpet. The sun is a disinfectant by nature, and the fresh air will do wonders to remove that musty odor. Be careful, too much sunlight can bleach carpets and make them look like they were dyed badly. Here, moderation is the key.

How do you deal with allergies? Carpets can act as a sinkhole for allergens such as pollen, pet hair, and dust mites. Hypoallergenic cleaning products can help. Search for products free of harsh chemicals and perfumes. Vacuuming frequently with a HEPA-filter vacuum can be a lifesaver.

Have you ever dropped gum or wax before? You can use a bag of ice to your advantage. You can remove the blob by freezing it until it becomes hard. Put a paper towel on top of the wax and iron it at low heat. The wax will magically transfer onto the paper towel.

Have pets? Pets make your home feel like a home, but can also leave behind fur or worse. Rubber squeegees can remove pet hair more effectively than vacuums. An enzyme cleaner can be used to remove both the stain as well as the smell from pet urine.

Maintenance is much easier than restoration. Vacuuming and spot cleaning regularly can go a long ways. You can compare it to dental hygiene. If you don’t keep up, the problem will get worse and cost more.

You now know the A-Z of carpet cleaning, without having to pull out your hair. The next time you notice a stain or your carpet is looking dull, use these tips. Not only are you saving your carpet, but also giving your home some TLC.

NAP:
Ultra Brite Carpet & Tile Cleaning North Shore
79-83 Longueville Road, Lane Cove NSW 2066
(02) 8015 5143