How to Take Care of Your Carpet: Deep Cleaning and Stain Removal

• Vacuum regularly - Especially high-traffic areas. At least once per week.

• Start with an empty bag or filter - Dirty filters can cut the suction power of your vacuum by as much as half.

  
  

• Vacuum at the right speed - Slow down over high-traffic areas to make sure it's cleaned thoroughly.

• Use walk-off mats - Remove dirt from your shoes and feet before it even reaches your carpet.

2. Clean stains right away!

As careful as we may be, sometime we spill something nasty on our carpets. Remove the stain as quickly as possible! The longer a stain stays on the carpet, the more it interacts with your carpet's fibers and the harder it will be to remove. In most cases, a stain can be cleaned with plain old water so long as it's caught early enough.

If water alone isn't enough, you can try a vinegar and water combination, or club soda. There are also commercial available cleaning products you can obtain for really tough stains. When removing a stain, BLOT, don't rub or scrub. Blotting removes the stain without pushing it further into the fibers.

3. Don't be afraid to get help

Deep cleaning your carpet removes tough dirt and soil from deep within your carpet which keeps it looking great and remove allergens and irritants from your home. Although you might be able to do some of this cleaning yourself with rented home unit, this will only do part of the job.

To make sure you get rid of all the dirt, you're going to have to hire a professional, like Canada Home Maintenance. A professional has the equipment and the skill to clean all the way to the bottom of your carpet. Doing this every 1 to 2 years will greatly increase the lifespan of your carpet.

Deep Cleaning Your Carpet:

1. Gather Your Supplies:

Before you begin, make sure you have the following supplies ready:

• Carpet cleaner (you can use a commercial product or make a DIY solution)

• Carpet cleaning machine or rental

• Scrub brush or carpet brush Clean, white towels or paper towels

• Warm water

2. Vacuum Thoroughly:

Start by thoroughly vacuuming your carpet to remove loose dirt and debris. This step will make the deep cleaning process more effective.

3. Pre-treat Stains:

Identify any stubborn stains on your carpet and pre-treat them with an appropriate stain remover. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for the stain remover you're using.

4. Prepare Your Cleaning Solution:

If you're using a commercial carpet cleaner, follow the instructions on the product label. For a DIY solution, mix warm water with a few drops of dish soap or a carpet cleaning solution of your choice.

5. Use the Carpet Cleaning Machine:

If you have a carpet cleaning machine, fill it with your prepared cleaning solution according to the manufacturer's guidelines. Slowly and systematically clean your carpet, making sure to overlap your strokes for thorough cleaning.

6. Hand Scrub Tough Spots:

For particularly stubborn stains or high-traffic areas, use a scrub brush or carpet brush to gently agitate the carpet fibers while applying the cleaning solution. Be careful not to scrub too vigorously to avoid damaging the carpet.

7. Rinse Thoroughly: After cleaning, rinse your carpet by running the machine with just water to remove any remaining cleaning solution. Repeat this step until the water runs clear.

8. Allow to Dry: Open windows or use fans to help your carpet dry faster. It's essential to ensure your carpet dries completely to prevent mold or mildew growth.

Stain Removal:

1. Act Quickly:

The key to effective stain removal is to address spills and stains promptly. Blot the stain with a clean, white towel to absorb as much of the liquid as possible.

2. Choose the Right Stain Removal Method:

Different stains require different treatments. Here are some common stain removal methods:

• For wine or juice stains, mix water and a little dish soap, then blot the stain.

• For coffee stains, use a mixture of water and vinegar.

• For ink stains, try rubbing alcohol or acetone.

• For pet stains, use an enzymatic cleaner designed for pet odors and stains.

3. Blot, Don't Rub:

When treating stains, always blot the area with a clean towel or paper towel. Rubbing can spread the stain and damage the carpet fibers.

4. Test in an Inconspicuous Area:

Before using any cleaning solution on your carpet, test it in an inconspicuous area to ensure it doesn't cause discoloration or damage.

5. Patience is Key:

Stain removal may require several attempts. Be patient and persistent, and continue blotting and treating until the stain is gone.

By following these steps for deep cleaning and stain removal, you can keep your carpets looking and feeling their best. Regular maintenance and quick action on stains will help extend the life of your carpets and keep your home a clean and inviting place to be.

If you have tried all of these steps and still cannot remove the stain, call for help!