Carpet Cleaning Tips From The Experts

Taking care of a carpet might sound easy at first, but there are some critical considerations for carpet maintenance homeowners might not realize. Depending on the type of carpet in the house, cleaning can be challenging. This is why we created this short guide to help with the most common carpet cleaning tasks and provide tips to make carpets last longer and look good as new.

How to clean spills

The best way to ensure spills don’t leave a lasting mark on a new carpet is to treat the affected area immediately. While some stains require specialized carpet cleaning solutions to remove, common spills can usually be removed with water, rags, and a vacuum cleaner.

When cleaning the spill, don’t rub side to side as that can spread the fibers to absorb the spill more than usual. Use a clean rag to blot the area with warm water. If water doesn’t take care of the trick, spritz some diluted vinegar or put a small amount of baking soda paste on the spill, then blot some more.

If you’re unsure whether cleaning the carpet will leave a stain, start with a smaller area and test the cleaning solution to see whether it discolors the carpet. Contact a professional carpet cleaning service if you notice any discoloration.

After the spill is blotted, use a rag to dry the area, as you want to avoid air-drying spills if possible. Vacuum the area thoroughly afterward.

Vacuuming the carpet

Depending on the traffic and type of carpet, vacuuming can be done sporadically or more frequently to ensure soil and dirt don’t get stuck between the carpet fibers.

There are many carpet types, each with a different recommended vacuum setting.

Frieze carpets hide vacuum marks and footprints well and don’t require a lot of regular maintenance. Homeowners will usually need a high-power vacuum to get all the dirt out of the carpet. Its strong fibers can withstand force and suction well.

Plush, Saxony, Velour, and Velvet carpets behave similarly to one another and can require special care due to their susceptibility to vacuum marks. Switch off any bristle extensions if possible to avoid combing through the carpet fibers and distorting them.

Shag carpets can hide imperfections perfectly but are notoriously difficult to clean. Vacuums with a small intake can behave like a suction cup and become impossible to use on these carpets. Use a lower vacuum setting if possible, or choose a vacuum that caters specifically to long-cut carpets.

Berber carpets are the better loop pile type carpets to vacuum since they tolerate vacuum marks well and don’t distort easily. Its tight weaves can prove to be more troublesome for spill removal, but any vacuum should do the trick for regular maintenance.

Turning the vacuum brush setting off for loop pile carpets will prevent fuzzing. Additionally, larger wheels will make the vacuum glide smoother across the carpet and will be a lifesaver for more delicate fibers.

Thick and luxurious carpets usually have specific vacuuming and cleaning specifications owners should adhere to for adequate maintenance.

Call the pros

Last but not least, professional carpet cleaning services every 12 to 18 months will completely clean and freshen up your carpet. Professional tools are the best way to remove odors and ensure the carpet doesn’t lose color over time.

3D Carpet Cleaning and Restoration offers home service cleaning and sanitation, air duct cleaning, and 24-hour flood service in Tampa & South Florida. Call (813) 833-4126 today!