Difference between revisions of "Clean Your Carpets"
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===Vacuuming Your Carpet=== | ===Vacuuming Your Carpet=== | ||
#Prepare the room to be vacuumed. Pick up any toys, papers or other objects that will obstruct the passage of the vacuum cleaner. | #Prepare the room to be vacuumed. Pick up any toys, papers or other objects that will obstruct the passage of the vacuum cleaner. | ||
| − | #*Check for small items like coins that might damage the mechanism.<ref>http://www.carpet-rug.org/Carpet-for-the-Home/Cleaning-and-Maintenance/Cleaning-Essentials/Vacuuming.aspx</ref><ref>http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/tips/a25088/things-you-should-not-vacuum</ref> | + | #*Check for small items like coins that might damage the mechanism.<ref name="rf17330">http://www.carpet-rug.org/Carpet-for-the-Home/Cleaning-and-Maintenance/Cleaning-Essentials/Vacuuming.aspx</ref><ref name="rf17331">http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/tips/a25088/things-you-should-not-vacuum</ref> |
#*Remember to look under furniture | #*Remember to look under furniture | ||
| − | #*Dust the blinds, furniture, windowsills, and baseboards first. The falling dust can then be vacuumed up.<ref>http://housewifehowtos.com/clean/how-to-steam-clean-carpeting/</ref> | + | #*Dust the blinds, furniture, windowsills, and baseboards first. The falling dust can then be vacuumed up.<ref name="rf17332">http://housewifehowtos.com/clean/how-to-steam-clean-carpeting/</ref> |
#Use a nozzle attachment to clean hard to reach areas. The edges of the carpets and the baseboards often collect dust which should first be removed. | #Use a nozzle attachment to clean hard to reach areas. The edges of the carpets and the baseboards often collect dust which should first be removed. | ||
#*If furniture cannot be moved, use the cranny extension to reach under couches and other pieces to remove dust bunnies. | #*If furniture cannot be moved, use the cranny extension to reach under couches and other pieces to remove dust bunnies. | ||
| − | #Vacuum both horizontally and vertically. First vacuum the entire room forward and back, then repeat the process going left to right. Carpet fibers are typically twisted, and by going both directions you can ensure that every part of the fiber has been reached.<ref>http://www.idreamofclean.net/how-to-vacuum-carpet/</ref> | + | #Vacuum both horizontally and vertically. First vacuum the entire room forward and back, then repeat the process going left to right. Carpet fibers are typically twisted, and by going both directions you can ensure that every part of the fiber has been reached.<ref name="rf17333">http://www.idreamofclean.net/how-to-vacuum-carpet/</ref> |
| − | #*This can especially be helpful if you have pets because it will remove dander and hair.<ref>https://brightnest.com/posts/the-best-way-to-vacuum-5-steps-you-may-be-missing</ref> | + | #*This can especially be helpful if you have pets because it will remove dander and hair.<ref name="rf17334">https://brightnest.com/posts/the-best-way-to-vacuum-5-steps-you-may-be-missing</ref> |
| − | #Vacuum regularly. How "regularly" will depend on a few factors. In general, it's recommended to vacuum at least once a week per person in your household or roughly 20 pounds of pet.<ref>http://www.home-ec101.com/how-often-do-i-have-to-vacuum-anyway</ref> For example, a couple with two cats should vacuum three times a week. A single person with a 60 pound dog should vacuum four times a week. Remember that one of the main reasons to vacuum is to remove hair and dander. A large pet will usually produce more of both compared to a smaller one. | + | #Vacuum regularly. How "regularly" will depend on a few factors. In general, it's recommended to vacuum at least once a week per person in your household or roughly 20 pounds of pet.<ref name="rf17335">http://www.home-ec101.com/how-often-do-i-have-to-vacuum-anyway</ref> For example, a couple with two cats should vacuum three times a week. A single person with a 60 pound dog should vacuum four times a week. Remember that one of the main reasons to vacuum is to remove hair and dander. A large pet will usually produce more of both compared to a smaller one. |
#*If your carpet is visibly soiled with dirt or pet hair but isn't due for cleaning, forget this rule of thumb and vacuum more often. | #*If your carpet is visibly soiled with dirt or pet hair but isn't due for cleaning, forget this rule of thumb and vacuum more often. | ||
