Carpets are found in most homes as they provide comfort, warmth and beauty. Nonetheless, there is likelihood that they trap dust, allergens and bacteria which affect the health of your family members. It is important to keep the carpet clean for a healthier home environment. Whether you live in a noisy city or calm suburbs, services such as carpet cleaning St Kilda can make all the difference. This article gives some must-know tips on how to clean your carpets so that they become spotlessly clean while your house remains your sanctuary.
Why Carpet Cleaning is Important
Routine washing of carpets has more benefits than just looking good. They also function like filters and hold back dust particles, soil and pet fur among others causing allergies to people who stay in such environments. Over time these particles accumulate turning your carpet into breeding sites for mites and bacteria. Among the side effects you may suffer from following this include respiratory issues, allergies as well as skin irritation. Regular cleaning helps get rid of them promoting a better living environment through improvement of indoor air quality.
Vacuum Regularly
Regular vacuuming is by far the easiest and most effective way to ensure that you have neat carpets all year round. High traffic areas should be vacuumed twice per week while those with minimum traffic once every seven days should suffice.
Ensure to use a HEPA filter vacuum cleaner which captures the smallest of particles. Rather than quick passes, slow and overlapping strokes are more effective. Remember to vacuum beneath furniture as well as at the carpet’s edges since dust normally gathers here.
Dealing with Spills and Stains Instantaneously
To prevent spills from getting set in and becoming permanent, address them as soon as they occur. Suck up the liquid using a clean white cloth for proper absorption of most of it. Do not rub on the area since this will only force it further into the fibers. For stains, make sure you use a suitable carpet cleaner. Begin by doing a test patch in an inconspicuous area before applying to ascertain that it will not cause any damage to the carpet material. Rather than pouring directly onto the carpet, apply on a cloth so that one can regulate how much is used.
Use Carpet Protectant
By putting a carpet protector after cleaning, this can be able to prevent future staining and extend your carpet life span. These protectors create surface barriers that repel dirt, spills making them easier to clean out when they happen. Apply according to manufacturer’s instructions and reapply every 6-12 months or after professional cleaning services have been done.
Deep Cleaning
Even with regular vacuuming and spot cleaning, carpets need a deep clean every 12-18 months. Deep cleaning removes embedded dirt, bacteria, and allergens that regular vacuuming can’t reach. You can rent a carpet cleaner or hire a professional service. If you choose to do it yourself, follow these steps:
- Pre-treat Stains: Apply a pre-treatment solution to any visible stains and let it sit for a few minutes.
- Use Hot Water Extraction: This method, also known as steam cleaning, is effective for deep cleaning. The machine sprays hot water and a cleaning solution onto the carpet, then vacuums it up along with the dirt.
- Ensure Proper Drying: After cleaning, ensure the carpet dries completely to prevent mold and mildew growth. Use fans or open windows to speed up the drying process.
Use Eco-Friendly Cleaners
If you are an eco-friendly cleaner, then natural remedies can be very useful. Baking soda and vinegar make great carpet deodorizers and cleaners. Sprinkle baking soda all over the carpet then let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes before vacuuming. For a stain, mix equal amounts of white vinegar and water; pour this on the stain, blot with a piece of cloth, repeat as needed.
No Shoes Rule
The best way to keep your carpets clean is by avoiding having dirt pieces inside your room. To avoid dirt from outside being brought into a house by shoes people should always take them off in their homes. Provide an area near the entrance where people can store shoes when they come in or put down some mats at the door to pick up any dirt before it gets on your carpet.
Groom Pets Regularly
Pets can bring about considerable soilage and allergy pollutants in carpeting. Regular grooming reduces pet hair and dander that end up on your carpet. Wash or brush them on regular basis to reduce shedding all over your house due to excessive hair loss by pets. A mat below pet food bowls can be washed after catching spills or crumbs.
Rotate the furniture and carpets
By turning your furniture and rugs regularly, you can spread out the wear and tear across your carpet. It keeps areas of different levels of wear from showing up on the carpet surface thereby maintaining its appearance and lifespan. A good general rule for rotating rugs and furniture is every six months.
Keep track of humidity levels
Carpets can grow mold when exposed to high humidity levels. In order to keep your indoor humidity at an optimum level, use a dehumidifier if possible with about 30% – 50% relative humidity recommended. This will leave your carpets dry thus minimizing health problems associated with molds.
Professional cleaning
Although home remedies are effective, professional carpet cleaners offer a more thorough clean that encompasses such aspects as stubborn stains or smells. Professional cleaners have access to special chemicals that normal people do not have access to as well as hi-tech equipment. You may want to consider doing this once in a year so that it is always in top shape.
Conclusion
To ensure healthier indoor air quality, one must maintain cleanliness in their homes’ carpets. Regular vacuuming, quick stain removals, deep cleaning sessions plus preventive measures will help reduce allergens hence increasing air quality indoors.