Guide on How to Clean Carpets

Carpets add an element of warmth, comfort, and style, transforming a simple room into a cosy living space. However, like all home furnishings, carpets require regular upkeep to keep them looking plush and inviting.

This guide aims to help you understand the ins and outs of carpet cleaning. From the best techniques to the most effective products, we have you covered, ensuring that your carpets are not only clean but also look amazing for years to come.

So, whether you're dealing with high-traffic areas, stubborn stains, or just your routine cleaning, this guide will be your go-to resource for all things carpet cleaning.

How often should I clean my carpet?

Carpets can be a magnet for dust, dirt, and bacteria. These unwanted particles not only spoil the visual appeal of your carpets but also pose potential health risks. The buildup of bacteria can result in unpleasant odours and even trigger allergies or respiratory issues. Added to this, dirt and debris can grind against the carpet fibres, causing them to fray and wear out quicker.

Regular vacuuming and cleaning are key to preventing the accumulation of dirt, debris, and bacteria while prolonging your carpet’s life, breathing new life into it when it seems worn and tired. Over time, carpets can lose their vibrancy due to accumulated dirt and wear and tear. However, with regular and efficient cleaning, it's possible to restore their original charm and extend their lifespan.

Regular cleaning should not be an afterthought but rather a part of your routine home maintenance. Vacuuming your carpets at least once a week, (more frequently if you're looking to stay on top of pet hair) is recommended with a deeper clean every 6-12 months.

Deep Cleaning your Carpets

While vacuuming is beneficial for surface cleaning and removing loose particles, you'll need to deep clean your carpets every once in a while.

Deep cleaning is a more intensive cleaning process that penetrates deep into the carpet fibres, removing stubborn dirt, bacteria, and carpet stains that have ingrained themselves over time. This level of cleaning is crucial for multiple reasons.

• It eradicates harmful bacteria and allergens that can compromise indoor air quality and potentially cause health issues.
• Removing tough stains and dirt rejuvenates your carpet's aesthetics, improving its appearance and texture.
• Deep cleanings can extend your carpet's life, as the embedded dirt can cause the fibres to break down over time.
• Deep cleaning can also help with odour control, keeping your home smelling fresh and clean.

It's recommended to deep clean your carpets at least once or twice a year or more frequently if you have high-traffic areas or pets.

How long does it take to clean a carpet?

The process of properly cleaning carpets, much like any other household chore, requires a certain investment of time. For the best clean, it can't be rushed!

On average, cleaning a single room carpet can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a couple of hours. This depends on the size of the carpet and the extent of the dirt and stains. When you're planning to clean your carpets, it's a good idea to make sure you have plenty of time to do it properly and not rush through the process.

Remember, a clean carpet not only enhances your home's aesthetics but also contributes to a healthier living space.

How to clean carpet at home

Deep cleaning a carpet doesn't necessarily require professionals. In fact, it's quite possible — and easy — to perform this task yourself with a bit of time, patience, and the right equipment. You can deep clean your carpet in several ways, including by hand, using a carpet cleaner, or with a steam cleaner.

Essential tools and products for effective carpet cleaning

The best way to clean carpet at home depends on the tools and products you use. Here are a few essentials that will help you achieve effective results:

• Vacuum Cleaner: This is your first line of defence against dirt and dust. A good vacuum cleaner can remove a significant amount of debris from your carpet before you even begin the deep cleaning process.
• Carpet Cleaner Machine: A carpet cleaner machine uses warm water, a specialised cleaning solution, and powerful suction to deep clean your carpets.
• Steam Cleaner: This equipment uses hot steam to loosen and remove dirt and stains from your carpet.
• Cleaning Solution: There are many on the market, but make sure to choose one that's suitable for the type of carpet you have. Some carpet cleaning solutions are designed for pet owners and have enzymes that break down pet waste and odour. To clean a carpet with dish soap, choose a mild variety and test it on a small, hidden area to ensure it doesn't cause discolouration.
• Baking Soda: Sprinkling baking soda on your carpet before vacuuming can help eliminate odours.
• White Vinegar: This natural ingredient is a powerful cleaner and deodoriser. It also acts as a stain remover for tough stains like red wine or coffee.
• Cloths or Towels: Useful for blotting up spills or applying cleaning solutions to stains.
• Scrub Brush: This is used for agitating the cleaning solution into the carpet fibers, helping to dislodge dirt.
• Gloves: Cleaning solutions can often be harsh on the skin, so it's a good idea to protect your hands with gloves.
• Bucket: Needed for mixing your cleaning solution and warm water.