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#Use a clean white cloth. Rags that have patterns or have been dyed may transfer the color to your carpet, compounding the problem. Paper towels that do not have patterns may also be an adequate solution. | #Use a clean white cloth. Rags that have patterns or have been dyed may transfer the color to your carpet, compounding the problem. Paper towels that do not have patterns may also be an adequate solution. | ||
#*Be sure to first blot fresh stains dry with a clean white cloth. Use an ''additional'' clean white cloth when removing the stain left behind after you blot. | #*Be sure to first blot fresh stains dry with a clean white cloth. Use an ''additional'' clean white cloth when removing the stain left behind after you blot. | ||
| − | #*Do not use bristles or brushes as these can damage the fibers of the carpet leaving frayed carpet.<ref>http://www.carpet-rug.org/Carpet-for-the-Home/Cleaning-and-Maintenance/Cleaning-Essentials/Cleaning-Spots-and-Spills.aspx</ref> | + | #*Do not use bristles or brushes as these can damage the fibers of the carpet leaving frayed carpet.<ref name="rf17336">http://www.carpet-rug.org/Carpet-for-the-Home/Cleaning-and-Maintenance/Cleaning-Essentials/Cleaning-Spots-and-Spills.aspx</ref> |
#*Spot cleaning is for recent spills on a small part of your carpet. It is not part of regular carpet maintenance. | #*Spot cleaning is for recent spills on a small part of your carpet. It is not part of regular carpet maintenance. | ||
#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 | + | #*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" /> |
#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. | ||
#Dab the affected area. Apply a small amount of product to a clean white cloth and gently blot the stain. Use only enough product to treat the stain. | #Dab the affected area. Apply a small amount of product to a clean white cloth and gently blot the stain. Use only enough product to treat the stain. | ||
#*When it comes to carpets, more product is not better. If soap is left in the carpet it will attract dirt and leave a larger stain than before. | #*When it comes to carpets, more product is not better. If soap is left in the carpet it will attract dirt and leave a larger stain than before. | ||
| − | #*Avoid scrubbing the carpet. Pressing hard or rubbing vigorously can drive the stain deeper into the fibers.<ref | + | #*Avoid scrubbing the carpet. Pressing hard or rubbing vigorously can drive the stain deeper into the fibers.<ref name="rf17336" /> |
#Rinse the carpet. Using a fresh clean white cloth and water, soak up any remaining soap by blotting the treated area. Do not soak the carpet with water as it may be absorbed into the pad beneath, leading to problems with mold and mildew. | #Rinse the carpet. Using a fresh clean white cloth and water, soak up any remaining soap by blotting the treated area. Do not soak the carpet with water as it may be absorbed into the pad beneath, leading to problems with mold and mildew. | ||
| − | #*Allow the area to air dry completely. If it is a large stain or you used a large amount of water, run a fan or specialty carpet dryer next to the carpet to make it dry more quickly.<ref> http://www.cleanlink.com/casestudieswhitepapers/details/Fast-Drying-Tips-for-Carpet-Cleaners--27352</ref> | + | #*Allow the area to air dry completely. If it is a large stain or you used a large amount of water, run a fan or specialty carpet dryer next to the carpet to make it dry more quickly.<ref name="rf17337"> http://www.cleanlink.com/casestudieswhitepapers/details/Fast-Drying-Tips-for-Carpet-Cleaners--27352</ref> |
===Shampooing Your Carpet=== | ===Shampooing Your Carpet=== | ||
#Prepare the room to be cleaned. If possible, remove all furniture. For bulky or heavy items that cannot be removed, place plastic under the legs of the piece to protect it from water damage. | #Prepare the room to be cleaned. If possible, remove all furniture. For bulky or heavy items that cannot be removed, place plastic under the legs of the piece to protect it from water damage. | ||
