Whether you have wall-to-wall carpet or area rugs, carpet cleaning is essential for a sanitary living environment. Carpets are constantly in contact with dirt from shoes and pets and are prone to spills. Regular vacuuming, spot cleaning and deep cleaning can extend the life of your carpets and keep your home bright and sparkling clean.
Dust and soil build up cause carpets to look dull, retain odours, and can even wear out the fibres and backing of your carpet. Here are Hoover’s expert tips for cleaning your carpet like a pro.
How often to clean a carpet
Vacuuming at least once a week is a must for both wall-to-wall carpeting and area rugs. For households with pets or children, more frequent vacuuming is recommended. A good rule of thumb is that if the carpet is visibly dirty, it’s time to vacuum. Spills and stains should be addressed as soon as possible. Deep cleaning your carpets at least twice a year is also important as it makes routine cleaning easier.
What you’ll need:
Equipment / tools:
- Vacuum
- Spray bottle
- Microfibre cloth
- Bucket
- Oscillating fan
- Scrub brush with still nylon bristles
Materials:
- Distilled white vinegar
- Carpet cleaning solution
- Baking soda
- Table salt
Start by vacuuming thoroughly
Always start by vacuuming your carpets thoroughly with a high-suction powered vacuum. For best results, always clear furniture and other items from the carpet. Set the vacuum for the proper height of your carpet to get the strongest suction. Vacuum slowly over high traffic areas to make sure you get all the dirt and dust hiding in the carpet fibres. Be sure to use attachments to get corners, skirting boards and other hard to reach areas.
Every few months you can also flip your area rugs over and vacuum the back. This will get rid of the dirt and dust trapped in the foundation of the rug.
Pro tip: For households with pets, try a Hoover vacuum with a special pet hair attachment to make sure your carpets are extra clean and free of pet hair.
Spot-clean stains and spills
Clean liquid spills and stains as soon as possible! Be sure to read the instructions for any rug cleaning products you plan on using and test them in a small inconspicuous area before using them on the entire carpet or rug. If you’re cleaning an area rug that is vintage or wool, treat it gently and read any care instructions.
- Blot the spill with a dry paper towel or rag and try to absorb as much of the liquid as possible. Avoid scrubbing as this can cause the liquid to penetrate deeper into the carpet fibres.
- Apply a carpet stain remover or a homemade solution of vinegar and water with a spray bottle. Let the solution soak for 5-10 minutes to begin breaking down the stains and dirt.
- Blot the solution with a microfibre cloth. Have a bucket of clean water on hand to rinse the microfibre cloth as it gets dirty.
- Increase drying speed by opening windows, doors or using a fan to circulate air.
How to deep clean a carpet with baking soda and salt
After you have vacuumed and spot cleaned your carpet you can now try using a mixture of baking soda and salt for a deeper clean.
- Mix a one-to-one mixture of baking soda and salt and fill a spray bottle with cold water.
- Liberally sprinkle the mixture onto the carpet or rug. It may be easier to work in a grid pattern, so you don’t step over areas you’ve already cleaned.
- Spray cold water over the carpet. It should be very damp but not soaking wet.
- Use a scrub brush to work the baking soda into the fibres of the carpet. Move in one direction and then at a 90 degree angle to lift the soil and dust.
- Use old towels or rags to wipe away any excess dirt and debris. It’s ok to leave excess baking soda in the fibres. Allow the carpet to dry completely and then vacuum any remaining baking soda and debris.
How to get pet stains out of a carpet
Pet stains on a carpet are ugly and smelly, but fortunately, they are pretty easy to remove. Here’s how to get dog pee out of a carpet: Use paper towels or rags to absorb and remove as much liquid as possible. Then mix equal parts vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto the area to eliminate the smell. Blot the area once again to remove any excess liquid.
How to get wine out of a carpet
Wine stains are one of the most common and terrifying carpet stains. But don’t worry. If you’ve spilled red wine on your carpet, there is still hope. To clean red wine stains, blot up as much as you can- ASAP. Sprinkle baking soda or salt generously on the stain, giving it a few minutes to settle before vacuuming it up. If after these steps you can still see the stain, try a specialised carpet cleaning solution.
Additional tips for keeping your carpet clean:
- Use mats inside and outside doorways to trap soil.
- Take your shoes off before entering.
- Vacuum several times a week and spot-clean spills immediately.
- Keep your vacuum well-maintained to keep it functioning effectively.
- Brush and bathe pets regularly.
Maintaining clean carpets requires a combination of regular vacuuming, spot cleaning, and deep cleaning. Regular vacuuming helps prevent dirt buildup, while spot cleaning stains immediately preserves the carpet's appearance and longevity. Following these tips, along with preventive measures like using doormats and removing shoes, your carpets will look fresh for many years to come.
