How to Easily Clean Your Carpets in 8 Simple Steps

DIY Carpet Cleaning Tips

Keeping your carpets clean should be a top priority, it’s not just about appearances. Vacuuming frequently prevents dirt and grime from accumulating, which can be ground further into the carpet fibres and backing, wearing them out prematurely. Even more importantly, tidy carpets keep disease-causing germs, bacteria and allergens away, leading to better indoor air quality.

But calling in professional carpet cleaners every time there’s a spill or traffic builds up can get expensive. Luckily, you can get your carpeted floor looking fresh and clean with regular DIY care. Following these straightforward steps for cleaning your own carpets will keep them looking better for longer – saving you time and money.

What You’ll Need To Get Started

Before tackling a thorough carpet cleaning session, make sure you’ve gathered all the necessary equipment and materials:

• A Vacuum Cleaner – The most powerful hoover you have access to. Canister vacuums and those with adjustable heights for different carpet piles are ideal.
• Stain Removers – Either commercial products or homemade cleansers like white vinegar, lemon juice and baking soda (see our table below).
• Water or Steam – Hot steam cleaning loosens soil particles remarkably well. Plain hot water also works.
• Mop Bucket – To mix cleaning blend and for rinsing brushes or rags.
• Stiff Brushes– Scrub brushes help lift deep-down filth while old rags or towels absorb grime.
• Fans or Windows – Opening up the room improves airflow to dry carpets faster.

Step-By-Step DIY Carpet Cleaning Method

Without further ado, follow these eight simple steps for lifting spots, eliminating odors and restoring your carpets:

1. Thoroughly Vacuum the Entire Carpeted Area

Give the entire carpet a complete, thorough hoovering to lift surface-level gunk and debris before intensive cleaning. Go over high-traffic areas a few extra passes.

2. Pre-Treat Any Noticable Stains

For mud, food or drink stains that have already set in, use a targeted carpet stain remover beforehand to improve their chances of lifting during the deeper clean:

3. Mix Your Cleaning Solution

In a bucket or spray bottle, mix an eco-friendly mixture. White distilled vinegar or lemon juice work perfectly. For extra cleaning power, make a paste with sodium bicarbonate and salt.

4. Apply the Solution Liberally

Saturating the area guarantees the compound penetrates deep down into the carpet fibers where grime hide. Apply an even coat across the entire section you’re cleaning.

5. Let the Solvent Soak In

Give it 5-10 minutes to break up stubborn dirt and toughest stains by soaking into the carpeting before the next step….

6. Scrub with a Stiff Brush

Now the cleaning agent has had time to work, scrub rigorously with a stiff brush to lift trapped loose dirt to the surface. Make sure to cover the entire area methodically.

7. Blot Away Excess Liquid

Use an old towel or cloth to absorb as much of the grimy liquid transfered to the surface as you can after scrubbing. Press down firmly and remove liquid until dry to the touch.

8. Allow Section to Dry Completely

Before use or vacuuming, give the cleaned soft flooring section 2-3 hours drying time. Lay towels over high-traffic zones if they must be walked on before totally dry.

Extra Tips For Maintaining Fresh Carpets

• For faster drying, point portable fans directly over the foot comfort or open windows to increase airflow.
• Clean HVAC filters regularly so circulating dust isn’t dumped straight onto your carpets.
• Place non-slip doormats inside and outside entryways to minimise sticky mess tracked indoors.
• Take your shoes off as soon as you enter your home to keep outside grime off carpets.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Often Should You Deep Clean Carpets?

For high traffic areas, a thorough DIY clean every 2-3 months is ideal. For lighter use bedrooms, 6 month to yearly sessions are sufficient.

Is DIY Carpet Cleaning As Good As Professional Services?

If done properly, dedicated DIY can be just as effective. Light duty rental cleaner machines can also help extract more water if you have the budget.

What’s The Easiest DIY Effective Method?

Using just homemade mixing vinegar and clean water is the most straightforward, hassle-free stain removal solution for freshening up carpets yourself.

Conclusion

While it takes a little extra effort, rolling up your sleeves and deep cleaning your own carpets pays dividends for your health, environment and wallet. Follow these simple tips for revitalising even the grubbiest high-traffic carpets without breaking a sweat.