Remember, in some cases where the carpet is extensively dirty or damaged, professional cleanings may be recommended to ensure the longevity of your carpet. Check out our guide on removing different stains from your carpet with a few simple tools and techniques. 

In terms of products, Best4Flooring offers a diverse range to suit your carpet cleaning needs.

How to prepare your carpet for cleaning

Cleaning carpet can be a daunting task, but with the proper preparation and the right equipment, it can be done easily at home.

Here are the step-by-step instructions that will help you prepare your carpet for cleaning:

1. Clear the Room: Remove all furniture, toys, and any other items from the room. This will give you a clear working space and ensure that every part of the carpet can be thoroughly cleaned.
2. Inspect the Carpet: Carefully inspect the carpet for any stubborn stains or particularly dirty areas. These might require special attention during the cleaning process.
3. Vacuum the Carpet: Before applying any cleaning solution, vacuum the carpet thoroughly. This will remove loose dirt, dust, and hair that can become a hindrance during the cleaning process.
4. Pre-treat Stains: Stain removal is an essential step in carpet cleaning. If there are any old or stubborn stains, pre-treat them with a suitable stain remover. It's best to let it sit for a while to break up the stain before the main cleaning process.
5. Prepare the Cleaning Solution: In a bucket, mix the appropriate quantity of cleaning solution with warm water as per the instructions on the bottle. Ensure the solution is well mixed before use.

Once these steps are completed, you're ready to start the main cleaning process. Keep in mind that preparation may take some time, but a well-prepared carpet will yield better cleaning results.

The best ways to clean carpets

Use carpet cleaners

Deep cleaning with a carpet cleaner is by far the easiest way to ensure your carpet is thoroughly cleaned without a professional cleaner.

A carpet cleaning machine is a specially designed appliance that works by injecting a solution into the carpet pile and then extracting the dirty solution back into the machine. They are highly efficient in removing deeply ingrained dirt and stubborn stains.

What is the Best Carpet Cleaner?

Some of the top recommended carpet and rug cleaners are the Vax Platinum Power Max Carpet Cleaner the BISSELL Stain Pro 6 and, for spot cleaning, the VAX ONEPWR SpotlessGo Cordless Spot Washer.

In terms of carpet cleaning solution, our customers love the Pro-Kleen Pro+ Carpet Shampoo. If you prefer a more DIY approach, it's also possible to concoct your own homemade carpet cleaning solution using a mixture of white vinegar, baking soda, and warm water.

How to use a carpet cleaner

1. Preparation: Begin by pre-treating any stubborn stains on your carpet with a suitable carpet cleaning solution. Allow the solution to sit for the recommended amount of time on the bottle.
2. Fill the cleaner: Fill the carpet cleaner's water tank up to the indicated line with warm water. Then, add the recommended amount of cleaning solution to the tank.
3. Start at the farthest point: Start cleaning at the farthest point from the doorway and work back towards it. This ensures you won't walk on the freshly cleaned carpet.
4. Cleaning strokes: Push the carpet cleaner forward slowly, then pull it back while pushing the cleaning button. Repeat this motion until the area is thoroughly cleaned.
5. Empty and refill: Once the dirty water tank is full, turn off the carpet cleaner, unplug it and empty the dirty water tank. Refill the clean water tank and continue the process until the entire carpet is cleaned.
6. Drying time: Let your carpets dry fully before walking on it. This can take several hours or overnight, depending on the room's ventilation and humidity.

