Carpet Cleaning Orem is important to maintain its appearance with today’s stain-resistant carpeting. Carpeting also hides dirt, allergens, and pollutants. Clean carpets enhance the look and feel of a room. Spots and stains should be blotted, not rubbed, as rubbing damages carpet fibers and spreads the stain. Rubbing can also damage the carpet’s color and texture.
With a bit of foresight, you can minimize the number of stains and spills on your carpeting. Encourage people to eat and drink away from your carpets, and consider laying down rugs in high-traffic areas to help absorb the most accidental spills. Vacuuming regularly is also key to preventing dirt and grime from the ground into the fibers of your carpeting.
If a stain does occur, be sure to treat it promptly. The longer a spot remains on a carpet, the more it can penetrate deeper into the fibers and potentially through to the carpet backing if the stain is particularly stubborn.
Blot rather than rub to avoid pushing the stain further into the fibers and causing it to become even more difficult to remove. Using a clean white cloth, apply a cleaning solution that’s safe for your type of carpeting, following the instructions on the label. Test any cleaner on a small, out-of-the-way carpet area before applying it to the spot.
After a stain is treated, rinse and dry the carpet thoroughly to ensure that all traces of cleaner are removed from the fibers. Otherwise, the residue can attract dirt and cause the spot to reappear. It’s always best to work with natural cleaners that don’t contain harsh chemicals, but be sure to read the label and always test a cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area of your carpeting first.
Regular carpet cleaning and proper maintenance can significantly increase the lifespan of your carpeting and keep it looking newer for longer. The most effective approach is to prevent stains from forming in the first place by taking the preventative measures listed above.
The most common stains to avoid on your carpet are food, beverages, grease, ink, oil, blood, and pet urine. Nylon carpeting is almost always stain-resistant because it’s standard practice for manufacturers to apply protective chemical treatments during production. However, if your carpet is not stain-resistant, you can still take steps to reduce the risk of stains by:
While today’s carpet is stain-resistant, you can still skip regular cleanings. Regular carpet cleaning prevents dirt particles from being trapped in the fibers, which can re-soil the fabric quickly. Aside from removing the embedded dirt, cleaning also improves indoor air quality by reducing odors and pollutants.
Before the carpet cleaner arrives, vacuum the area and remove furniture if possible. This allows the professionals to get at the dirt hiding underneath and provides a fresh start. Vacuuming the baseboards and other hard-to-reach areas is also a good idea.
If you are using a dry method, mix the cleaning solution according to the instructions on the label. Working in a small 3-feet x 3-feet area is best to avoid over-saturating the carpet. Liberally sprinkle the mixture onto the carpet and use a scrub brush to work it into the fibers.
For wet methods, sprinkle a powder solvent onto the carpet. Depending on the product, directions may state that it must remain for about 15 minutes. Then, a special machine is used to dissolve the powder and extract the soil. Vacuuming is then required to remove the remaining solvent and soil.
Keeping children and pets off the newly cleaned carpet until it is completely dry is important. This protects them from the fumes and from running through wet spots that can ruin their shoes and clothing. Children and pets should be kept in a separate room or outdoors while the carpet is drying.
The same goes for any full-length draperies or skirts on upholstered furniture. Pin them up or remove them, if necessary. Then, a cloth or rubber band should be placed on the floor to prevent the fabrics from getting wet.
Lastly, move smaller items like lamps, knick-knacks, and toys to another part of the room. This prevents them from being knocked over or becoming a tripping hazard for the cleaning team. Additionally, you will want to free up a parking spot for the carpet cleaner’s truck-mounted equipment. This will make it easier for them to move the larger pieces of furniture and clean your entire home.
Regarding carpet cleaning, a little knowledge can go a long way. Knowing how to remove stains before they become permanent is crucial, especially since stain removal can be very expensive if done incorrectly. Whether it’s a fresh spill or something set in for months, there are ways to clean your carpet without causing damage.
For fresh stains, try to lift rather than rub the stain. Rubbing the spot will push the dirt or discoloration deeper into the carpet, often making removing it much more difficult. Instead, blot the spot with an absorbent cloth or paper towel. This will help remove most of the stain without saturating the carpet pad. Once the stain has been removed, rinse and blot the area again. This will help remove any residual detergent that can cause the carpet to resoil quickly.
If the spot is a water-soluble stain like juice or coffee, spray it with a solution of one part cold water and one part mild dishwashing liquid. Use a clean cloth to apply the solution and blot as it dissolves. This works well on most water-soluble stains.
Another simple, easy-to-use method is hydrogen peroxide. Use a clean white cloth to apply the solution and blot until the wine stain has been completely removed. Rinse the area with cold water and blot again to remove the remaining soap and water residue that can cause your carpet to resoil.
Use a safe product for your carpet type for more advanced stain removal. There are many different products on the market, some requiring special equipment. Check with your local carpet cleaner to see which products they recommend and can supply for your needs.
To keep your carpets clean, be sure to vacuum them regularly. Having a regular vacuuming program will keep the dirt from becoming ground-in and help extend the life of your carpets. Regular deep cleaning with SOA-certified solutions is also recommended and is sometimes required by the manufacturer to maintain your warranty and ensure the best results.
The carpet is luxurious and cozy, but it’s also high maintenance. It collects dust, dirt, and hair and can hold spills, odors, and allergens easily trapped in the fibers. To prevent dirt build-up, vacuum frequently. High-traffic areas should be vacuumed daily or every other day; low-traffic areas can be vacuumed weekly. Use a CRI-certified vacuum for optimum soil removal and dust containment and to avoid damage to the carpet.
If you have a lot of pet hair or stubborn stains that your vacuum cleaner can’t remove, try using a lint roller. It helps suck up the hairs, and it can get into corners and spaces that your vacuum cannot reach. You can also help keep dirt and debris from tracking into your carpet by putting out a durable entrance mat and requiring people to wipe their shoes before entering the house.
After a professional cleaning, staying off the carpet while it dries is important. Depending on the type of shampooing process used, it may take four to 24 hours for the rug to dry fully. To speed up the drying process, open windows and turn on ceiling fans to promote air circulation. To check that the carpet is fully dry, press on it with your hand. If you still feel moisture, suction the area further and repeat until your hand comes away clean.
Using a baking soda-and-salt solution can help to deodorize your carpet. Mix equal parts of borax (sodium borate, an alkaline mineral salt with a powdery white appearance) and baking soda. Spread the mixture on the carpet and allow it to dry. Vacuum it thoroughly to lift odors.
It’s easy to keep your carpet looking like new with regular maintenance and timely intervention. Vacuuming regularly, removing stains promptly, and shampooing the floor periodically keep your home healthier and more comfortable. For a deeper clean, hire a professional for a deep carpet cleaning once or twice a year. To save money, find a quality pro who provides references and an in-home inspection before offering a quote based on the square footage, type of carpeting, and condition rather than the number of rooms cleaned.
