Carpets bring warmth, comfort, and style to any room. Unfortunately, they also hide a world of dirt – dust mites, pet dander, bacteria, and more.
Treat stains promptly by blotting (not rubbing) them with a clean white cloth, preferably without prints or colors. Try to keep kids and pets off carpets until they’re dry. Contact Carpet Cleaning Northern Suburbs Perth today!
As much as you try to prevent it, dirt and stains will work their way into carpet fibers. Treating them quickly with the proper product and technique will keep them from becoming permanent. Blot liquids with dry, white absorbent cloths or paper towels (no printed or colored ones—they may transfer dye). Continue to blot until the carpet is almost dry. Greasy stains are harder to deal with but can be eliminated by mixing a few drops of grease-cutting dish soap, like Dawn, into a cup of warm water. Spray the solution over the stain and let it soak in. Next, blot the area again using a white cloth or paper towel. Repeat as necessary until the greasy spot is completely gone.
Encapsulation involves using chemicals that bind to soil particles and encapsulate them, forcing them to detach from carpet fiber and then be sucked up. This low-moisture cleaning process provides good results and short drying times.
This method is a good choice for deep cleaning or refreshing carpet in high-traffic areas. Hot water extraction uses a mixture of hot water and a cleaning agent sprayed into the carpet under pressure. A powerful vacuum then sucks up the dirty water and the embedded dirt. This is a good option for removing stubborn stains and reducing bacteria, mold, and mildew growth that can cause allergic reactions.
Other household carpet cleaners include powder and liquid cleaners that tackle all kinds of stains, from stubborn spots to everyday grime. Some of these cleaners are designed to be used in a carpet machine, while others can be applied by hand. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using these products for best results.
Another professional-grade carpet cleaning technique is hot carbonating extraction (HCE), invented by Chem-Dry. This innovative process uses a proprietary cleaning solution that harnesses the power of carbonation to loosen dirt and debris without the need for sudsy detergents, which can leave behind sticky residue. It’s also less time-consuming than steam cleaning or shampooing so you can get your carpet back in service faster.
Carpets add beauty, warmth, and texture to a room but can also trap dirt and debris that causes allergies. To keep your carpets looking their best, vacuum and clean them regularly. Use a commercial deodorizer to get rid of smelly stains, and clean up spills immediately so they don’t have a chance to stain.
Encapsulation is a newer carpet cleaning method that uses synthetic foam detergents that turn to powder as they dry. The dirt particles are encapsulated in the powder and then brushed or vacuumed off. This method uses significantly less water than shampooing, and the short drying time allows the carpets to be back in use sooner.
Another advantage of encapsulation is that it’s easy to do independently. You can purchase a commercial cleaner or mix baking soda with salt to create a home-cleaning solution. Before using:
- Vacuum the carpet to remove loose soil.
- Mix the ingredients in a spray bottle and apply it to the carpet.
- Let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub the area with a brush.
- Rinse the carpet with warm water, then use a rotary or cylindrical brush to work the foam into the carpet.
Encapsulation doesn’t work as well on heavy-soiled carpet, and it may need to be followed up with a hot water extraction cleaning every few months to maintain the life of your carpet. However, it does work very effectively on light routine cleaning and is ideal for high-traffic areas. It’s also a great option for businesses, as it reduces odor and offers fast dry times so that the carpets can be put back in use quickly. It’s also an effective method for addressing draught marks on the edges of carpets. These dark lines appear on the carpet when air carries dirt to those areas, where it’s then trampled into the carpet fibers.
Hot water extraction is a highly effective carpet cleaning method. It is also known as steam cleaning. This method involves a powerful machine that heats water and then injects it into the fibers of your carpeting. The hot water and detergent work together to break down dirt and grime, making it easier for the vacuum wand to pick up. While some people use this process to clean their carpets, it is often done by professionals with specialized equipment that they can rent or buy.
The experts who do this kind of work usually start by pre-inspection and pre-spraying the fabric. They will identify the type of carpet fibers and any stains and decide which cleaner is best suited for the job. Then, they can start on the actual cleaning. It is not recommended to do this yourself with a machine you can rent or buy for the home, as it is important to avoid soaking your carpets and leaving a detergent residue that attracts more dirt and doesn’t dry thoroughly enough that it doesn’t encourage mold.
Once the carpets are pre-sprayed and agitated (to loosen grime further), the professionals spray the cleaning solution into the carpet’s fibers. They then extract up to 95% of the moisture and cleaning chemicals into their machinery for quick drying. They may do this over the entire carpet several times to ensure they get it as clean as possible.
Professionals using this machine will probably wear safety gear, including face masks and rubber gloves, to protect their health. They will probably use a truck mount system, although some smaller companies offer portable units more suitable for residential use.
While some people refer to this cleaning method as steaming, the temperature of the water never actually reaches boiling point. The water is usually around 212 degrees, and a huge amount of pressure is used, too, which helps to dislodge stubborn dirt embedded in your carpet fibers. It can also help to revive dull fibers and leave your carpeting looking and feeling as good as it did when you first bought it.
Carpet shampooing is a cleaning method that uses the same technique you use to wash your hair, clothes, and dishes: a lather that lifts dirt molecules. The advantage of this technique is that it allows you to clean your carpet without removing furniture from the room, making it more convenient if you need a quick, light clean. However, it is important to note that shampooing does not remove as much soil and bacteria as hot water extraction does. It also leaves behind a residue that attracts more dirt and can lead to premature re-soiling.
One of the simplest and most affordable ways to get your carpets cleaned is by hiring a professional to do it for you. Professional cleaners use detergents and steam to thoroughly clean your carpets, removing bacteria and stains you can’t remove by hand.
When choosing a professional to clean your carpets, check their credentials and certifications. Also, ask to see pictures of previous jobs they have completed. This will help you determine whether they are a trustworthy company that will perform quality work.
Another option for getting your carpets cleaned is to rent a home machine. A rental machine will allow you to clean yourself at a fraction of the cost of hiring a professional cleaner. These machines can be found at most hardware and big box stores.
It is also important to remember that not all carpet cleaners are created equal. Before using chemical cleaners on your carpet, please read the label and pretest it on a small, out-of-the-way rug area. This will ensure that the cleaner does not react with the fibers or stain your carpet in an undesired way.
Tarbox recommends a nontoxic cleaner such as Eco-88 or ZorbX for general stains and spot treatment. He suggests spraying the cleaner directly on the stain and blotting gently. If the stain is still visible, apply cleaner and repeat as needed until it disappears. After blotting the stain, rinse thoroughly with clean water and blot again with a dry white cloth. This will help ensure no moisture is left under the carpeting or rugs, which can cause mold and mildew.