DIY carpet cleaning methods and tools
Carpets are often used in interiors and create a cozy atmosphere. But they need regular care. Otherwise, there is a risk that the product will quickly deteriorate. Also, the constant formation of stains only spoils the appearance of the woven fabric. Therefore, it is worth figuring out how to clean the carpet at home so as not to spoil it.
How and with what you can clean the carpet at home
There are many different ways to clean carpets. They can be folk or professional. Store shelves offer many different formulations to remove hateful stains. It is important to find a suitable option that will fully match the carpet and the nature of the dirt.
Therefore, when choosing a recipe, it is important to take into account the thickness of the product, its color and pile size. Also important is the material from which the carpet is made, how long it has been used, how serious and persistent the stains are.
The easiest cleaning method is to use traditional methods. Their advantage is availability, minimal cost and efficiency.
Washing powder
Understanding what you can do to clean carpets at home, it is worth mentioning the usual powder. You only need to prepare the following remedy:
- 8 liters of water are poured into a suitable container;
- Add a few tablespoons of washing powder;
- After mixing the ingredients, add a tablespoon of ammonia to them.
The resulting solution is applied to the surface of the carpet with a rag. Then the bristles are gently rubbed using a soft brush. The remnants of the product are removed from the surface, and the product is dried.
Snow
You can clean carpets with folk remedies using snow. It will remove dust mites, freshen the shade and remove unpleasant odors. Also, snow copes with light pollution. It is necessary to take the carpet outside, place it in a suitable place with the pile down. Spread the snow on top and start knocking out the dirt. Then turn over and repeat the procedure. It is necessary to do this several times. At the end, the product is dried.
Note! Waterlogging of the product must not be allowed. Otherwise, it will dry for a long time and eventually a musty smell will appear.
Lemon acid
Lemon juice is a natural stain remover. You can use it fresh or as citric acid. In the first case, it is enough to apply the juice to the dirty area for several hours, then remove. Also, citric acid is combined with water, diluted and the resulting product treats the problem area.
Soda
Refers to an affordable and non-toxic carpet cleaner. Due to its own chemical composition, baking soda can remove even tough stains. First, prepare a solution. For 5 liters of water, 100 g of soda is required. The resulting composition is applied to dirty areas. It is more convenient to use a spray bottle for this. After half an hour, the carpet is vacuumed.
Attention! It is permissible to apply dry baking soda. But this option is not suitable for products with a long nap.
Peroxide
It is a common and effective remedy for removing contaminants. It also restores the freshness and brightness of the coating. You should not use peroxide in its pure form. It in the amount of half a glass is mixed with a few tablespoons of soda and mixed thoroughly. Apply the resulting liquid to the carpet and gently wipe off the dirt with a rag. Reapply and leave for 15 minutes. If the contamination is heavy, rub it in again. Then the rest of the solution is removed.
Removing tough carpet stains
It is also necessary to choose the appropriate method for removing dirt based on the nature of the stain. Difficult soiling must be taken seriously. Removing them can be problematic. Among the difficult spots, it is worth noting:
- Oil paint. To eliminate such traces, sunflower oil is used. They moisten the fabric with it and blot the dirt. Movements should be light and smooth;
- Blood. The vinegar is mixed with cold water and the desired area is treated. You can also wipe the contamination with peroxide;
- Fat. It is recommended to use a simple soapy solution;
- Rust. First, they are treated with lemon juice, then washed with soap;
- Wine or juice. Such stains are removed by combining hydrogen peroxide with soda;
- Ink. Rubbing alcohol will do. But if it was not at hand, it is worth trying to apply regular hairspray.
Dry cleaning of carpets
The described methods are accompanied by wetting the product, after which it requires drying. But there is also a dry method for cleaning carpets. For this, special powders are used.
It is best to start removing the stain while it is still fresh. This way you are more likely to get the desired result.
The method includes the following steps:
- Vacuum the carpet. This will get rid of the top dusty layer and raise the villi;
- Sprayed conditioner to facilitate cleaning;
- The powder is applied evenly to the coating;
- Using a special tool for dry cleaning, the powder is driven into the product;
- With light movements, the surface is processed with a sponge. The powder remains on the carpet for a while;
- Use a vacuum cleaner to remove powder residues from the surface.
Finally, you can brush the carpet to give it a cleaner look.
Cleaning tips
To ensure that the process is effective and does not ruin the carpet, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the basic cleaning recommendations. Among the rules are:
- Do not use hot water. The temperature should be room temperature. Cold water is also good;
- It is recommended to abandon hard brushes. They can injure and spoil the villi, which will negatively affect the life of the product;
- Excessive moisture must be discarded. Excessive moisture will not dry out quickly and completely inside the product. Therefore, an unpleasant odor may appear, and the appearance of the carpet will be spoiled;
- Cleaning should not be done against fluff. It hurts them;
- Do not vacuum the carpet if it is new. For the first few weeks, it is worth getting a soft broom. When cleaning, it is slightly moistened with water;
- Vacuuming must be done at least once a week. In the presence of pets, cleaning in this way is carried out every few days;
- It is worth changing the position of the carpet every few months. This is necessary so that uneven scuffing does not occur;
- Do not lay the product on areas that remain wet. Only on a dry floor. Otherwise, it will not work to avoid the formation of mold.
Note! A fresh stain cleans up much easier and faster. Therefore, it is recommended to start the cleaning procedure immediately as soon as contamination occurs.
A well-chosen carpet allows you to decorate any interior. But if you neglect high-quality care for it, the coating will quickly deteriorate. Therefore, you should pay close attention to his appearance. It is recommended that you choose your nap care products carefully and clean them regularly.
VIDEO: How to clean a carpet to perfect condition.