Best Hacks To Clean Carpets And Rugs

The use of carpets and rugs is for a variety of purposes, mainly for decorating your house. Cleaning carpets and rugs can be a tedious task, also expensive, and time-consuming. However, some cleaning methods are affordable, and you can do it quickly with household items. It is necessary to regularly vacuum your carpets and rugs to keep dirt, debris, and dust at bay. However, it also needs a deep clean. Using commercial products for carpet cleaning can be effective but risky simultaneously, as it is hard to know whether they’re safe on your carpet or not. At the same time, some homemade cleaners can be very effective in cleaning carpets and rugs.

Using Baking Soda For Greasy Stains 

Baking soda can be highly effective in saving your carpet from dirt and grease. Oil and grease stains held for a long time can be tough to remove. But you can easily remove them with the help of baking soda. Apply a required amount of baking soda to the area. Do not rub the stain. Let the baking soda absorb the stain by leaving the baking soda for a few minutes. It dries out the oil and grease and does not allow them to settle.

The Magic Of Shaving Cream

Dirt and grease are a big problem, especially if your carpet is light-colored. Shaving cream is an effective way to remove dirt and grease without ruining your carpet. Also, using shaving cream can make your rugs soft and fluffy. If the stain is dry, vacuum it to remove any loose grains. After cleaning, apply the shaving cream to cover the area entirely. Leave it for a minute or two, and then rub it with a sponge.

Fix Food Stains With Salt

Salt can be beneficial for cleaning rugs. If you get some food stains on your carpets and rugs, you can quickly get rid of them by mixing alcohol and salt in the ratio of 4:1. Apply it to the stained area and then rub it away. For example, for cleaning the stain of ketchup or wine, try to blot the excess spill and then sprinkle the required salt. Let it settle for a few minutes; the salt will absorb the stain. Then, vacuum the leftover stain until it is completely gone.

Lint Roller

Lint rollers remove loose hairs from carpets and rugs. One can clean small particles, furs, and dust more effectively than a vacuum cleaner. It also helps to remove tiny fibers left on the carpet even after vacuuming. In addition, they are quicker and easier to use as compared to a vacuum cleaner.

Getting Rid Of Pet Urine

Pet urine, if it gets soaked into the carpet, could ruin it with an awful smell. Also, the stain can slowly become permanent. Before it becomes permanent, make use of baking soda. It is effective in absorbing odors and absorbing liquids. Apply baking soda covering the entire area. Let it absorb the urine and smell. Wait till the powder starts to dry, and then blot away the rest of the mess.

Nail Polish Spill

Do not use acetone on the carpet because it could damage your carpet. Instead, use alcohol to rub the stain to remove the nail polish effectively. Allow the polish to dry on the mat, then use a blunt knife to scratch it off as much as you can. Next, apply a small amount of alcohol; to a cloth and gently dab the stain. 

Remove Gum

Ice cubes can play an essential role in removing the gum off the carpet. Take 2-3 ice cubes and place them on the gum. The gum will begin to freeze and harden. Slide it off the carpet once you observe a change in texture.

How Often Should I Clean My Rugs And Carpet?

Generally, you must clean rugs every 12-18 months, but many factors can make it suitable to clean your carpets more often. How often you should clean a rug depends on certain factors. A rug may require cleaning more often if-

• • It’s in a high traffic area
  •  There are pets or young kids
  • Your rug looks dirty
  • You have allergies
  • You’re a “shoes on” home

Maintenance And Upkeep

Carpets can last for many years, but they will not last long without proper maintenance. Here are some of the tips to follow for the appropriate care of carpets and rugs:

• • Have a quality carpet cushion installed
  • Vacuum regularly
  • Install entrance mats
  • Reorganize furniture
  • Protect your carpet
  • Minimize direct sunlight
  • Expert cleaning
  • Address spills immediately
  • Trim your pet’s nails and claws to avoid pulling on carpet threads and fibers
  • Keep a check on the window and door screens of your home
  • Have your home’s exterior surfaces power washed regularly
  • Clip snags; do not pull them
  • Remove furniture dents

Carpet Cleaning Mistakes To Avoid

• • Do not use too much pressure while brushing or scrubbing a carpet.
  • Avoid leaving extracts of shampoo, detergent, foam, and carpet cleaning chemicals.
  • Use fresh water with each application of the steam, and don’t rush through a carpet cleaning.
  • Avoid walking on damp carpets as this can make the rugs look flattered and worn.
  • Don’t overlook the need for ventilation during or after shampooing or steam cleaning.
  • Avoid the use of abrasive tools such as stiff brushes or steel wool.
  • Refrain from using bleach if you have colored or dark carpets.
  • While cleaning your carpet, avoid the use of too much water.

Conclusion

Carpet cleaning won’t be exhausting or expensive if you use the hacks mentioned in this article. The first and foremost step to start cleaning your carpets and rugs is vacuuming. Vacuuming helps to remove the dirt and debris and also makes the other steps easier. There are some measures one needs to follow for proper cleaning of the carpets and rugs. Avoid spreading any stains or spills; use a clean cloth or towel to blot the spills. Carpet cleaning is essential to remove dust mites, bacteria, and other allergens. Cleaning improves the appearance and even the life of carpets and rugs.