Carpeting represents a major investment in the home. If properly taken care a carpet can last a lifetime. If not cleaned and cared for not only will it deteriorate, but illnesses may develop. So from a financial and a health perspective it makes sense to keep a carpet clean.
Cleaning carpet stains
Small stains will respond to either hand cleaning or the attachments that come with most carpet cleaning machines. If you are able to catch the stain right away this will make your job easier. Once the stain has set, it becomes more difficult to remove it.
Immediately blot the stain while it is wet, removing most of the moisture. Be careful not to over blot as this may crush the pile and cause damage. If blotting is not sufficient you can try using one of the many household products available such as baking soda, vinegar or a commercial carpet cleaning solution. Spray a little of the solution onto the stain and blot immediately.
If the stain is fresh this method should be sufficient. In not you may want to try using a solution of one part white vinegar mixed with one part water. Saturate the stained area and leave for approximately 10 minutes. Using a sponge scrub the area clean and rinse it with warm water. Let the area dry thoroughly.
If your stains are resisting your cleaning methods you may need to employ the services of a carpet cleaning machine suited to the type of carpet and type of stain.
Removing Wax
Wax is notoriously difficult to remove from a carpet. Let the wax cool and harden before attending to it. Using the sharp edge of a knife remove as much of the wax as you can. Over the residue place a brown bag, a paper towel or a wet towel and gently iron on a warm setting. The wax will stick to the bag or towel instead of the carpet.
Preventative Care
A little preventative care can go a long way toward keeping your carpet clean and damage free. The better condition your carpets are in the easier it will be to clean them.
The first and most important is vacuuming. Vacuuming only gets to surface dirt and for this reason it should be done at least once a week. This can prevent more dirt and dust being tramped down into the fibres. High traffic areas should ideally be attended to on a daily basis.
It is simply not possible to keep dirt out of a home and out of carpets. While a no shoe policy may work for some, it will not work for most homes. Placing mats or rugs in high traffic areas will lessen the amount of dirt being tracked into a carpet. Use mats with high grip rubber backings as this will help prevent damage to the carpet fibres.
Take care of spills and stains immediately. When left they become a time consuming and difficult job. If your carpets are dyed, a wet stain can seep into the fibres and become a permanent fixture. For this reason it is also a good idea to avoid harsh chemicals as they can weaken the fibers. Where possible stick to remedies using natural products.
If it is possible restrict pets from carpeted areas. If you can't then these areas should be attended to more frequently than others in order to minimize dirt, hair and parasites that make their home in the carpet fibers.
Deep clean your carpets at least once a year
The process of cleaning carpets
Careful and regular cleaning will prolong the life of your carpet and keep them looking great for years to come. Neglect will cause damage down in the pile of the carpet causing them to look used and worn. Aside from aesthetics a dirty carpet can be a health hazard for those living in the home and can be the cause of respiratory illnesses.
Start by vacuuming surface dirt before using a carpet cleaning machine. Begin with high traffic areas or stained areas. Move onto the remainder of the carpet before returning to these areas. It may be necessary to re-do problem areas a few times before they are perfectly cleaned.
Carpets need to be cleaned even in those places that cannot be seen such as under beds and tables for instance. It will be necessary to move furniture beforehand in order to gain access.
Depending on the type of carpet cleaning machine you choose you may need to leave your carpets to dry for at least 24 hours. If this is the case you may need to make alternative arrangements for your family or lay down clean rugs in high traffic areas. Alternately if you are able to, remove carpets and place them outside or open the windows to encourage faster drying.
Autor: Merilee Paige
About the Author:
Merilee Paige is a cleaning expert. For more great carpet cleaning tips to keep your home clean visit http://www.speedcleaningmadeeasy.com
Added: January 16, 2010
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/
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