Difference between revisions of "Clean Your Carpets"
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#Pick the right carpet cleaner. There are a variety of commercial carpet detergents available. They typically come in spray bottles or cans to make spot cleaning easier. While there are many "all purpose" removers to choose from, read the label to determine if a particular cleaner is right for your stain and carpet type. Keep in mind that stains caused by bodily fluids will often need special attention. | #Pick the right carpet cleaner. There are a variety of commercial carpet detergents available. They typically come in spray bottles or cans to make spot cleaning easier. While there are many "all purpose" removers to choose from, read the label to determine if a particular cleaner is right for your stain and carpet type. Keep in mind that stains caused by bodily fluids will often need special attention. | ||
#*If you're dealing with a fresh blood stain, blot it with cold water or hydrogen peroxide. Do not use warm water, as this will set the stain. For a dry stain, first blot with hydrogen peroxide and follow up with an enzyme-based detergent. | #*If you're dealing with a fresh blood stain, blot it with cold water or hydrogen peroxide. Do not use warm water, as this will set the stain. For a dry stain, first blot with hydrogen peroxide and follow up with an enzyme-based detergent. | ||
| − | #*For pet urine, use an enzyme-based cleaner specifically designed for this type of stain. If you are unable to find such a cleaner, blot fresh stains with an ammonia solution followed by a detergent and warm water. Set stains can be lifted with a 1/3 vinegar in water solution. Like fresh stains, follow up with a detergent and finish with water.<ref name="rf12751" /> | + | #*For pet urine, use an enzyme-based cleaner specifically designed for this type of stain. If you are unable to find such a cleaner, blot fresh stains with an ammonia solution followed by a detergent and warm water. Set stains can be lifted with a 1/3 vinegar in water solution. Like fresh stains, follow up with a detergent and finish with water.<ref name="rf12751">http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/carpet-stain-removers/buying-guide.htm</ref> |
#Test the cleaning product on a small inconspicuous part of the carpet. Following the directions on the bottle, try it out in a discreet place. Some products may be inappropriate for your carpet, so it is best to test it first. A scrap of carpet or a rarely seen place such as the interior of a closet are good places for testing cleaners. | #Test the cleaning product on a small inconspicuous part of the carpet. Following the directions on the bottle, try it out in a discreet place. Some products may be inappropriate for your carpet, so it is best to test it first. A scrap of carpet or a rarely seen place such as the interior of a closet are good places for testing cleaners. | ||
#*Do not do this test on the stain itself. Its purpose is to check for the ''carpet's'' colorfastness. If any dye comes off of your carpet or the cleaner itself leaves behind a stain, try a different one. | #*Do not do this test on the stain itself. Its purpose is to check for the ''carpet's'' colorfastness. If any dye comes off of your carpet or the cleaner itself leaves behind a stain, try a different one. | ||
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#*Scrape up solids, such as chewing gum or butter, with a blunt knife.<ref name="rf17349">http://www.ncca.co.uk/firstaidforyourcarpet.php</ref> | #*Scrape up solids, such as chewing gum or butter, with a blunt knife.<ref name="rf17349">http://www.ncca.co.uk/firstaidforyourcarpet.php</ref> | ||
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== Tips == | == Tips == | ||
*Choose a time to steam when the room can be left untouched for 6-12 hours. | *Choose a time to steam when the room can be left untouched for 6-12 hours. | ||
| − | *If your carpet has pet odors, the heat involved with shampooing may actually set the odor rather than remove it. Steaming is not a good option for cleaning up pet urine. Instead, spot clean using a specially formulated, enzyme-based pet stain remover.<ref name="rf5443" /> | + | *If your carpet has pet odors, the heat involved with shampooing may actually set the odor rather than remove it. Steaming is not a good option for cleaning up pet urine. Instead, spot clean using a specially formulated, enzyme-based pet stain remover.<ref name="rf5443">http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/removing_pet_stains_odors.html</ref> |
*When spot cleaning or steaming, try to avoid soaking the carpet. The water may seep down to the carpet pad, creating a mold or mildew problem. | *When spot cleaning or steaming, try to avoid soaking the carpet. The water may seep down to the carpet pad, creating a mold or mildew problem. | ||