| − | #*If professional plastic is not available, cut squares of aluminum foil or wax paper and slide them beneath the feet of the furniture.<ref | + | #*If professional plastic is not available, cut squares of aluminum foil or wax paper and slide them beneath the feet of the furniture.<ref name="rf17332" /> |
| − | #*Carpet shampooing is sometimes called "steam cleaning." However, this is a misnomer, as these machines actually use hot water and detergent, not steam.<ref | + | #*Carpet shampooing is sometimes called "steam cleaning." However, this is a misnomer, as these machines actually use hot water and detergent, not steam.<ref name="rf17332" /> |
| − | #Prepare the carpet. Vacuum thoroughly, first in forward and back then left to right. Be sure to avoid neglecting corners and crannies.<ref>http://www.carpet-rug.org/Carpet-for-the-Home/Cleaning-and-Maintenance/Cleaning-Essentials/Do-It-Yourself-Extracting.aspx</ref> | + | #Prepare the carpet. Vacuum thoroughly, first in forward and back then left to right. Be sure to avoid neglecting corners and crannies.<ref name="rf17338">http://www.carpet-rug.org/Carpet-for-the-Home/Cleaning-and-Maintenance/Cleaning-Essentials/Do-It-Yourself-Extracting.aspx</ref> |
| − | #*Spot-treat major stains in the carpet. The shampooer will remove grime, but it can also set stains more deeply.<ref | + | #*Spot-treat major stains in the carpet. The shampooer will remove grime, but it can also set stains more deeply.<ref name="rf17332" /> |
#Purchase or rent a carpet shampooer. Many grocery or hardware stores offer rentals of cleaners with the appropriate detergent available for purchase. | #Purchase or rent a carpet shampooer. Many grocery or hardware stores offer rentals of cleaners with the appropriate detergent available for purchase. | ||
#*If you are renting the cleaner, prepare the room in advance so you do not need to pay for a longer rental while you complete that step. | #*If you are renting the cleaner, prepare the room in advance so you do not need to pay for a longer rental while you complete that step. | ||
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#Plan your exit strategy carefully. Once the carpet has been cleaned no one should walk on it until it has dried. Be careful not clean yourself into a corner! Begin at the area farthest from the door and work your way out. | #Plan your exit strategy carefully. Once the carpet has been cleaned no one should walk on it until it has dried. Be careful not clean yourself into a corner! Begin at the area farthest from the door and work your way out. | ||
#Prepare the solution according to the directions on the bottle. Some cleaners come with shampoo included or recommend a certain detergent usually purchasable from the same store. In general, you will fill the water container on the machine with water and a small amount of detergent. | #Prepare the solution according to the directions on the bottle. Some cleaners come with shampoo included or recommend a certain detergent usually purchasable from the same store. In general, you will fill the water container on the machine with water and a small amount of detergent. | ||
| − | #*Do not add too much soap as it can damage both the machine and your carpets. Some professionals actually advise to use slightly less detergent than what your machine recommends.<ref>http://www.familyhandyman.com/floor/carpet-repair/carpet-cleaning-tips-for-long-lasting-carpet/view-all</ref> | + | #*Do not add too much soap as it can damage both the machine and your carpets. Some professionals actually advise to use slightly less detergent than what your machine recommends.<ref name="rf17339">http://www.familyhandyman.com/floor/carpet-repair/carpet-cleaning-tips-for-long-lasting-carpet/view-all</ref> |
#Remove your shoes. The damp carpet will attract further dirt and your work will be undone if you wear dirty shoes while cleaning. Instead, wear socks or put plastic bags over your feet or shoes. Specialty booties are also available to place over shoes while cleaning.[[ Image:Clean Your Carpets Step 14.jpg|center]] | #Remove your shoes. The damp carpet will attract further dirt and your work will be undone if you wear dirty shoes while cleaning. Instead, wear socks or put plastic bags over your feet or shoes. Specialty booties are also available to place over shoes while cleaning.[[ Image:Clean Your Carpets Step 14.jpg|center]] | ||
