What you need to know about carpet cleaning

Did you know that a dirty carpet can make your home look messy and unkempt? A clean and well-maintained carpet is not just visually more appealing, it also makes the carpet last longer. To get your money’s worth, make sure that your carpet receives proper care and attention.

While regular vacuuming removes dust, crumbs, and other small debris from your rug or carpet, it is not enough to get rid of unwanted stains and odours. Carpet manufacturers suggest hiring a carpet cleaning specialist to give your carpet a deep clean at least once a year. The common carpet cleaning methods used by professional carpet cleaners are steam cleaning, hot water extraction, shampooing, and dry cleaning.

Tips on keeping your carpet clean

Vacuuming is your first line of defence against the buildup of dirt and grime that can destroy the carpet’s fibre. This is why frequent vacuuming is still the best way to keep your carpet looking clean and brand new.

Here are some things to remember when cleaning your carpet:

• Weekly vacuuming is advised. Do this more frequently in high-traffic areas around your home.
• Have your carpet thoroughly cleaned every 12 to 18 months. If you have a light-coloured carpet or if you have pets and kids, your carpet needs to be deep cleaned two to three times a year.
• To ensure that you don’t miss a spot, divide the floor into quadrants and vacuum an entire section before moving on to the next.
• Take your time when vacuuming plush carpets and high-traffic areas.
• Stains can be hard to remove when allowed to set. That’s why it is important to immediately clean spots and spills. You have a better chance of removing stains when you catch them while they are still fresh.
• If you are going to use a cleaning solution, test it first on an inconspicuous area and make sure that it will not cause any damage or discolouration.
• When applying a spot cleaner, work from the outer edges of the stain working your way toward the inside to avoid spreading of the stain.
• Make sure to read instructions carefully before using carpet cleaning products.

While these handy tips can help keep your carpet generally clean, it’s still important to schedule a professional carpet cleaning service at least once or twice a year. Over time, the colour fades and becomes dull, and the only way to revive that brand-new look is by hiring professionals. They are trained and equipped to handle all sorts of carpet issues. They can do wonders for your carpet.