Carpets are a beautiful addition to the home but can trap dirt and dust. They can also be a breeding ground for bacteria and sources of unpleasant odors.
Thankfully, there are ways to clean your carpet without using a machine. Here are a few easy and effective methods:
- Vacuum
While a vacuum cleaner is the best tool for removing loose dirt from carpets, it’s not the only way to get rid of hair and gunk. Start by using a broom with stiff bristles to sweep up debris and pet hair. Work toward the exit or door of a room to avoid leaving piles of grit behind.
If you can’t deal with a stain right away, treat the area with a commercial carpet-stain remover or vinegar and water mixture. Be sure to spot test a small section of your carpet for colorfastness before applying any solution.
If you do happen to spill on your carpet, don’t use any harsh chemicals, as they can damage fibers and leave sticky residues. Instead, try a cleaning recipe involving baking soda and carpet shampoo.
- Sweep
A good, simple way to get rid of small crumbs and debris in your carpet is to sweep it. Use a broom with stiff bristles (like this Palmyra broom) to loosen and lift dirt particles from between the fibers of your carpet. You can also try a long-handled dustpan to reduce the need for some bending.
Always deal with spills and stains as soon as they occur – this makes them easier to remove. For tougher stains such as candle wax or paint, mix warm water and shampoo and rub the stain, then rinse thoroughly with clean water. Vacuum once the area is dry.
Regularly removing outside dirt (using mats at the door and inside the house) and sweeping can help your carpet stay cleaner longer. A lint roller is another great tool to use for quick clean-ups, like getting rid of pet hair.Get more info on this Maidstone Carpet Cleaner website.
- Blot
If you can catch a stain within the first few seconds it is almost always cleanable. Scrape up solids and blot liquids with an absorbent cloth, like a white terry towel ($5, Target). This prevents the stain from spreading.
Blotting rather than scrubbing is the number one rule of carpet care. Scrubbing damages the carpet fibers and can make it nearly impossible to remove a stain completely.
For old, ground-in stains, mix a teaspoon of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide with a dab of cream of tartar or non-gel toothpaste and blot until the stain is gone. This works on most stains but always perform a spot test first, especially with specialty fabrics such as wool. It is also a good idea to vacuum between treatments to prevent the area from becoming dry and hard to clean.
- Vinegar
Using an all-purpose cleaning solution made of white vinegar, water and a teaspoon of dish soap will deodorize your carpet. Just be sure to test the solution on an out-of-the-way area of your carpet for colorfastness before saturating your entire rug.
Vinegar also loosens many organic stains, including food stains, from carpet fibers, according to cleaning expert Will Cotter. He suggests pouring the solution over the stain and then sprinkle with a bit of baking soda. Wait several minutes before gently scrubbing with a scrub brush.
This method is particularly helpful for removing odors and stains caused by mildew or mould growth. You can then vacuum up the baking soda residue and the loosened stains. This is also an excellent way to refresh and remove dents left by furniture.
- Baking soda
Baking soda is a natural odor-eliminating product, and it can also help lift some carpet stains. Simply sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda on the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, then vacuum it up.
For grease stains, blot the spot with a paper towel to remove as much of the oil as possible (do not rub, which pushes the oil deeper into the fibers). Then liberally sprinkle dry baking soda over the area. Moisten a clean cloth or paper towel with hot water, wring it so that it’s damp but not dripping, and cover the baking soda.
The Thriving Home blog recommends mixing half a cup of borax and 10 drops of your favourite essential oil with the baking soda, which will further boost its odour-eliminating power.