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How to Clean a Rug: Area Rugs, Oriental Rugs, and More

Could your area rug use a deep clean? Learn how to clean a rug yourself and you can bring all your floor coverings back to life whenever you like. Area rugs may bring a room together, but they also takes a beating, from foot traffic to pets and spills. After a while, vacuuming just isn’t enough to get it truly clean—and that’s when knowing how to do it yourself comes in super handy.

Area rug cleaning is a project you can easily take on yourself. There’s no need to hire professional rug cleaners for the task—unless your rug is extremely delicate (for example, an antique rug, Persian rug, or oriental rug).

Note: There’s no need to clean rugs on a schedule. Instead, you should just clean the rugs when they are visibly dirty or have an odor. Read on to find out how to refresh those well-worn area rugs so they look as good as they did when you first unrolled them.

1. Gather Your Tools and Supplies

Here's exactly what you'll need to have on hand to complete a successful area rug cleaning:

Optional:

2.

Remove Dirt and Debris

Thoroughly vacuum on the rug on both sides. You want to make sure every last bit of debris is gone. If you have pets, use the brush attachment to get any lingering stray hairs.

3. Mix Your Cleaner

When it comes to the actual cleaning solution, you can use a rug shampoo like this one from Bissell. Whatever shampoo you choose, follow its specific directions (found on the bottle) for mixing.

Alternatively, you can also use mild dish detergent mixed in a bucket with warm water. Do not use hot water as it can shrink the rug or cause fading.

4. Do a Color Test

Before you start scrubbing, make sure the cleaner doesn’t cause the colors to run. Test the solution on the corner of the rug to make sure it is colorfast. If the color doesn't bleed, it's safe to move on to the next step.

5. Wash the Rug

Using a sponge or soft-bristle brush, work the cleaning solution into a lather on the rug. Let the cleaner sit on the rug for a five minutes before you start rinsing. Anything less than that and you'll shortchange the cleaning process. Give it those five minutes to set in and start lifting away dirt.

6. Rinse the Rug

Rinse the soap out of the rug using a garden hose or buckets of clean water. Make sure all the cleaning solution is completely removed from the area rug and the runoff water is crystal clear.

7. Remove Excess Water

At this point, you’ll want to get rid of as much excess water in the rug as you can so it will dry faster. You can use a wet-dry vacuum if you have one, or use a squeegee in the direction of the nap.

8. Let the Rug Dry

The next-to-last step to clean an area rug is simply letting it dry. Lay the rug flat and allow the top of the rug to dry completely. Then, flip it over to let the bottom side dry. Fans can help speed up the process. Make sure the rug is fully dry before you return it to the room.

9. Vacuum or Brush Out the Rug

During the cleaning process, threads and fibers can get compacted and squished. Revive them by running a vacuum over the now-dry rug, or brush them with a soft-bristled brush. Now you're finished, and can enjoy your freshly cleaned carpet. You know how to clean an area rug yourself, and you can complete the job whenever you like.

How to clean an area rug: an expert guide |

(Image credit: Future / Darren Chung)

Knowing how to clean an area rug properly is vital to its longevity. It may be that your rug is in a bedroom, where it doesn't get a ton of footfall, but might occasionally become victim to an early morning coffee spillage. Or perhaps it's in the kitchen, where it has to cope with all kinds of stains and spills – or out in the backyard, in which case it may even have to cope with BBQ stains, too. 

Whatever, cleaning a rug can be done at home effectively, without the need to involve professionals. The best route to success is to follow the maker's recommendations – which you may find on the reverse of your rug. Failing that, it's important to ensure you clean a rug according to its material and even weave – this will help you to maintain its looks.

Below, we offer expert cleaning tips for freshening up rugs, the right way.

How to clean a rug

Living room rugs and those in the kitchen see plenty of foot traffic, but wherever they are, effective cleaning of rugs is a must. 

'Rugs are extremely practical as well as an instant interior design update for all rooms in the home, but whether they’re subject to heavy footfall, everyday spillages, pets or just daily dust – they all need a regular clean,' says Daniel Prendergast of The Rug Seller . 'As well as dirt, rug fibers can house millions of micro-organisms, so a clean helps to prevent a build-up of microbes which is beneficial to a healthy home – especially for people with allergies.

'For any stains and embedded dirt, how these are dealt with can depend on the type of rug fiber. A starting point is to check your product’s care label or follow cleaning guides for certain material types,' continues Daniel Prendergast.

