How do you clean and maintain your carpet?
Carpet is usually very durable, and most of it is designed for long term use, including in trafic areas such as hallways, kitchen and living room. The risk of stains is higher in these areas so you have to know how to thoroughly clean your carpet.
How to clean your carpet after a spill. You have to act immediately when you have a spill, regardless of its type. If the stain is of a liquid product (coffee, wine, juice, sauce) first step is to use highly absorbent towels to absorb as much of the liquid. Use paper towels and dab the area several times, always using a clean towel. You should dab the area and do not rub, and press over the stained area. Next step is to pour some sparkling water on the stain, and pat dry.
Tip: If it’s a red wine stain, add some salt to the sparkling water.
Grease stains can be cleaned with dishwashing liquid or even body wash. Mix some cleaning liquid with water and sponge the stain. Repeat until your carpet is cleaned.
Mud stains. If you have a mud stain on your carpet, the best thing to do is to let it dry. Once it has dried, vacuum it, use a brush if needed, and rinse repeatedly with sparkling water.
White vinegar is an excellent natural detergent alternative. How to use: Mix one part vinegar with two parts water and use as needed.
To clean you carpet of old stains, mix one tablespoon of baking soda with a small cup of sparkling water. Apply the mix on the stained area, let it soak for a few minutes and then use paper towels. On synthetic carpets – and ONLY on synthetic carpets – you can even use a mix of chlorine, one part chlorine and three parts water.
If you want to thoroughly clean your carpet, start with removing old and tough stains. Vacuum your carpet a few times and then rub the carpet with a mix of water and dishwashing liquid. Add some vinegar or lemon juice to the mix. Perfect formula: one part detergent, two parts water, juice of one lemon or one part vinegar. Soak a clean sponge in your cleaning mix, drain it, and rub the carpet in circular movements. Soak the foam with clean paper towels. Air the room and leave your windows open for 12 hours. When the carpet dries, vacuum very well.