| − | #*Some detergents may be harmful after immediate application. Going completely barefoot is not advised.<ref>http://wsppn.org/pdf/janitorial/factsheets/carpetcleaning.htm</ref> | + | #*Some detergents may be harmful after immediate application. Going completely barefoot is not advised.<ref name="rf17340">http://wsppn.org/pdf/janitorial/factsheets/carpetcleaning.htm</ref> |
#Allow the extractor to pull up as much water as possible. In general, cleaners are designed to lay down water as you push the machine forward and suck it up as you pull it back. You should pull back very slowly, allowing the machine to pull up as much water as possible. | #Allow the extractor to pull up as much water as possible. In general, cleaners are designed to lay down water as you push the machine forward and suck it up as you pull it back. You should pull back very slowly, allowing the machine to pull up as much water as possible. | ||
| − | #*If the carpet stays too damp, or if water soaks through to the carpet pad, it can lead to mold and mildew.<ref | + | #*If the carpet stays too damp, or if water soaks through to the carpet pad, it can lead to mold and mildew.<ref name="rf17332" /> |
| − | #Allow the carpet to dry fully by ventilating the area. Leave windows and doors open to allow for free air circulation. Make sure that the carpet dries completely within 24 hours for mold prevention.<ref>http://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/flooring/installation-how-to/how-to-clean-carpet</ref> | + | #Allow the carpet to dry fully by ventilating the area. Leave windows and doors open to allow for free air circulation. Make sure that the carpet dries completely within 24 hours for mold prevention.<ref name="rf17341">http://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/flooring/installation-how-to/how-to-clean-carpet</ref> |
#*If open windows are not an option, set the air conditioner to a moderate setting (72-78 degrees) and leave the room door open. | #*If open windows are not an option, set the air conditioner to a moderate setting (72-78 degrees) and leave the room door open. | ||
#*Any combination of carpet dryers, fans, blowers, dehumidifiers, and air movers may also be use to encourage fast drying. | #*Any combination of carpet dryers, fans, blowers, dehumidifiers, and air movers may also be use to encourage fast drying. | ||
| − | #*Drying may take 6-12 hours and during that period you should not walk on the carpet or replace the furniture.<ref | + | #*Drying may take 6-12 hours and during that period you should not walk on the carpet or replace the furniture.<ref name="rf17338" /><ref name="rf17342"> http://www.familyhandyman.com/floor/carpet-repair/carpet-cleaning-tips-for-long-lasting-carpet/view-all</ref> |
#*Plastic protectors on the feet of bulky furniture may be removed when the carpet has dried completely. | #*Plastic protectors on the feet of bulky furniture may be removed when the carpet has dried completely. | ||
| − | #Consider cleaning the carpet twice. If soap remains in the carpet after you have steamed it, it will attract more dirt. To thoroughly remove the soap, put a 50-50 mix of white vinegar and water in the machine and repeat the cleaning process. The vinegar will help remove any lingering detergent residue.<ref>http://housewifehowtos.com/clean/how-to-steam-clean-carpeting</ref> | + | #Consider cleaning the carpet twice. If soap remains in the carpet after you have steamed it, it will attract more dirt. To thoroughly remove the soap, put a 50-50 mix of white vinegar and water in the machine and repeat the cleaning process. The vinegar will help remove any lingering detergent residue.<ref name="rf17343">http://housewifehowtos.com/clean/how-to-steam-clean-carpeting</ref> |
| − | #*It is recommended that carpets in high-traffic areas should be shampooed twice a year, while infrequently used spaces can be done as little as once every 18 months. If you have a light-colored carpet that begins to look dirty, clean it sooner.<ref>http://enlightenme.com/how-to-shampoo-carpet</ref> | + | #*It is recommended that carpets in high-traffic areas should be shampooed twice a year, while infrequently used spaces can be done as little as once every 18 months. If you have a light-colored carpet that begins to look dirty, clean it sooner.<ref name="rf17344">http://enlightenme.com/how-to-shampoo-carpet</ref> |
===Preventing Messes on Your Carpet=== | ===Preventing Messes on Your Carpet=== | ||