Below, we bring you expert tips on cleaning a rug, whatever its material or size and whether you’re caring for it as part of cleaning a living room or in any other location.

1. Get the right rug cleaning kit

It may be that you chose a rug and it was sold with a particular cleaning product advised, but as a general rule, most – though not all – rugs can be cleaned with a rug or carpet shampoo – though a solution of warm water and dish soap in a bowl or bucket can do the job if you need to clean a stain in a hurry. 

You should also have a vacuum cleaner, plenty of kitchen towel to blot up stains, a sponge and brush in your laundry room, just in case, too. If you have a wet-dry vacuum you can, of course, skip many of the steps below. 

2. Vacuum the rug, regularly

To clean a rug regularly – rather than do an emergency stain removal – it's vital that it's vacuumed on both the upper and under-sides. This is because grit and dust can work their way down through the fibers of the rug. 'Don’t forget the underside – vacuum the backing of the rug once a month to remove trapped dust, dirt, allergens and bacteria.'

If you have pets, you will benefit from a vacuum for pet hair – these are designed to remove hairs efficiently and hygienically. Or, you may find it easier, especially in good weather, to take the rug outside and shake or beat it. This can be a more thorough way of cleaning a rug, too.

'As a rule, carpeted floors and rugs should be vacuumed at least twice weekly,' advises Daniel Prendergast. 'For every day, frequent vacuuming, shake off any surface dirt and dust and then vacuum the rug. Suction only vacuum cleaners are preferable to rotary brush or upright vacuum cleaners which can sometimes damage the surface of the pile and fray the edges of rugs. Use the nozzle attachment to lightly vacuum the rug to remove any surface dust and loose yarns.'

3. Use a powdered anti-bacterial rug freshener

If, after vacuuming, a rug doesn't smell clean, that may be because it is infested with bacteria. Short of cleaning it, you can freshen it – and neutralize the smell – with a rug powder.

'There are anti-bacterial powders that can be sprinkled onto rugs to rid them of germs but always test on a small section first,' says Daniel Prendergast.  

4. Shampoo a rug – carefully

A shampoo designed specifically for rugs – and even better, the material your rug is made from – will give you the best results for regular or emergency cleaning. 

Whatever you buy, it's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions to the letter. 'I would always advise testing a shampoo out on a small patch – ideally a corner – first,' says Homes & Gardens' Editor in Chief. 'This is particularly important if your rug is colorful, since with some materials, color will run or fade easily.'

A very mild solution of dish detergent and warm (not hot) water is second best – but a good option if you have a stain to clean before it dries.

For regular cleaning – not when you are mopping up a stain – use a sponge. You can use a soft brush, but you are more likely to ruin the pile of a rug with scrubbing then with sponging. 'I would always try to clean a rug outside – it will cut down on mess indoors and help it dry faster,' advises Lucy Searle.

Apply the shampoo with the sponge so that the rug is just beyond damp – not wet – and work it into a lather, evenly over the surface. The instructions may advise you to leave the shampoo on the rug for a few minutes. 

5. Rinse the rug, and blot

Rug shampoo, just like hair shampoo, needs rinsing out of the fibers if the rug is to be truly clean. Fail to rinse the soap out thoroughly and the rug can become sticky, attracting more dirt in the long run. 

Our tried and tested approach is to first blot as much of the shampoo out of the rug as possible with kitchen towels – press down firmly with the heels of your hands or lay them out and walk over them with clean shoes or bare feet.

That done, you can use clean, warm water, applied with a clean, soap-free sponge. You will need to change the water regularly to ensure it lifts the shampoo and dirt properly, and if the rug starts to become too wet, blot it between rinses. 

6. Allow the rug to dry

With the rug blotted as much as possible, now it's just a case of ensuring the nap is as neat as possible before allowing it to dry thoroughly. This is best done with the rug lain flat – off the floor/ground if possible. It will also need flipping at some point so that you can ensure it is dry all the way through.

Ideally, dry the rug outside; indoors, you can speed up the process with a dehumidifier or fan, but avoid heat, which can shrink and warp rugs. Some cloth rugs can go in the tumble dryer, but check the manufacturer's cleaning instructions before trying this.

Once the rug is dry, vacuum the rug for a final time. This will help restore the nap.

'If the material allows, add a fabric spray to keep the rug fragrant,' say the rug cleaning experts at Dunelm .

