at some point you will be doing some carpet cleaning. Here are
12 things to know about carpet cleaning that will make your life
easier.
1. Toxic
Most of the products on the market for carpet cleaning are safe
and will have a minimal impact on the environment. However some
of the carpet cleaning products do contain toxic chemicals which
can be hazardous to the person using them as well as other
people in the house or pets. So be sure to read the labels
carefully before using. Always try to choose a product with the
least amount of chemicals and in the mildest you can find that
will work.
2. Clean Often
It's always best to clean your carpets on a regular basis. If
you do not clean your carpets on a regular basis you will need
to use a stronger chemical product because the dirt will have
ground itself deeper into the carpet and it becomes more
difficult to lift. Cleaning your carpets on a regular basis is
easier on the environment, your health, and it will help extend
the life of the carpet.
3. Use Caution
Read labels very carefully. Not only on the product but on any
documentation provided with the carpet. Should you use the wrong
product or a product with stronger chemical than your carpet can
handle you could damage the carpet.
4. Hire The Pros
If you are not comfortable with cleaning your carpets yourself
or you can't be bothered to rent a carpet cleaning machine, drag
it home, and get to work, then hire the pros! There are many
professionals that will clean your carpets for a very reasonable
fee and give you a guarantee on the work they do.
5. Installation
If you are laying new carpets chances are the reason you are
doing this is because you want them to look appealing and accent
the room while at the same time providing functionality. If you
install the carpet poorly or install the wrong type of carpet
for the area you will have a higher maintenance cost and the
carpets will need to be cleaned more frequently. So make sure
you choose the correct carpets. Regular vacuuming and spot
removal will also lower your cleaning maintenance costs.
What Is The Best Way To Clean Carpet?There are two popular ways of cleaning carpet. Dry cleaning and steam cleaning.
First I would like to tell you about dry cleaning. Dry cleaning is not really dry per say. A high PH chemical is applied to the carpet with a pump sprayer then the cleaning process is executed with the use of a very heavy floor buffer that you would normally see cleaning or waxing hard surface flooring.
There is no extraction (vacuum) in the cleaning process. So... where dose the dirt go? Some of the dirt is absorbed by the cotton bonnet on the buffer then distributed to the rest of your carpet giving you the ill ..
6. The Right Underlay
The underlay is more important than you might think and is
directly related to carpet cleaning. You need to match the
underlay to the type of carpet you will be installing. Carpet
should not be placed in areas were water, chemicals or hard to
clean products could be spilled on the carpet. Kitchens, copy
rooms, lockers, and entrances to buildings are not a good
location to place carpets because your carpet cleaning costs
will be high. Poor grade underlay will affect how the stain
soaks into the carpet and how difficult stain removal becomes.
7. Stop The Worst
The worst soiling on your carpets comes from outside. So if you
stop outside soil from coming in contact with your carpet you
will reduce the amount of chemical cleaners you will have to
use. Place a large walking mat at all outside entrances Every
few days you should vacuum the mats this will prevent soil from
entering the carpeted areas of your home. Have visitors remove
their shoes so that they aren't dragging that loose dirt across
the carpets.
8. Vacuum Often
Believe it or not daily vacuuming with a good vacuum cleaner
that has good suction and a power head with a brush type power
bar will help to eliminate soil build up and reduce the amount
of times you will need carpet cleaning performed. That's because
the dirt gets picked up before it has a chance to get ground in
and soil the carpet.
9. No Drinks
Limit the places you allow the kids to have drinks and messy
foods. If you have young children make them stay seated while
drinking. If you are really concerned about reducing staining
then don't let any family member's family drink or carry soft
drinks, coffee or other food items across the carpet.
10. Act Fast
If you can react to the spill immediately and any spots you see
with a good spot remover you will help prevent stain from
becoming permanent and it will save you having to use a carpet
cleaner. Be careful what you use to remove stains because if you
use the wrong chemicals you could smear the stain and spread it
further and deeper into the carpet. Always first try clear cold
water and blotting with a cloth to remove the stain and only
move on to a stronger product only as a last resort.
Cleaning Tips For Your CarpetIf you are the one who is really worry about your carpet, here
is some simple guide for treating stains and maintaining carpets
and upholstery.
1. Always clean up spills quickly to avoid staining. Start by
removing any solid debris. Clean the spill using clean, cold
water and blotting with white paper towels or cloths. Never
scrub or brush the spill as it will damage fibers and possibly
set the stain. Only if this method does not work should you move
on to harsher treatments.
2. Regular vacuuming and spot treatment will improve the quality
and life span of your carp ..
11. Toxic Chemicals
You should know that carpet spot removal cleaning products
contain some of the most dangerous chemicals found in any
cleaning products. If you us these products be sure to wear
gloves and use the cleaner according to the manufactures
directions. Avoid all type 4 spot removers because they contain
Tetrachlorethylene which is very toxic to people and pets.
12. Steam Cleaners
Steam or rotary cleaners for carpets use a fairly mild products
so they are an excellent choice. But you can still misuse them
so follow the directions carefully. If you use this type of
cleaner you will have to be careful that you do not saturate the
carpet with hot water because if you do it will take longer to
dry and may result in damage to the carpet.
Some of the cleaners supplied with the machines you rent from
the local store are highly toxic so be sure the room or rooms
you are working in have a good supply of fresh air. Be sure to
keep kids and pets off the newly cleaned carpets until it is dry
because there is always a residue left on the carpets that can
be harmful to kids or pets. Always let the carpets dry
completely and then vacuum right after it is dry to remove any
residual contaminants.
These 12 things to know about carpet cleaning that will make
your life easier much easier and keep you on top of the carpet
cleaning game.
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John Murray makes it easy to go through the carpet buying
process and provides tips to keep your carpet lasting long. To
learn more and receive your free mini-course visit the
href="http://www.carpets-guide.com" target="_blank">carpet &
rugs website.
About the author:
John Murray is an award winning interior designer, self taught
know-it-all and author. He makes the carpet buying process
simple and provides all the tricks and tips to keep your carpets
lasting longer, quickly & easily.
John Murray12 Things To Know About Carpet Cleaning