| − | #Keep mess-making substances away from your carpet. Textiles, such as carpet, are generally much more difficult to clean compared to hard surfaces like tile. It is partly for this reason that many forgo wall-to-wall carpet in kitchens and dining rooms. Relegate as much eating and drinking to non-carpeted areas as possible. <ref>http://www.homestratosphere.com/carpet-vs-hardwood-flooring</ref> | + | #Keep mess-making substances away from your carpet. Textiles, such as carpet, are generally much more difficult to clean compared to hard surfaces like tile. It is partly for this reason that many forgo wall-to-wall carpet in kitchens and dining rooms. Relegate as much eating and drinking to non-carpeted areas as possible. <ref name="rf17345">http://www.homestratosphere.com/carpet-vs-hardwood-flooring</ref> |
| − | #Remove footwear before walking on your carpet. In many countries, such as Canada and Japan, it is customary to remove your shoes when entering a dwelling. This is typically to prevent dirt from being tracked inside.<ref>http://expatsincebirth.com/2013/11/24/take-off-your-shoes-please</ref> Consider taking off your shoes and placing them in a designated spot in your foyer. Doing so will remove a major cause of soiled carpets.<ref>http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2014-02-25/marketplace/sns-201402250000--tms--livspacectnls-a20140225-20140225_1_shoes-carpets-house-cleaner</ref> | + | #Remove footwear before walking on your carpet. In many countries, such as Canada and Japan, it is customary to remove your shoes when entering a dwelling. This is typically to prevent dirt from being tracked inside.<ref name="rf17346">http://expatsincebirth.com/2013/11/24/take-off-your-shoes-please</ref> Consider taking off your shoes and placing them in a designated spot in your foyer. Doing so will remove a major cause of soiled carpets.<ref name="rf17347">http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2014-02-25/marketplace/sns-201402250000--tms--livspacectnls-a20140225-20140225_1_shoes-carpets-house-cleaner</ref> |
| − | #Properly train your pets. Make sure your cat, dog, or other small animal does not have any "accidents" on your carpet. If your pet uses a litter box, place it in an area with an easier to clean flooring, such as tile or laminate. If you must put the box in a room with carpeting, place it on a rubber litter mat. These mats will both prevent spills and keep litter from being tracked onto the carpet.<ref>http://www.catster.com/cats-and-cleaning/5-tips-control-cat-litter-scatter-tracking</ref> | + | #Properly train your pets. Make sure your cat, dog, or other small animal does not have any "accidents" on your carpet. If your pet uses a litter box, place it in an area with an easier to clean flooring, such as tile or laminate. If you must put the box in a room with carpeting, place it on a rubber litter mat. These mats will both prevent spills and keep litter from being tracked onto the carpet.<ref name="rf17348">http://www.catster.com/cats-and-cleaning/5-tips-control-cat-litter-scatter-tracking</ref> |
#Contain any messes that do occur as soon as possible. Remove any excess staining agents immediately. The longer a stain is left to set, the more difficult it will be to remove. | #Contain any messes that do occur as soon as possible. Remove any excess staining agents immediately. The longer a stain is left to set, the more difficult it will be to remove. | ||
#*If you spill a colored liquid, mop it up by dabbing it with a clean white cloth. Be sure to use up and down pressing motions rather than scrubbing side-to-side. The latter will make a stain worse by spreading it over a greater area. | #*If you spill a colored liquid, mop it up by dabbing it with a clean white cloth. Be sure to use up and down pressing motions rather than scrubbing side-to-side. The latter will make a stain worse by spreading it over a greater area. | ||
#*Vacuum up small particulate matter like dirt. | #*Vacuum up small particulate matter like dirt. | ||
| − | #*Scrape up solids, such as chewing gum or butter, with a blunt knife.<ref>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> |
== Video == | == Video == | ||
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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 | + | *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" /> |
*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. | ||