How to clean wool rugs

'Wool rugs are very hard wearing but require a gentle approach to cleaning,' says Daniel Prendergast. 'Use a specialist wool rug cleaner or mix water and non-bio washing detergent. Firstly, dab with a clean microfiber cloth and then use a dry cloth to remove moisture. Allow to dry naturally. Some wool rugs can be steam cleaned but always check with the manufacturer’s specific recommendations. '

How to clean nylon rugs

'Nylon rugs can be steam cleaned (you can rent a machine and do this yourself), you can also clean by hand using water and a light detergent,' advises Prendergast. 'Don’t get your rug too wet, blot gently and remove excess moisture.'

How to clean jute and sisal rugs

'Jute and sisal rugs don’t respond well to water so it us best to use a dry shampoo which are sold in most supermarkets,' says Daniel Prendergast. 'Sprinkle the rug with absorbent carpet shampoo granules for an occasional freshening. Work or brush the granules into the rug with the vacuum’s cleaning head bristles without turning on the appliance. Allow the shampoo to sit for the length of time instructed on the label, which may be about one hour. Vacuum the granules out thoroughly.'

How to clean polyester rugs

'Polyester rugs are often machine washable so check the label. Rugs labelled "washable" can be popped in a machine at 100ºF/40ºC and are quick drying, so they retain their shape after washing,' says Prendergast.  'If not, mix water with non-bio washing detergent and follow the same steps as you would for a wool rug.'

How to clean a sheepskin rug

'Sheepskin rugs can be washed by hand, however you may opt to get yours professionally cleaned once a year. Check the label to see if your sheepskin can be machine washed – this will usually be on your washer’s coolest setting,' says Prendergast. 'If your rug is not machine washable, fill a bath with cool water and mix in a specialist sheepskin detergent. Leave the rug in the cool water mixture for 5-10 minutes to loosen any dirt and then rinse thoroughly. 

'Dry by patting out excess water and then leaving to air dry, laid flat in a warm place away from direct sunlight. Using a metal bristled sheepskin brush, fluff the wool gently while still damp. Brush it once again, while drying, and do a final brush after it’s dried – your sheepskin will return to its natural fluffiness.'

How to clean viscose rugs

'Viscose rugs are not designed to get wet and if they do will draw water in and become damaged,' warns Prendergast. 'Try to avoid placing your rug somewhere where it may become wet. Spot clean stains as they occur and gently vacuum regular to remove dirt and other fibers.'

How to clean a deep pile or fluffy rug

Cleaning a deep pile or shaggy rug can be done in the same way as cleaning a wool rug, but you can also use dry shampoo instead of wet-cleaning. Sprinkle on the dry shampoo, work it into the rug, allow it to sit for two hours, then vacuum or shake it out.

How to clean outdoor rugs

Outdoor rugs are usually made with tough materials that are designed to be weather-resistant, so you can be fairly secure in turning a broom or hosepipe on an outdoor rug to clean it. Use shampoo – or diluted dish detergent – working it in with a soft broom, then gently jet the rug with clean water to rinse it. Allow to dry. 

How to clean stains from rugs

'Stains should always be tackled as soon as they happen – time really is of the essence when it comes to removing spillages so mop up as much of the stain as possible and never allow it to dry into the rug,' says Daniel Prendergast.

'On fibers that can generally withstand liquid cleaning, a mixture of equal parts white wine vinegar and dish detergent and warm water can generally be used to remove stains like coffee, red wine and mud. Mud should be left to dry and vacuumed before cleaning. For any liquid cleaning, always spot test first and stubborn stains should be removed by specialist cleaning companies who will have the experience and knowledge of how to deal with the problem.

'Removing dried in pet urine stains from carpets can be tricky – but thankfully not impossible. If you have run out of professional products to try, it might be time to give some natural cleaning methods a go. Believe it or not, the answer to stubborn urine stains could be hidden in your kitchen. White vinegar is one of the most useful household cleaning agents as it is great at lifting stains and acts as a disinfectant.

'Baking soda will also help to neutralize any odors that may be left lurking in the carpet.  Mix one part white vinegar with one part cold water in a spray bottle. Soak the area with the solution – this will help to cut through the stain and ensure that all of the urine is lifted from the carpet. Gently rub the area – take care here not to rub too vigorously and damage the carpet fibers. 

'Whilst the area is still wet, cover with baking soda and gently rub it in. Leave it to dry (this could take a day or so depending on how much vinegar and water solution that you used) and then vacuum your rug thoroughly. The stain should have been lifted and any remaining odors removed. For really stubborn stains you may need to repeat the process but perseverance should work in the end.'

