Have you noticed that no matter how often you vacuum, your carpets just don’t look as clean or fresh as they used to? There’s no need to stress though! Deep cleaning is a lot easier than you think.
We all know how fast carpets can get dirty with all the foot traffic, spills, and general everyday wear and tear. Let’s find out what you can do to deep clean them in the comfort of your home.
Understanding Your Carpet Type
Before proceeding to clean your carpet, you must first determine what type of carpet you own. Its specific composition definitely affects how you should approach the process.
1. Wool
These beautiful carpets are naturally stain-resistant and quite durable. However, they require special care to protect them from damage. Overwetting can ruin the carpet for good.
Despite their sturdiness, they are too sensitive to harsh chemicals with a pH level of 8 or more.
The best way to tackle them is to hand clean small areas at a time using a diluted wool-safe cleaner and blot thoroughly. Avoid rented machines with this one.
2. Nylon
Carpets made from Nylon exhibit high resilience, allowing the use of more powerful cleaning techniques.
They stand well to frequent vacuuming and wet cleaning. Furthermore, such carpets can usually handle rented cleaning machines on low moisture settings.
3. Polyester
A favourite budget-friendly option, polyester carpets are quite durable in the face of daily mishaps. However, they are more prone to matting compared to other types.
Cleaning it by hand with a mild solution is the ideal option since vigorous cleaning methods can affect its quality over time.
4. Olefin
This inexpensive synthetic type is stain-resistant but traps dirt easily. You should pre-treat heavily soiled spots before wet cleaning.
A rented extractor machine works great, but you should test an area first. Moreover, if you wish to clean it by hand using a suitable carpet solution and brush, they are also effective.
The trick here is to be thorough with rinsing and to allow extra time for the dense fibres to dry.
5. Berber
Known for their textured loop pattern, berber carpets mask dirt and stains well but require frequent cleaning.
They can handle the strength of rented machines on low suction. Take your time so that all embedded dirt is effectively removed.
Identifying Your Carpet
If you can’t determine the type of carpet you have, there’s a smart hack to figure out the fibre content, known as the burn test.
Get a hidden piece of carpet fibre that can be burned, such as a cut snippet from underneath furniture or a seam.
Lightly touch the corner of the fibre sample with a match or lighter, but do that in a safe space to avoid accidents.
Finally, watch how it burns and notice the smell.
- Wool produces a strong scent like burnt hair as it chars and then turns to soft, light grey ash.
- Nylon melts and forms small bead-like drops similar to plastic. There will be no smell or a mild burnt plastic one.
- Polyester burns slowly and shrinks from the flames. You will notice an acrid chemical odour. The ash will be soft and fluffy.
- Olefin and Berber are a combination of synthetic fibres, so they will react the same way as nylon or polyester, depending on their blend percentages.
Preparing Your Space
Now that you have a good idea of what type of carpet you have, let’s ensure a smooth and efficient deep clean.
Before getting started, try to properly arrange your surroundings with these easy steps:
Clear the Room
Move any furniture, electronics, and decorations from the area where the carpet will be cleaned. This provides easy access.
You can gently wrap delicate/valuable items in blankets and move them out of the room.
Light up the Area
Open blinds and turn on bright overhead lights or a lamp to clearly see the details of the carpet. Good lighting will help you spot any stains that need pre-treatment before cleaning.
Vacuum Thoroughly
Give the entire carpeted area an efficient vacuuming session. Try to focus on edges, under furniture spots, and anywhere deep dirt accumulates.
Work in Sections
Divide the carpet into several sections while cleaning to avoid missing any parts during the deep clean.
Gathering Your Supplies
You’ll be glad to know that almost all of the supplies you need to deep clean your carpet are quite basic. You will surely find them already at home.
Check out the list here:
- Protective gear;
- Warm water;
- Mild soap or carpet shampoo;
- Baking soda;
- White vinegar;
- Clean microfibre cloth;
- Stiff brush;
- Sponge;
- Spray bottle;
- Bucket;
Different Methods for Deep Cleaning Carpets
There are various ways to tackle deep cleaning a carpet yourself, keeping in mind its specific type. This detailed guide will get you started.
By Hand
There’s no doubt that this is the most popular choice for cleaning carpets at home. All the tools are easily available to you, and the method is simple.
In general, hand cleaning your carpet is effective for deep cleaning smaller areas or spots. However, it will work well with a whole carpet but is extremely time-consuming.
Start by mixing a mild soap solution in a spray bottle using just ⅛ teaspoon of soap with warm water. This will slightly foam up while still being gentle on the carpet fibres.
Then, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda and table salt over the area you wish to clean.
This way, the odours will be absorbed by the baking soda as the salt lifts stains and dirt. Let this powerful mixture sit for a few minutes to do its magic.
Next, spray the soap solution evenly over the powder-coated carpet area, which will create a paste. Using a stiff brush, vigorously scrub the formula into the fibres.
Brush first in one direction to collect loose dirt in the bristles, and then switch directions to flush out any remaining residue.
Finally, use a clean towel to firmly press onto the carpet to soak up any excess solution or moisture. Let it air dry completely before stepping on it.
By Hoover
A method that’s both quick and simple, opting for a hoover deep clean is also another favourite for home cleaning.
All you have to do is mix warm water with mild dish soap in a bucket and stir it until you see bubbles.
Then, spread some baking soda all over the carpet and scrub it gently within the fibres using the soapy water. There’s no need to fully soak it.
The last step is to leave it to dry off and then use the hoover to vacuum thoroughly.
By Machine
Another popular method to deep clean your carpets is using a professional-grade cleaning machine, saving loads of time and effort.
You will find various options of high-quality machines to rent.
Simply, this is what you need to do:
- Mix your carpet cleaning solution according to the manual. You can use a mix of water with white vinegar or carpet shampoo if you prefer. Both are effective.
- Add it carefully to the machine’s solution tank.
- Turn it on and slowly pass it back and forth over the carpet. The way the carpet is agitated along with the heated water, will lift deeply embedded grime from the fibres.
- Let the solution dwell for 5 to 10 minutes before passing the machine again over the carpet.
- Remove excess moisture using the machine’s vacuum function. Leave the carpet to dry completely for a few hours.
- Clean the machine and get rid of the cleaning solution safely and effectively.
Tips for Carpets to Dry Faster
There are several techniques you can use to help your carpets dry quickly following a deep clean.
First, open up windows surrounding the damp carpets to allow airflow and good ventilation. You can also open them in other areas to promote air circulation as much as possible.
The next step is to use fans in the room. Point them towards the surface of the carpet and leave them on a low setting.
How Often Should You Deep Clean Your Carpet
The appropriate frequency depends on several factors.
Low-traffic areas only need it every 12 to 18 months. On the other hand, spaces with a lot of activity, like hallways and corridors, require deep cleaning at least twice a year in spring and fall.
Furthermore, homes with pets need more regular attention. Pet dander, especially from cats and dogs, can rapidly spoil carpets. So, aim for twice a year in this case.
The age of your carpet is also an important factor to consider. Those over 5 years old will require more attention than newer ones.
In addition, you can consider hiring carpet cleaning services for advice regarding your specific carpet type. Even better if you actually have them deep clean it for you. You’ll get guaranteed results and, more importantly, peace of mind.
Conclusion
Deep cleaning your carpets is a chance to revitalise your entire living space.
Following our guide, you can transform your carpets from dull to stunning. They will look noticeably fresher and cleaner. Try it now, and you’ll be surprised by the difference a little effort can make.