Your carpet goes through a lot each day. That is why you may be wondering how to clean your carpet.
There is all the foot traffic and dirt being tracked in by you, your kids, and pets.
Of course, that is just the grime you can see. There are all sorts of grime and microscopic bacteria that are easily hidden in soft surfaces, like carpet.
Preventing Messes
The best way to keep your carpet clean is to make sure it does not get dirty! How can you do that?
Remove your shoes when you come into the house. Place washable mats outside and inside entry areas to catch excess soil and bacteria.
You can also bathe your pets frequently, so they bring less mess inside.
How often should I clean my carpet?
Generally speaking, you should vacuum your carpet twice a week. If you have a crawling baby or toddler, increase that to daily!
As far as deep cleaning goes, you will want to do that at least once a year (although twice is recommended). Whether you’re ready for a deeper clean or have a bigger mess to clean, how do you clean your carpet?
Clean your carpet with a steam cleaner
The best way to clean your carpet is with a steam cleaner. It loosens the most dirt and will have them looking and smelling great!
What You Will Need
- Steam Cleaner
- White Vinegar
- Vacuum Cleaner
How to Do It
- First, move all of your furniture and other objects out of the way.
- Mix equal parts vinegar and water into a spray bottle. Spray the carpet with the mixture and let it dry.
- Mix three parts water and one part vinegar and pour it into your steam cleaner’s canister.
- Run your steam cleaner over your carpet, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Let your carpet dry and then vacuum it.
Clean your carpet without a steam cleaner
What if you do not have a steam cleaner? That is okay, you can still have a nice, fresh, clean carpet.
You can use the same ingredients as above, it just will require a lot more hard work.
What You Will Need
- White Vinegar
- Baking Soda
- Dish Soap
- Bucket
- Clean Cloth
- Scrubbing Brush
- Vacuum Cleaner
How to Do It
- Again, move all of your furniture and other objects out of the way.
- Spread baking soda generously over the carpet and leave it for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a bucket, with just a little bit of dish soap. (You can also use a commercial carpet cleaner.)
- Dip the brush into the bucket and wash your carpet. You want your carpet to be damp, but not soaking wet.
- Let that mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes. Rinse the carpet with a clean cloth and fresh water.
- Let the carpet completely dry and then run a vacuum over it.
Professional Tip: Test an Area First
Whatever you use on your carpet, test a small, hidden area first. That way, if there’s a negative reaction, it will not be visible.
Follow these easy steps and you will have fresh-smelling, clean carpet in no time at all.