How often should I clean a rug?

The answer to this is regularly, twice a year and in emergencies. Rugs need vacuuming twice a week and you will need to mop up spills immediately – but deep cleaning/shampooing can be done twice a year.

'At least twice a year (or more if it needs it), give your rug a bit more care and attention with a deeper clean – spring and fall are a great time to do this,' says Daniel Prendergast of The Rug Seller. 'It’s also worth thinking about the frequency of a deeper clean based on where your rug is. Floorcoverings subjected to outdoor shoes, spills and pets on a daily basis need to be cleaned at least every two months ideally; for rugs in other areas a deep clean at least twice a year is recommended.'

Why clean a rug if it looks clean?

Even if your rug looks clean, it can be harboring bacteria and bugs, so it is important to clean it regularly. 'In general, when it comes to cleaning all types of rugs, "little and often" is essential to keep them fresh and dust free,' says Daniel Prendergast of The Rug Seller. 'In fact, it’s safe to say there may be more than just a bug in your rug if it’s left uncleaned – vacuuming alone won’t remove carpet dust mites which can trigger allergic reactions such as asthma and eczema.'

Lucy Searle has written about interiors, property and gardens since 1990, working her way around the interiors departments of women's magazines before switching to interiors-only titles in the mid-nineties. She was Associate Editor on Ideal Home, and Launch Editor of 4Homes magazine, before moving into digital in 2007, launching Channel 4's flagship website, Channel4.com/4homes. In 2018, Lucy took on the role of Global Editor in Chief for Realhomes.com, taking the site from a small magazine add-on to a global success. She was asked to repeat that success at Homes & Gardens, where she has also taken on the editorship of the magazine. 

How to effectively clean the carpet at home - articles by the company "Clean Everything"

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2 minutes

Contents

Why does the carpet get dirty?

Basic care instructions

How to clean carpets?

Do-It-Yourself Carpet Cleaning at Home

Chemicals and Equipment

Using Vinegar, Baking Soda, and Powder

Citric Acid

Snow Cleaning

Removal of spots using glycerin

Washing powder

peroxide

Tips for cleaning

Carpets from natural and synthetic fibers

Pile cleaning of different colors - what to pay attention to

Dry cleaning from dirt

Conclusion

How to clean the carpet so that it is beautiful and gives comfort to the house? The question is relevant for millions of housewives. In Russia pile coverings are laid:

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What makes the carpet dirty?

Dust settles on it, in which the saprophyte mite starts. Its waste products are a powerful allergen. This neighborhood is especially dangerous for young children, allergy sufferers and the elderly. nine0003

The second global problem is spots. They are planted by adults, turning over cups of coffee and glasses of wine. Babies leave them because of leaking diapers. Older children stain the pile with plasticine and brilliant green, glue and felt-tip pens.

The statistics are silent about the damage caused to carpets by pets. The most unpleasant variant of pollution is cat urine with a terrible smell. But carpets get from other pets. From interior decoration, they turn into an object that you want to remove from sight or urgently clean. nine0003

Basic care

Carpets and rugs should be cleaned regularly. In products with a long pile, a large amount of fine dust accumulates. Dust particles live in dust mites, which are responsible for the development of allergies and bronchial asthma. To prevent dust mites from entering your home, follow these cleaning tips:

How to clean carpets?

You can order dry cleaning of carpets with viscose from the company CLEAN VSE. Experienced professionals will restore their beauty and presentability. But, if home conditions suit you more, try cleaning the pile yourself. To do this, you need to know which cleaning suits your rug. Read the information on the back of the product. The manufacturer indicates the permissible types of cleaning there. nine0003

Amateur carpet cleaning is different from professional carpet cleaning. The house does not have special equipment for cleaning them in an organic solvent or wet cleaning. The home option for caring for carpets is a bit like bio-cleaning - manual processing with cleaning products. How to do it, what to pay attention to?

Do-it-yourself carpet cleaning at home

Use the advice of experts from the company CLEAN EVERYTHING! Then you will cope with the dry cleaning of carpets, rugs, carpets faster and with good results. nine0003

Chemicals and equipment

Professional carpet cleaning always starts with dedusting. We recommend that you do not ignore this rule at home. Use a vacuum cleaner to remove dust from the pile. Then the subsequent treatment with folk remedies or household chemicals will be more effective. With regular care, the coatings retain a decent appearance for a long time. Their owners may not need a carpet dry cleaning service with export.

