Best Carpet Cleaning Methods
There are various methods of cleaning carpets, and choosing the best one for your carpet can be difficult, if you are unaware of the techniques used. Given below is the description of some carpet cleaning methods.
Top 4 Ways to Clean Your Carpet
1: Carpet Shampoo
A carpet shampoo is a tried and true method of cleaning carpets. In this method, a carpet cleaning shampoo or solution is applied on the carpet to form foam. The ingredients of the foam attract the dirt in the carpet. The solution is left to dry and once it dries the solution becomes brittle and separates itself from the carpet fibers. Now, the remains are collected with the help of a vacuum cleaner. Shampoo cleaning method for carpet is the most common method used for carpet cleaning, as it does not require any professional help and is a do-it-yourself job. All you need is a carpet shampoo and a vacuum cleaner. A variety of carpet shampoo products are available in the market. However, a very strong shampoo may cause damage to the carpet, discoloring it and making previously unnoticeable tears more visible. You need to use right quality shampoo and the right amount on your carpet. Shampoo cleaning is the most economical method.
2: Steam Cleaning or Hot-Water Extraction
Steam cleaning, also called hot-water extraction method, is another popular carpet cleaning methods, as it is very effective. Steam cleaning actually does not use steam, but uses hot water. The temperature of this hot water is usually between, 150 to 200 degree Fahrenheit. Hot water with high temperature and pressure is sprayed on the carpet. Water sprayed with a high pressure helps the particles and dirt on the carpet to loosen. Then, the dirt that is forced to come out is sucked with the help of vacuum cleaner and stored in a holding tank. The water used is mixed with a detergent or cleansing solution.
Steam cleaning is considered one of the best deep cleaning methods for carpet cleaning. Moreover, hot water kills the bacteria, fungus and dust mites. Thus, the carpet is anti-allergic after steam cleaning. It is always preferable to consult a professional carpet cleaner when you want to use this method for cleaning carpet, as they are aware of the type of fabric and the temperature of water required for every carpet fabric. Truck-mounted hot water extraction is the unit used by most of the professionals. Steam carpet cleaning machines are also available on rent, so if you do not want to hire a professional, you can go for this option. Steam cleaning will require a rather large investment.
3: Dry Powder
This method does not use water and hence, this method is called dry powder cleaning or dry cleaning. The dry powder used is an absorptive material made of detergent, solvent and very small amount of water. This powder is sprinkled over the carpet and with the help of rotating machines, the powder is thoroughly spread on the carpet and left for about 15 minutes. Then, using a vacuum the powder and the dirt accumulated is removed. Dry cleaners consider this method as the best carpet cleaning method as it does not involve wetting the carpet.
4: Foam
Foam cleaning can also be considered along with steam cleaning. With the help of a rotating brush, the shampoo is spread on the carpet and foam is formed. Then, the foam is left to dry for an hour or so. With the help of vacuum cleaner, the dirt is removed. All the shampoo may not be removed with the vacuum cleaner so this can be followed with a steam cleaning. Foam cleaning is an easy method of carpet cleaning and does not require any professional help.
Common Household Ways to Remove Carpet Stains
If you've been dusting and vacuuming your carpet everyday, there would actually be no need to go all out in cleaning it using the methods already mentioned. But try as you might, there will be situations where you will drop something on the carpet that will leave behind a nasty stain. While the above methods are super-effective in cleaning out the entire carpet, they can prove to be quite expensive to remove minor stains on a small patch. Here are two quick and homemade methods to get rid of those stains.
Detergent with White Vinegar
Mix equal parts of white vinegar, liquid detergent and lukewarm water. Apply this mixture on the carpet and then scrub it with a brush. Rinse it in warm water. Hopefully the stain will wash away completely.
Lemon, Vinegar and Borax
Make a thick paste by mixing equal parts of borax and vinegar and then add few drops of lemon juice to it. Apply it on the stained part. After this vacuum the carpet or wash it using a detergent.
It's one of the difficult chores around the house and while the best way would be to have a regular carpet cleaning schedule, it's still difficult to enforce it at all times. Which is why I'm sure of the methods described are effective enough to get the job done.
