How to Clean Carpets
CARPET CLEANING
How to Clean Carpets
Carpet cleaning is of vital importance to maintaining a healthy building. Carpets tend to trap dirt, making them a real nuisance for those with sensitivity to dust. Yet, cleaning carpets is often put off for as long as possible because it can be time consuming, and many people don’t know how to clean carpets.
Cleaning carpets can be so much easier once you have the technique learned. That is why we asked our expert team to compile to go-to guide on how to clean carpets.
Essentials You’ll Need
Optional Extras for Better Results
Guide to Cleaning Carpets in Ireland
1) Clear the room of furniture
Remove all furniture from the room to allow you free access to your carpets.
2) Vacuum thoroughly
Vacuum your carpets thoroughly to remove as much loose dirt, dust, and debris as possible. If you have rugs, now would be a good time to flip them and clean the foundations to get rid of trapped dust and dirt.
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Always Clean Safely Before going near any carpet cleaning agents, ensure you have proper safety attire. Wear gloves and a long sleeved top to avoid chemicals making contact with your skin. Wear a mask if suggested by manufacturer. Open windows in the room you are working in both for ventilation and to help the carpet dry. |
3) Pre-treat stubborn stains
Before getting to the main event, have a look at your carpets for settled, difficult stains. Pre-treat these areas with a general carpet cleaning agent, allow the solution settle for a few minutes before gently scrubbing with a brush. Dab the area with a microfibre cloth to try and pull up as much of the stain as possible. For specifically difficult stains such as coffee or urine, consider using a tailored solution such as Prochem Coffee Stain Remover or Prochem Urine Neutraliser.
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IMPORTANT Always pre-test carpets, fabrics and other surfaces with a small amount of the cleaning agent you will be using in an inconspicuous area before proceeding. Check for dye stability, colour change and texture change. Some fabrics and dyes may be sensitive to water or acidic solutions. Always follow manufacturers instructions. |
4) Get cleaning!
Add the solution to your carpet cleaning machine and get cleaning! Much like mopping, ensure you start from the furthest point from the door so that you don’t end up walking over your newly cleaned carpets. Work in a zig-zag fashion across the room until you have the whole carpet cleaned. Pay extra attention to any pre-treated areas.
5) Dry your carpets
The most important step in this guide is to ensure you dry your carpets as quickly as possible. If left damp, you can encourage mould to grow in your carpets. Ensure there is as much ventilation in the room as possible by having doors and window open. Set your machine to a ‘vacuum only’ setting and go over your carpets again. For large spaces or for very damp carpets, consider investing in an air mover to help dry your carpets fast.
Cleaning Without Machinery
If you do not have a carpet cleaning machine, you can apply a carpet shampoo by hand. Using a spray bottle and a nylon carpet brush, sparingly spray diluted solution to the carpet (don’t over saturate) and lightly scrub with the brush. Use a microfibre cloth to dry the carpet, and follow Step 5 above.
For odour removal, sprinkle baking soda across your carpet and leave it overnight to dwell. The following day, vacuum the carpet thoroughly. Before you do this however, always ensure with the manufacturer that your vacuum will be capable of handling this.
Overall, this is a very manual process that will take time and effort. We always recommend using a carpet cleaning machine.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should you clean your carpets?
It is recommended that you give your carpets a thorough clean at least once a year. In locations with high foot traffic, once every six months would be more appropriate.
How to clean difficult carpet stains?
The best way to clean difficult carpet stains is to deal with them as soon as they happen.
- Blot the spill with a dry paper towel to absorb as much liquid as possible. Avoid scrubbing as this can further ingrain the liquid deeper into the carpet.
- Apply a stain remover. Let it soak for up to 10 minutes to allow it to work away on the stain.
- Blot the solution with a microfibre cloth and rinse the microfibre cloth as it gets dirty.
- As soon as the stain has been lifted, dry your carpet as quickly as possible by opening windows and/or using an air mover.
When to call a professional?
If your carpets are particularly expensive or sensitive, or a certain stain just will not budge, it is always best to call in an expert.