If there is a steam cleaner in the arsenal of household appliances, then it is much easier to take care of pile products. Steaming in tandem with a good shampoo removes fresh stains and kills microscopic mites. nine0003

You can effectively clean the carpet with shampoo, liquid soap, a solution of household laundry detergent, a spray for pile products. Any agent must be whipped into foam. It has maximum cleaning power. Sponge or soft brush it is applied to the pile, leave for a few minutes. The remaining foam with dissolved dirt is removed with a clean damp cloth. After removing the detergent, the wet coating should be blotted with a dry soft cloth and dried with a hair dryer.

Use of vinegar, soda and powder

A homemade product based on baking soda, powder and vinegar has an excellent cleaning effect. To prepare the solution, pour half a glass of boiling water and 70 ml of acetic acid into a suitable container, add a tablespoon of the food product. Pour one large spoonful of powder into the composition. Mix the mixture well, and then use a sprayer to apply it to the contaminated surface. To clean the carpet, use a cotton cloth. The remains of the cleaning agent from the product are collected with a damp sponge. nine0003

Alternatively, the detergent can be replaced with dishwashing chemicals. The introduction of a liquid detergent solution helps to quickly remove even old stains from the carpet.

Citric acid

Citric acid can be used to remove difficult stains. On a dirty coating, apply a little concentrated solution or freshly squeezed lemon juice. Leave for a couple of hours and then wash off with water. Rinsing helps to effectively unstick the sticky villi.

Snow cleaning

In the cold season, you can clean the carpet and fill the product with the aroma of freshness with the help of snow. To do this, the product is taken out into the street, spread on the ground, and covered with snow from above. Then the snow flakes are swept away, and the carpet is carefully beaten out on both sides. Cleaning is done until the snow stops darkening after being applied to the surface. The carpet is then dried. An important condition for cleaning is the presence of loose snow on the street.

Stain removal with glycerin

All textile flooring gets dirty over time, especially if it is in the living room. If some kind of drink is spilled on the carpet, try to immediately blot the liquid stain with a rag. The remaining dirt is washed off with concentrated soapy water.

Stubborn carpet stains are effectively removed with glycerin. To do this, the organic compound is left for 1-2 hours. Then the product is wiped with a damp cloth.

Washing powder

Washing powder may be used for carpets with synthetic pile. Add a little bulk product to a bowl of hot water. Make sure that the powder granules are completely dissolved. Otherwise, they will penetrate deep into the pile, they will not be cleaned.

Use a sponge to clean the carpet with a ready-made soap solution. After application, the solution is left for a couple of hours. The remains of the product are removed with a cloth, and the product itself is cleaned with a vacuum cleaner.

Peroxide

You can effectively eliminate dirt at home with hydrogen peroxide. This product is best used on light-colored items. Moisten the resulting stain with water, and then fill it with an antiseptic solution (3%) and immediately remove it with a soft brush. If the entire surface of the carpet is dirty, clean off the dirt towards the center. A small spot is treated in one direction, gently smoothing the pile. If necessary, the dirty coating is cleaned with an antiseptic agent several times. nine0003

Cleaning tips

Short-haired items are easy to clean and difficult to damage. Dry and wet cleaning is acceptable. Do not use too hard brush or too much friction. Then the carpet, carpet will be clean, without creases, bald patches. You can clean them with turpentine, vinegar, ammonia.

Long pile is more whimsical. It can be ruined by a too hard brush or excessive rubbing. Foam is best applied with a microfiber cloth. Do this with soft, delicate movements in the direction of the pile. Leave the foam on for 10-15 minutes. Wipe the cover with a clean damp and then dry cloth. It is important to dry the carpet, because mold and fungus can start in a wet product. nine0003

The coating acquires a musty smell, which cannot be removed by amateur means. The company CLEAN VSE offers cleaning of carpets with export to our own workshop. With pleasure we will take care of your worries, having received an order for dry cleaning with export. By the way, shipping there and back is included in the price.

Cleaning carpets made of natural and synthetic fibers

Silk carpets, viscose and handmade wool need the most delicate care. Be careful and careful with old and dilapidated rugs. We generally do not recommend cleaning silk items on your own. They are only suitable for dry cleaning in the workshop. nine0003

They are placed in a special drum into which an organic solvent is fed. Dry the coating in a straightened state on a horizontal surface with good ventilation. You can't do this at home.

