To clean a carpet effectively at home, follow these steps:
- Move Furniture: Remove all easy-to-lift furniture so you can access the carpet fully. For heavy furniture, clean in stages by moving the items gradually.
- Vacuum Thoroughly: Vacuum the carpet to remove loose dirt, dust, and debris, especially in high-traffic areas and corners. Vacuuming at least once a week helps maintain cleanliness.
- Pretreat Stains: Use a carpet stain remover or a homemade solution like diluted vinegar (1:1 water to vinegar essence) on stained areas. Dab gently, do not rub, and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes.
- Deep Clean: Use a carpet cleaner with the appropriate formula, steaming, shampooing, or dry cleaning (powder or foam) method according to your carpet type. Make passes with the cleaner, first spraying the solution and then suctioning moisture.
- Rinse and Dry: After cleaning, rinse with clean water if necessary and extract excess moisture. Open windows or use fans to speed drying, and avoid walking on the carpet until it’s dry (4-6 hours minimum).
- Replace Furniture: Once the carpet is fully dry, move furniture back carefully to avoid damaging the carpet.
Household remedies like baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, or salt can be useful for spot cleaning stains like red wine, alongside commercial products.
Following these steps will keep carpets clean, maintain their appearance, and extend their lifespan.
