Let’s be honest, carpet cleaning often lands in that pesky pile of reluctantly-addressed household chores. Neglecting carpet cleaning can cause serious damage to your home. Carpet cleaning rental are a breeding ground for allergens and dust mites. Imagine your cozy evening being ruined by a whiff of old cheese. Yikes! It’s not as bad as it seems.
Gather ’round. First, all carpets do not have the same qualities. Each carpet has its own unique strategy. You wouldn’t dress in a tux for a mud race, would you? Exactly. Your delicate Persian carpet might benefit from a deep clean, but a shag rug? It’s not recommended. Treat your floor friend with respect by getting to know it.
Vacuuming is something that people often struggle with. Vacuuming is more than just a quick zip over the surface. This is more like using a metal detector to find lost treasures. The key is to move slowly, deliberately and repeatedly. Consider it a long-term relationship and not just a casual affair.
Do you have pets? Bless your soul. The pet hair will stick to the carpets as if it were a desperate lover. Prepare yourself for frequent defuzzing. Rubber squeegees can be used to remove pet hair from carpets before vacuuming. You might be judged by your neighbors based on the condition of your carpets. I’m kidding, but only sort of.
Spills can also be a carpet enemy. Remember that time you knocked your glass of red over? Right, panic mode? Blot first and don’t rub. Rubbing just spreads it around. It’s like trying to dry your hands with a wet towel. Press a paper towel or a cloth onto the spill and absorb as much liquid possible. A dab of baking soda and vinegar will work wonders on most stains.
Don’t forget the heavy-duty jobs. Steam cleaners are a great option. This device could be the best friend for your carpet. This machine injects hot, scalding water into the carpet fibers to remove dirt and grime. If you want to impress grandma with a spotless living room, then rent one or purchase it. Read the manual. You can trust me. I accidentally steamed the tail of my cat. We were both not happy.
Have you heard of carpet cleaners? A specialized carpet cleaner shampoo may be required for those truly grimy disasters. Sometimes, just like with humans, a simple scrub won’t do. Your carpet will be grateful if you combine it with some elbow-grease.
Mold is a disaster. Carpets can also become moldy, especially in humid, damp environments. If your home is a swamp, you should invest in a humidifier. Mold can ruin carpets and cause unpleasant health problems. Uninvited visitors, anyone?
Regular professional cleanings are important. Sometimes a DIY project won’t do. Professionals have the right tools and knowledge to get down deep and remove any nasty things that are hiding below the surface. It’s expensive, but it can help prevent your carpet from becoming a biohazard.
Oh, and one final tip. Drop the shoes. Indoor shoes or socks will do more to protect your carpet from dirt than dirty, outdoor-ridden shoes. You can keep out about 75% of dirt by avoiding outdoor footwear indoors. This is not a magic number.
Next time you put off carpet cleaning remember that even a small amount of effort can make an enormous difference. You’ll thank your lungs, sanity and even grandma. You never know when your neighbor, who is obsessed with cleanliness, might surprise you. Enjoy your cleaning!
NAP:
Ultra Brite Carpet & Tile Cleaning North Shore
79-83 Longueville Road, Lane Cove NSW 2066
(02) 8015 5143