Wool rugs are cleaned with a vacuum cleaner and a steam cleaner. You can remove dirt from them with soda, vinegar, starch, salt. Delicate handmade, rare, antique carpets are suitable for dry cleaning or professional bio-cleaning. We would not advise you to risk such valuable items. Entrust the care of them to professionals. nine0003

Synthetic fibers are much easier to care for. Carpets should be vacuumed regularly. Do wet cleaning from time to time. Stains must be removed immediately. To do this, you need to collect the liquid with dry wipes, then clean it with a foam solution, salt, vinegar.

Cleaning pile of different colors - what to look for

Dark pile does not need to be cleaned with flour, starch, soda. Gray plaque and white stains from them cannot be removed even with a powerful vacuum cleaner. Such coatings are best treated with solutions of vinegar, ammonia, carpet shampoos. nine0003

Lemon juice should not be applied to the white pile as it leaves yellow streaks. Salt, baking soda, starch can be used. Special foam products for cleaning carpets are suitable. Pay attention to which fibers the selected shampoo is suitable for!

We have published the main recommendations of the specialists of the company CLEAN EVERYTHING. They are addressed to those who want to clean the carpet themselves. Good luck to you!

Features of dry cleaning from dirt

Product made of natural material must not be wetted. To avoid shrinkage and deformation of the product, the carpet with natural pile is subjected to dry cleaning only. Before dry cleaning, the carpet is vacuumed to remove dust and lift the pile. In the process of cleaning, a cleaning powder is scattered on the surface of the product in an even layer. The product is driven into the pile with a dry cleaning device and left for a while. The remains of the powder are removed with a vacuum cleaner, and the clean pile of the product is smoothed. Use a stain remover to remove stubborn stains. nine0003

Conclusion

Regular dry cleaning of the carpet helps to preserve the aesthetic appearance of the product for a longer time and saves the living space from accumulated dust. The choice of carpet cleaning method at home is determined by the characteristics of the product and personal preferences. As well as the effectiveness of a particular cleaning method in relation to existing contaminants. Folk remedies are safe for health and are cheap. Professional cleaners effectively remove stubborn stains.

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How to clean the carpet at home with your own hands

How to clean the carpet at home with your own hands

20. 02.2018

Soda and vinegar: cleaning the carpet at home

Looking for an effective yet completely safe carpet cleaner for your home? Then you should use a proven method that allows you to return an attractive appearance to even the most musty and old carpets. And this method is cleaning with soda and vinegar, which can be done even if there are pets and small children in the house. nine0003

PREPARING THE CARPET

First of all, you need to rid the carpet of dust and debris. The easiest way to do this is with a vacuum cleaner whose suction power is 350 W or more (do not confuse it with engine power). Alternatively, you can get by with a classic knockout. If there is pet hair on the carpet, then it must also be removed. This can be done using a conventional brush or a turbo brush - a special nozzle that comes with some models of vacuum cleaners. There is also a universal version, which is sold separately and is suitable for vacuum cleaners with a suction power of 300 W or more (approximately 1800 W in terms of engine power). nine0003


Rules for caring for carpets and how to get rid of stains of varying complexity Pleasant to the touch and pleasing to the eye, the carpet makes the house more comfortable and can become a highlight of the interior. No matter how hard you try to preserve its original appearance, but over time, a bright, clean and fresh carpet is covered with a mosaic of stains from spilled juice from a child, traces of a pet and much more. Fortunately, in most cases, almost any carpet can be restored to its former cleanliness and attractiveness. To do this, you can take it to a dry cleaner or use more affordable and no less effective home remedies. And if you prefer the second option, then first you should learn more about what your carpet does not like. nine0003

WHAT NOT TO USE FOR CLEANING

First, don't use hot water. Carpet cleaning should be done with cool or lukewarm water.

Secondly, avoid excess moisture. Use as little cleaning fluid as possible, as water residue will corrode the substrate over time and is also a breeding ground for insects and fungus.

And thirdly, do not use rough brushes. To remove dirt, use brushes with a medium bristle pile, and clean the carpet only along the pile, in no case against the grain. nine0003


SHORT AND LONG PILES: IS THERE A DIFFERENCE IN CLEANING AND WHAT IT IS?

Carpets with different pile lengths have their own requirements for care products and cleaning methods. The most unpretentious are carpets with a short pile. They perfectly tolerate both dry and wet cleaning, and are also easily cleaned of any contaminants.

