Whether you have coffee stains on a cream-coloured carpet, crayon marks from cheeky toddlers, or simply a build-up of everyday dust and dirt, all carpets need a little care and attention every now and then. What puts many homeowners off of carpet cleaning is the effort involved in moving furniture and waiting for the fibres to dry, but carpet care doesn’t have to be difficult. If you’ve ever wanted to know how to clean carpets with ease, here are a few swift, simple ways to remove stubborn stains and lingering smells.
Regular maintenance of your carpet will help make deep cleaning it easier. Carpets need to be vacuumed once a week and more often in areas that are prone to dirt. This will prolong the life of your carpet and prevent a build-up of dirt.
Tried and Tested Carpet Cleaning Tips
How to use powder as a carpet cleaner
Using powder is a great way to clean your carpet. This is the best strategy for cleaning your carpet with powder, whether it’s a powdered carpet cleaner or baking soda:
Sprinkle the powder liberally over the carpets.
Leave the powder for at least 30 minutes – but if you can leave it overnight, all the better – this time gives the cleaner a chance to work, softening the stains and consuming the odours.
Vacuum up the powder when you’re done.
Whether you have coffee stains on a cream-coloured carpet, crayon marks from cheeky toddlers, or simply a build-up of everyday dust and dirt, all carpets need a little care and attention every now and then. What puts many homeowners off of carpet cleaning is the effort involved in moving furniture and waiting for the fibres to dry, but carpet care doesn't have to be difficult. If you've ever wanted to know how to clean carpets with ease, here are a few swift, simple ways to remove stubborn stains and lingering smells.
Tried and Tested Carpet Cleaning Tips
How to use powder as a carpet cleaner
Using powder is a great way to clean your carpet. This is the best strategy for cleaning your carpet with powder, whether it’s a powdered carpet cleaner or baking soda:
Sprinkle the powder liberally over the carpets.
Leave the powder for at least 30 minutes – but if you can leave it overnight, all the better – this time gives the cleaner a chance to work, softening the stains and consuming the odours.
Vacuum up the powder when you’re done.
How to use carpet shampoo
Carpet shampoo is another popular way to clean your carpets. There are many different brands of carpet shampoo, so make sure that you follow the guidance on the label.
Make up the solution as directed on the packaging. In many cases, the product will need to be diluted with water.
Use just enough carpet shampoo to cover the area.
Do not make the carpet too wet – not only is this a waste of detergent, but it’s also going to increase drying time.
Scrub on the particularly stubborn areas using a hard-bristled brush.
Let the carpet dry.
Vacuum the shampoo once it has dried.
The Best Carpet Cleaners for You: Powder or Shampoo?
When it comes to cleaning carpets, plain old soap and water just isn’t going to cut it, especially if you’re dealing with persistent stains, deep-seated odours, or years worth of caked-on muck. Most people go for either carpet powder or carpet shampoo when cleaning the carpets in their home.
For tackling stains and dirt, it’s worth looking for a dedicated carpet powder rather than a shampoo if you want to make it a quick job. Shampoos can take hours to dry, leaving the room off-limits until ready. Powdered products can be vacuumed up much quicker, and do just as good a job.
Whatever carpet cleaning product you use, make sure to read the directions and follow any instructions.
Natural Carpet Cleaning Products
If you’d rather use natural carpet cleaning products, there are some everyday kitchen cupboard staples that work wonders. Most people have heard about using soda water or tonic water to counteract coffee stains, but salt is also a good alternative for removing dirt or soaking up fresh stains. Also, baking soda absorbs those nasty smells hiding amongst the fibres. Remember, when using a new cleaning method or product, always test it on a small area first.
Handy Carpet Stain Remover Tricks
For isolated stains, it’s always best to get them up as soon as possible before they really dry into the carpet material. Remember, don’t be tempted to wipe any stains – blot them instead to prevent the stain from smudging or going deeper into the carpet. While you can spot clean using a detergent, it’s also worth trying these handy stain remover tricks, too, depending on the source of the stain:
For sticky stains like gum, harden it using an ice cube before prying it off.
For smelly stains, mix equal parts vinegar and warm water and apply to the area with a cloth.
So there you have it – faultless, stain-free carpets can be yours. Enjoy fresher, brighter-looking rooms!
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean my carpets?
Larger carpets in the home should be deep cleaned at least once a year. For rugs and other carpets, it’s ok to vacuum them once a week and spot clean when necessary if they’ve been stained.
How much will it cost to clean my carpets?
Depending on what method of cleaning you choose, the cost will differ. You will pay more for professional carpet cleaners than if you tried some at-home remedies yourself.
What type of stains can be removed by this carpet cleaning process?
Most common stains like coffee, red wine, and food stains can be removed with our easy, at-home suggestions above.
Is there any way to remove pet stains from my carpet?
If your pet has left stains on the carpet, you can certainly use any one of our handy carpet cleaning tips and tricks to clean it up in no time. Always remember to blot the stains first to remove excess smudging.
What are the benefits of cleaning your carpet?
Spot cleaning and spring cleaning your carpets will keep them clean and hygienic for the whole family. Regular vacuuming and refreshing could also prevent allergens, dust and mites from settling into the carpet.