Remember, if your carpet is heavily stained or the dirt is deep-seated, it may be best to hire a professional carpet cleaning service. They have stronger equipment and specialised cleaning solutions that can help restore your carpet.

How to clean carpet with baking soda

Baking soda is a natural way of freshening up and deodorising carpets. Simply sprinkle it over the area, let it sit for 30 minutes to absorb odours and moisture, then vacuum it up. For tougher stains, create a paste with equal parts water and baking soda, apply it to the stain, let it dry, and then vacuum.

Carpet cleaning by hand

Cleaning your carpet by hand is hard work, but brings unique benefits. This method is incredibly effective for spot cleaning, allowing you to focus on particular stains or high-traffic areas that may need more attention.

Hand cleaning lends itself to a detailed, meticulous approach, ensuring you can treat each stain properly. This method can also be more gentle on the fabric, reducing the risk of damage that can occur with heavy machinery.

How to deep clean a carpet by hand

1. Gather your materials: You will need a bucket, a scrub brush, a towel, and a carpet cleaning solution.
2. Prep the carpet: Begin by vacuuming the carpet to remove loose dirt and debris. Then, pre-treat any particularly stubborn stains with a bit of the carpet cleaning solution, allowing it to sit for up to 30 minutes.
3. Scrubbing: Dip the scrub brush in your cleaning solution until it's well-soaked but not dripping. Gently scrub the carpet in a circular motion, working the cleaner into the fibres. Be careful not to scrub too harshly, as this can damage the carpet fibres. Pro tip: Remember, always do a spot test with any new cleaning solution in a discreet area to ensure it doesn’t cause discoloration.
4. Rinse and dry: Rinse the carpet by blotting with a damp towel. Try to remove all of the cleaning solution, as any residue can attract more dirt. Allow the carpet to dry fully. Speed up the drying by opening windows, turning on fans, or even using a dehumidifier.

With these simple steps, you should be able to keep your carpets clean and fresh. However, if you're dealing with stubborn stains or a large carpeted area, consider a machine cleaner or a professional cleaning service.

Professional carpet cleaning vs. DIY

Professional carpet cleaning services use industrial-grade equipment and cleaning solutions, which can penetrate deeper into the carpet fibres and remove stubborn or set-in stains that a DIY approach might not be able to tackle. These professionals are trained to handle different types of carpets, reducing the risk of damage.

Another obvious benefit is that it can save significant time and effort, particularly in larger homes or offices with extensive carpeting.

While DIY cleaning can be cost-effective for small areas or spot cleaning, it can be time-consuming and physically demanding for larger areas. You may find that professional cleaning services offer additional services, such as applying protective treatments or cleaning soft furnishings.

So, while DIY carpet cleaning is viable for regular maintenance and minor stains, professional carpet cleaning is recommended for a deeper clean, removing stubborn stains, or large carpeted areas. It's also a preferable option for delicate carpets and rugs that need extra care.

Key Takeaways

In summary, the longevity and appearance of your carpets largely depend on regular maintenance and thoughtful cleaning. Here are the key points to remember:

1. Regular vacuuming is essential to keep your carpets dirt-free.
2. A DIY approach with the right cleaning products can be effective for minor spills and stains.
3. Home carpet cleaners or rentals can be a good option for regular upkeep.
4. Professional carpet cleaning services are worth considering for a deep and thorough clean, particularly for large or heavily soiled carpets.
5. Using high-quality cleaning products ensures the safety and longevity of your carpet fibres.

Remember, Best4Flooring offers a wide range of reliable carpet cleaning products that are designed to effectively remove stains while keeping your carpet fibres safe. We also offer a dedicated range of aftercare products for laminate or vinyl flooring.

If you’re looking for a new carpet, explore our wide range to find the perfect fit for your home. For more guidance or if you're unsure which product suits your carpet best, get in touch with our friendly team. We are more than happy to provide expert advice and recommendations to help you maintain your carpets in top condition.