Long pile carpets are more demanding to care for. Dust, dirt, pet hair and hair accumulate at the base of the pile. Small debris spilled on a beautiful and fluffy rug is not easy to remove the first time, even with a vacuum cleaner. Using a brush is also not the best solution, as it can damage the carpet base. Out of competition in this case - a special steam cleaner and cleaning foam. nine0003

FOLK REMEDIES IN THE SERVICE OF PURITY

You can clean the carpet with high quality at home, but how to do it? The tools below will help you with this.

Soda

It is in any home and does an excellent job of getting rid of carpets from pollution. It can be used for both wet and dry cleaning.

Dry cleaning is simple: you sprinkle baking soda on the carpet, rub it in the areas of the greatest pollution, wait for a while (usually 15-20 minutes) and vacuum the carpet well. nine0003

For wet cleaning, you need to dissolve 100 g of soda in 5 liters of water and spray this solution on the fleecy part of the carpet using a spray bottle. After half an hour, you need to clean both the front and the wrong side of the carpet with a vacuum cleaner.


Vinegar

This is an effective remedy against various contaminants, which also helps to restore the carpet to its former brightness.

To create a cleaning solution, you need to mix 1 tbsp. l. nine% vinegar and 1 liter of warm water. The carpet previously cleaned with a vacuum cleaner is cleaned with a brush dipped in this solution. Just remember that the brush should be of medium hardness, and cleaning can only be done in the direction of the pile. The carpet cleaned in this way should not be walked on until it is completely dry.

Sauerkraut

It may surprise you, but the favorite snack of many is able to cope with the cleaning of the carpet and freshen up its color.

To do this, it is advisable to use homemade cabbage fermented without vinegar: you need to take 300-400 g, squeeze out the brine, rinse until you get rid of the specific smell and spread over the surface of the carpet, then roll it over the pile with a brush. The cabbage will collect all the dirt, after which you need to collect it and repeat the procedure until it stops changing color. Then it is enough to vacuum and dry the carpet. nine0003

Ammonium chloride

Even if your carpet looks clean, you need to refresh the color twice a year, and ammonia works great for this task.

Dissolve 2 tbsp. l. ammonia in 1 liter of water, apply the resulting solution to the brush and vigorously sweep the carpet over the pile, then wipe it dry with a rag. Provide fresh air during the procedure, and after it - ventilate the room for an hour.

Semolina

Not everyone knows about this, but semolina, familiar to everyone since childhood, perfectly absorbs dust pollution. And since she does an excellent job of cleaning fur products, then carpeting will not be an impossible task for her.

To clean the carpet, you need to sprinkle semolina on one half of it, and then move it to the other half. Semolina will collect a significant part of the dust, and you just have to collect it with a vacuum cleaner.

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Salt

Regular table salt is no less effective than semolina. It is enough to scatter it on the carpet and rub it into the interstitial space with a brush, and then sweep it with a broom. The procedure must be repeated several times until the desired result is achieved, after which - remove the remaining salt from the surface of the carpet with a vacuum cleaner.

Tea brew

Tea brewing will help restore the former beauty of dark-colored carpets. The method of its use is similar to that described above for semolina and salt: sprinkle the tea leaves, sweep it with a brush, repeat if necessary, and then clean the carpet with a vacuum cleaner. nine0003

CARPET CLEANING WITH CHEMICAL PRODUCTS

The home methods described above are simple and affordable, but the chemical industry is moving forward and producing more and more specialized carpet cleaners. Let's look at the most famous and effective options.

Vanish

This rich lathering formula really does tackle almost any stain or dirt, but it can only be used on synthetic carpets. That's just one rather expensive bottle is enough for only 2-3 applications. nine0003

Carpet cleaning powder

A simple yet effective dry cleaner. It is enough to sprinkle the powder on the carpet, rub it into the places of pollution, and then vacuum it. You can walk on the carpet immediately after the procedure, which cannot be done after wet cleaning. If we talk about specific effective brands, then these are Mitex, Extra Profi, Sunlux, Flash.

Carpet Shampoo

This product is used for wet cleaning and only for synthetic carpets, while the shampoo copes with old dirt especially well. The method of application is simple - just apply the shampoo, wait for it to dry completely on the surface of the carpet, and then carefully collect the remnants of the product along with the dirt with a vacuum cleaner. It is important to remember: before use, it is necessary to test the shampoo on an inconspicuous area, as the carpet may shed. The following powders can be found on sale: “5+ Carpets”, “Magic Carpet”, “Carpet Shampoo”, etc. nine0003

Carpet cleaning foam.

