Carpets can take a lot of wear and tear, but with some easy do-it-yourself tips, you can take care of them and keep them looking fresh and new, all on your own without needing to hire a professional. In a busy home, carpets can get pretty dirty, especially in places where many people walk. While it’s great to have them cleaned by professionals, that isn’t always affordable for everyone. Fortunately, you can keep your rugs and carpets looking fresh by following some easy do-it-yourself steps. Here are some tips to help you clean and maintain your carpets.
Stain Removal
Here’s what to do immediately:
- Remove solids: Get rid of any crumbs or solid bits on the carpet.
- Blot liquids: Use a clean, dry cloth to soak up as much of the wet stain (liquid and grease) as possible. Don’t rub!
After blotting, use a cleaning agent:
- Test first: Before applying any cleaner (even homemade ones), test it on a hidden part of the carpet to make sure it doesn’t discolor or damage the fibers.
- Consider homemade options: If you don’t have carpet cleaner, common household items like baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, or ammonia can work.
- Remember: Stain type matters: The best cleaner depends on what caused the stain.
- Know when to call a pro: Some stains are too difficult to remove yourself, and you’ll need professional help.
Routine Cleaning
Regular vacuuming is essential for maintaining carpets, requiring a weekly cleaning routine to remove embedded dirt. For wall-to-wall carpets, dividing the area into quadrants and cleaning slowly ensures thorough suction and dirt removal, especially in high-traffic zones. Adding baking soda to the vacuum bag can also help eliminate unpleasant odors from the carpet.
DIY stain removing solution at home
Maintaining carpet cleanliness involves regular cleaning practices, supplemented by professional carpet cleaning at least twice annually to address deeply embedded dirt unreachable by standard vacuum cleaners.
