Published on 20 March 2024
How to spring clean your carpet: a step-by-step-guide
As the days get longer and spring flowers start blooming, you can feel a fresh start in the air. Our homes need a bit of a pick-me-up after the winter chill, too. Spring is the perfect time to give your living space a boost, and a great place to begin is with something we often overlook – our carpets.
Winter leaves behind muddy footprints, salt stains, and dusty heating systems, making our carpets look tired. But don’t worry! With spring here, it’s time to give your home a makeover, starting from the ground up and this start from spring carpet cleaning.
Carpets are a necessary portion of uplifting your home aesthetics. However, cleaning them seems like a task. This can be due to the intricate material of the carpet for which most people do not trust dry cleaners, or fear of fading or even the sheer weight of the carpet which seems too much to deal with.
Let’s say goodbye to winter’s mess and welcome the freshness of spring into every inch of your carpet. Get ready to see your home in a new light and create a warm, inviting atmosphere that matches the lively spirit of the season ahead.
Easy 7 step guide to spring clean your carpet
Remove Furniture and Prepare the Area
Start by removing furniture from the carpeted area. This ensures that you have a clear space to work on. Vacuum the entire carpet to remove loose dirt and debris. For this step, you will need a vacuum cleaner with a strong suction, and if possible, one equipped with a HEPA filter for better allergen removal. Remember, do not rub the stains with a damp cloth, it will not only spread the stain but might also ruin the carpet material.
Pre-treat Stains and Spots
Identify any stains or spots on the carpet and pre-treat them. Create a solution by mixing warm water with mild liquid detergent. Apply the solution on the stains using a sponge or clean cloth. Gently blot the stains, working from the outside towards the centre. Avoid scrubbing vigorously to prevent damage. If the stain persists, consider using a commercial carpet stain remover according to the product’s instructions.
Deep Clean with a Carpet Cleaner
Many of the cleaning components are conveniently found in your kitchen cabinet, making this DIY carpet solution both effortless and cost-effective. Not only does it save you money, but it also eliminates the health risks associated with using toxic chemicals present in commercial cleaning products.
Now, let’s dive into the recipe. You will require three-quarters of a cup of Hydrogen Peroxide, a quarter cup of white vinegar, 4-5 drops of essential oils, 2 tablespoons of liquid detergent, and 2 tablespoons of any preferred fabric softener. Combine all these elements in a gallon of hot water (not boiling). Pour the mixture into your carpet cleaning machine, and there you have it! This DIY carpet cleaner is adept at eliminating stubborn odours and germs. Plus, all the ingredients are readily available in your kitchen or at any pharmacy.
If you are unsure regarding the carpet cleaning solution, you may try out the good old baking soda hack.
Baking soda becomes particularly useful when dealing with oil spills or greasy stains on the carpet. Simply take a generous amount of baking soda and sprinkle it over the stained area. Allow it to sit for some time. Once the powder has absorbed the oils, you’ll notice it forming dry clumps. Then, use a vacuum to remove all the crusts. For any remaining lighter stains, employ the previously mentioned dabbing technique.
In case of sticky gums, place an ice cube over the area. The cube will harden the gum and freeze its sticky properties. Keep it from 10-20 minutes and watch the gum come right off.
Address High-Traffic Areas
Focus on high-traffic areas that may require extra attention. For stubborn stains or heavily soiled areas, use a carpet brush or an old toothbrush to gently agitate the fibres. Repeat the carpet cleaning process in these specific spots if needed.
Neutralise Odours
To neutralise any lingering odours, create a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar. Lightly mist the carpet with this solution, allowing it to sit for 15-20 minutes. Ventilate the room during this time. Afterward, use the carpet cleaner to extract the vinegar solution from the carpet.
Dry the Carpet Thoroughly
After cleaning, it’s crucial to ensure the carpet dries completely to prevent mould and mildew growth. Open windows, use fans, or turn on the air conditioning to speed up the drying process. You can also try a hair dryer to speed up the process. However, drying it in the sun helps the most, it also eliminates the possibility of any chemical odour that might have left its residue from the cleaning solutions. If possible, avoid walking on the carpet until it’s completely dry.
Apply Carpet Protector (Optional)
For added protection against future stains, consider applying a carpet protector spray or solution. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and evenly apply the protector to the carpet. This step is optional but can help maintain the cleanliness of your carpet for a longer period.
Choose Potters, Carpets and Beds today!
Carpets can only sustain a rigorous cleaning process if they are of the best quality. And for quality you rely only on Potters Carpets and Beds. Ulster, Cormar or Balta, whatever be your carpet preference we have got you covered. Pick from our wide range carpets to suit your aesthetics. Contact us today for a free measure of your premises for the best recommendation for your carpet.