Foam is an effective dry cleaning agent, removes dirt and small debris, especially suitable for carpets with long pile. This tool is applied at arm's length, rubbed with a brush and wait for it to dry, after which it is collected with a vacuum cleaner. Famous compositions: "Luxus Carpet Cleaner", "Nordland", "Meine Liebe", "Tuba".

IS IT POSSIBLE TO REMOVE DIRT WITHOUT A VACUUM CLEANER?

The carpet appeared much earlier than the vacuum cleaner, and not so long ago, housewives coped with cleaning carpets without this wonderful helper. Now any product can also be cleaned with a broom, brush and dustpan. Yes, this will take more time and effort, but the result will still be worthy. nine0003


STAINS ARE DIFFERENT... HOW TO REMOVE THEM?

Let's look at the most common types of stains and how to remove them.

Ink

Ballpoint pen ink can be removed with a weak solution of citric acid or freshly squeezed lemon juice. Apply the liquid to a clean cloth and wipe the ink mark with it, then treat the area with soapy water, and then wipe it with a clean, damp cloth. nine0003

A fresh stain from liquid ink should be immediately covered with salt, and then cleaned with soapy water.

Fat

Powder products that absorb the oil structure well help to fight greasy stains. It can be crushed chalk, starch, and even ordinary baby powder (talc). The greasy stain must be thickly sprinkled with any of these powders, covered with tissue paper or "blotting paper" and left for a long time, preferably for the whole night. In the morning, the powder must be collected, and the remaining fat should be ironed with a hot iron through the paper until the greasy spots no longer appear on it. nine0003

Old stains

An excellent mixture for removing old stains from any carpet is gasoline and soap. Prepare a mixture of 10 ml of gasoline and 100 ml of soap solution, dilute it with a little water, wet a piece of cloth with this liquid and gently rub the stain. Leave the mixture on the carpet until completely dry, and if the stain still remains, repeat the procedure again.

Coffee

Ammonia helps against such stains. Add 1 tsp to 500 ml of water. ammonia, moisten the coffee stain and remove excess moisture by gently blotting with a dry, clean cloth. nine0003

Blood

With traces of blood, ordinary cold water will help to cope - just moisten the brush with it and rub the stained area. Even a dried stain can be washed off with water if it is first softened with a damp cloth and then brushed.

Gum

Traditionally, chewing gum stains are removed with cold. Place the ice in a plastic bag and place it on the gum. The stain will gradually harden, after which you can remove it mechanically. nine0003

Fruits and vegetables

Fresh stains from fruits and vegetables are removed with 1 tsp dissolved in 1 liter of water. grated laundry soap and 1 tsp. apple cider vinegar. With the resulting solution, you need to moisten a piece of light fabric and wipe the stain with it from the edges to the center.

General dirt

It is better to remove such pollution in a dried form, since fresh dirt is too easy to smear and thereby complicate the task. The easiest way to get rid of such a stain is with a carpet nozzle for a vacuum cleaner. nine0003

Perfume

Spilled perfume will not only give your carpet a pleasant scent, but it can also leave a noticeable stain. To prevent this from happening, wash the traces of perfume with warm water with the addition of washing powder.

Wax and paraffin

The way to get rid of these stains is similar to the procedure for removing chewing gum from a carpet. Let the stain cool, then pry the droplets of wax or paraffin with a sharp object to remove them from the villi. nine0003

HOW TO CLEAN A WOOL CARPET?

Woolen carpet is incredibly beautiful, but also quite demanding to care for. To preserve this fragile beauty, avoid excessively vigorous mechanical cleaning and aggressive cleaners, otherwise you can damage the structure of the pile and provoke its fall. If chemical stain removal is unavoidable, use gentle products.

Normal cleaning is best done with snow. Knock the dust out of the carpet with a cracker or a simple stick, then spread it on loose snow. Mark the snow on the fleecy part of the carpet and leave it like that for 10-15 minutes, then sweep away the old snow and mark the new one again, repeat several times. So you not only clean your carpet, but also carry out prevention against dust mites. nine0003

Also, such gentle products as semolina, salt and soda are suitable for cleaning such carpets. How to use them - read above. If we talk about chemicals, then only special powders can be used for woolen carpets. Liquid products (Vanish and others) for wool carpets are contraindicated.

In the intervals between such cleanings, it is necessary to properly care for the carpet with a vacuum cleaner, as well as protect the product from moisture. nine0003


WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT LIGHT CARPET CARE?

Light carpets are beautiful but require incredible care in everything from handling (any stain visible) to cleaning (careful choice of product).

Learn more