Carpeting gets a bad reputation. Many people think that it's impossible to keep carpets as clean as you'd like them to be. They stain, they get dingy over time, and they trap allergens.
Does this mean that they're inherently bad? Of course not.
There are plenty of ways to clean carpets on your own to keep them looking as good as new for the entirety of their expected lifespan. You don't need to be a professional to figure out how to clean carpet the right way.
Are you burdened with a dirty carpet? Worried about dust and allergens? Dealing with a pesky stain?
No problem. Let's talk about it. Keep reading to learn a few carpet cleaning tips that rival the experts.
Vacuum Regularly
Too many people leave vacuuming out of their regular chore schedule. The amount that you need to run a vacuum depends on your home, but everyone should do it as often as possible to avoid dirty carpets down the line.
How often should you vacuum though?
If you live alone with no pets, it's fine to not vacuum every day. The average person doesn't create much dust or dirt on their own, so while you should still vacuum regularly, you'll get the same benefit out of vacuuming once per week as someone who does it more often.
The exception is if you spill something on the floor.
If you have several people in your home or if you have pets, you'll want to consider other factors. Are these people all adults? If so, vacuuming once or twice per week is suitable.
If you have pets, how much do they shed? If they're shedding animals it's best to vacuum at least once per week, if not more.
Families with many small children should consider vacuuming every day. Children who are old enough can vacuum as one of their chores.
Get Rid of Hair
Anyone with long hair knows that it can clog up even the nicest vacuum. A clogged vacuum turns into a broken vacuum in no time, so it's best to get rid of some of the hair beforehand.
There are a few great ways to get rid of pesky hair inside the carpet. The first is using a bristle brush. Run the brush over the carpet to collect long stray hairs (as you would if you were running it over your head). You can use an indoor rake for a similar effect.
You can also use a specialized rubber roller. These are made to help decrease the amount of hair in your carpet (though they won't get all of it). They're also good for pet hair.
Clean up Debris First
On the topic of things that shouldn't go into a vacuum, it's time to get rid of debris first. While certain small things are okay, make sure you pick up any paperclips, twist ties, hair ties, coins, long bits of string, or anything else that could cause your vacuum to jam.
This might seem time-consuming, but it's more time-consuming to break your vacuum and get a new one.
Get Under the Furniture
Have you ever had the experience of looking under your furniture and seeking a carpet that looked nothing at all like the carpet you see everywhere else?
The carpet under the furniture isn't getting lighter, the rest of the carpet is getting dirtier. After all, it isn't as protected.
You don't have to get under the furniture every time you clean. That's excessive and inconvenient. You should do this at least once per month if you want a carpet that looks consistent though.
You may be able to get away with doing it only when you have a deep cleaning session.
Know When to Deep Clean
When you give your carpet a deep cleaning session, you're getting rid of all of the dirt that the vacuum can't reach. But when should you do this?
It depends. Some people can get away with doing this once every few months. Others (who get dirtier carpets faster, like families) should aim for every month or every other month.
When you deep clean, you get rid of pesky dirt underneath the surface. This dirt is what contributes to allergies and respiratory problems.
It's a good idea to buy or rent a small steam cleaner for this process. It's a great way to get your carpets looking fresh and clean when you aren't able to get a professional on the job.
Consider Occasional Professional Help
Speaking of professionals, there are times where it's appropriate (and even encouraged) to hire a professional instead of doing the job on your own.
Keeping a house clean is exhausting, especially when you combine it with a busy lifestyle, work, school, and taking care of children. If you aren't able to deep clean as often as you'd like, there's nothing wrong with hiring a cleaner every other month or so to do things right.
They have all of the deep cleaning tools that they need so that you don't need to buy or rent them on your own. It makes your life easier.
This is also a great idea if you're planning on selling or renting out your space, or preparing for an event. Don't be embarrassed about having someone over to make your carpets feel like new.
That's How to Clean Carpet the Right Way
Your carpets don't have to look dingy and dusty. By learning how to clean carpet the right way, you can keep your home looking and smelling fresh. Don't give up on your carpeting just because you can't keep it clean.
Are you looking for a nice, new carpet? Do you want to replace your carpet with something new? We're here for you.
Contact us to get a free in-home estimate so we can transform your floors.
