Constantly dealing with all manner of domestic chores can quickly become a daunting task, and more so, it can make you despise household maintenance. In such situations, it’s always a good idea to take a break from cleaning for a while and look for easier ways to keep your household spotless and minimise your efforts when it comes to carpet cleaning. There are many helpful DIY guides for different cleaning detergents, tips and tricks for various chores and step-by-step tutorials on achieving great results with minimal effort.
There are thousands of easy-to-follow carpet cleaning guides on the internet. Even though 80% of them deal with various stains and spills, some have helpful information on keeping your carpets clean without sweating out a single drop.
The Good Old Vacuum Cleaning Method
The simplest, and in most cases the easiest way to take care of the messy state of your carpet is to use your vacuum cleaner. Be sure to use the proper brush attachments and to clean with a bit of force, especially in places where lumps of hair have gathered. This way, you’ll be able to remove any solid dirt and hairs which have managed to nestle between the fibres of your carpet. Regular vacuuming will keep your carpets and rugs clean and will prevent dirt, hair and pet fur from settling deep between the fibres, thus saving you time and effort when it’s time for deeper cleaning.
Vacuum in Different Directions
Vacuuming your carpet in different directions can help remove dirt and debris lodged deep in the fibres. Start by vacuuming your carpet in one direction, then switch to the opposite direction. Doing so will help loosen and remove the dirt you might have missed during the first pass.
The Steam Cleaning Method
If your carpet is clean or you’ve finished cleaning it with your vacuum, you can use a steam cleaner to wash it. Follow the instructions for the steam cleaner and proceed to clean your carpet by moving the cleaner in a horizontal or vertical motion. Professional carpet cleaners recommend using a proper detergent for the cleaning process. First, make sure that the detergent is compatible with the steam cleaner and add a bit of the detergent before you continue the process.
Use A Scrub Or Wire Brush
The next best thing after a vacuum cleaner (and in case your vacuum can’t clean your carpet efficiently) is a scrub or a wire brush. Both of these will successfully remove any hair, pet fur, threads that have sunken into the fibres of your carpet, and excess quantities of dust. Using force is a must with both of these, as light scrubbing may only push everything further into the carpet, which you want to avoid. Finally, make sure to scrub the surface of the carpet either horizontally or vertically, as circular motions will do nothing but complicate the cleaning process.
Rely on Detergents
You can use detergents combined with the scrub or wire brush to clean and wash your carpet simultaneously. For this method, you’ll need two buckets – one filled with clean water and one filled with detergent or a cleaning solution and water. Using the brush you’ve chosen to clean with, you’ll have to dip it into the bucket with the detergent and scrub your carpet horizontally or vertically for the best results. Keep dipping the brush as often as needed, and once you’re done with the scrubbing and cleaning part, you’ll have to rinse the brush thoroughly before rinsing your carpet using the bucket filled with clean water. After you’re done, allow the carpet to air dry.
Invest in a Carpet Stain Remover
Accidents happen, and sometimes stains are inevitable. By investing in a good carpet stain remover, you can easily tackle any spills or stains that occur without having to spend hours scrubbing away at them. Go for a stain remover that is safe for your carpet type and easy to use.
Use Baking Soda as a Natural Deodoriser
Baking soda is an affordable yet effective way to freshen your carpet without harsh chemicals. All you have to do is sprinkle baking soda over your carpet and let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour before vacuuming. This will help absorb any unpleasant odours and leave your carpet smelling fresh.
Use a Carpet Rake to Fluff Up Your Carpet
After vacuuming your carpet, use a carpet rake to fluff up the fibres. Doing so restores the carpet’s appearance and makes it look newer. Carpet rakes are affordable, and you can find one at most home improvement stores.
Place Doormats at Every Entrance
Prevention is key when it comes to carpet cleaning. For example, if you place doormats at every entrance to your home, you can keep dirt and debris from tracking onto your carpet. It will also help minimise the cleaning you need to do and keep your carpet looking cleaner for longer.
Use Area Rugs
Using area rugs in high-traffic areas of your home can help protect your carpet from dirt and debris. They are easy to clean, and you can remove and replace them when dirty or worn. Area rugs come in a wide variety of sizes and styles to match any decor, and you can purchase them at most home decor stores.
Use a Carpet Sweeper
If you have a small area rug or carpeted stairs that are hard to clean with a vacuum cleaner, a carpet sweeper might be the right tool for you. Carpet sweepers are manual devices that use rotating brushes to lift dirt and debris from the carpet fibres. They are lightweight, easy to use, and don’t require electricity or batteries.
Use a Portable Carpet Cleaner
A portable carpet cleaner is a small, handheld device that you can use to clean small areas of carpet, upholstery, and stairs. They are lightweight, easy to use, and don’t require any special skills or training. Fill the tank with water and cleaning solution, apply the solution to the carpet, and use the device to suction the dirty water.
Hire a Professional Carpet Cleaning Service
If you think your carpet needs a deep cleaning, hiring a carpet cleaning service may be worth it. A deep clean will remove dirt, dust, and allergens while restoring the look and feel of your carpet. These cleaning companies have the tools and expertise required to get your carpet looking like new again without you having to do any of the hard work. Look for a reputable carpet cleaning service and schedule a cleaning appointment every 6-12 months to keep your carpet in top condition. In addition, ask your cleaning professional about post-clean care to ensure your carpets look and feel their best.
Use a Carpet Protector
A carpet protector is a clear, protective coating applied to your carpet after cleaning it. It acts as a barrier to prevent spills and stains from seeping into the carpet fibres, making it easier to clean up messes. You can ask professional carpet cleaners to apply the carpet protector or purchase it from a home improvement store and apply it yourself.
Takeaways
If you want to avoid spending too much time or effort on cleaning your carpets, you can always follow the tips mentioned above. Remember to vacuum regularly and use a brush or a carpet rake to remove hair and pet fur. Baking soda is your affordable carpet deodorant, and when you don’t feel like cleaning, just rely on the help of professionals. It’s pretty simple, isn’t it?
