Are you tired of looking at those stubborn carpet stains that just won’t go away? Dirty carpets can make your home feel less inviting, whether from a spilled drink, muddy footprints, or just everyday wear and tear. You’re not alone—homeowners in Vancouver face the same struggle. But don’t worry; we’ll show you how to clean your carpet at home, tackle tough stains, and bring your floors back to life. From basic vacuuming tips to deep carpet cleaning techniques, we’ve got a solution for you.
Keep reading if you’re ready to give your carpets the fresh start they deserve
Overview: DIY Carpet Cleaning
Time Needed: Entire day (8 hours)
Working time: 30 – 60mins per room
Outdoor Weather Recommendations: Warm and sunny
Equipment You’ll Need:
- Vacuum cleaner
- Spray bottle
- Clean microfibre cloth & bucket
- Oscillating Fan (or 1 fan per room)
- Scrub brush
- Carpet Cleaner or Steam Mop (with cleaning solution)
- Old rags or towels
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Baking Soda
- Distilled White vinegar
- Table salt
Instructions: How to Clean Carpet at Home Yourself?
#1: Start with Basic Carpet Vacuuming
Start by clearing your carpet of any furniture, toys, or clutter. This ensures you can vacuum every inch without obstructions.
While professional carpet cleaning companies use powerful vacuums, your standard home vacuum with a rotating brush will do the job just fine.
Tips To Vacuum Carpets
- Before you begin, check your vacuum’s height setting. Adjust it to the lowest setting that allows smooth movement across the carpet without resistance.
- Focus on high-traffic areas, like hallways and the center of rooms, where dirt and debris tend to accumulate.
- Remember to take your time – multiple passes ensure a deeper clean. This first step sets the stage for more thorough cleaning.
#2: Begin Spot-Cleaning Deep Stains
It’s always best to clean stains immediately after they happen.
But we get it – life gets in the way. Whether it’s work, appointments, priceless family get-togethers, or simply enjoying time with the kids, we know you don’t always have time.
But now that you’ve set time aside let’s start the basic spot-cleaning process to remove common carpet stains.
Liquid Spills:
Start by blotting the moisture with paper towels or a clean rag. Avoid rubbing, as this can push the stain deeper into the carpet fibers.
Once you’ve absorbed as much liquid as possible, apply a stain remover and let it sit for a few minutes. Afterward, gently scrub the area with a microfiber cloth, sponge, or clean brush to lift the stain.
Solid Stains:
For solid stains, use the edge of a dull knife or a credit card to carefully lift away the debris.
Once the solid is removed, treat the area as you would a liquid spill. Apply a stain remover and gently scrub the stain until it’s gone.
For Old, Stubborn Stains: Use a Vinegar Solution
If you’re dealing with older, more stubborn stains that won’t budge with standard stain remover, try using a vinegar and baking soda solution.
- Mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle (50/50).
- Generously apply the solution to the stain.
- Let it soak for about five minutes before blotting with a sponge or microfiber cloth.
- If the stain persists, sprinkle a teaspoon of baking soda over the area, spray more of the vinegar mixture, and blot again.
This method can often lift even the toughest stains.
#3: Apply a Carpet Cleaning Solution to the Room
Next, it’s time to apply a carpet-cleaning solution to the entire room.
Professional carpet cleaners recommend using a near pH-neutral solution (with a pH level between 5 and 8). These can be easily found at your local hardware or department store.
Why Apply Carpet Stain Solution?
This step is crucial because it helps to loosen dirt from the carpet fibers, making it easier to remove later.
When applying the solution, aim to spray from about waist height. Spraying too high can waste the cleaner while spraying too low may oversaturate the carpet.
Be sure to read the instructions on the cleaner for proper usage. Your goal is to lightly dampen the carpet, not soak it. A slightly damp carpet will allow the solution to work effectively without leaving excess moisture behind.
#4: Use a Steam Cleaner or Steam Mop
This is where the real deep cleaning happens. Now that your carpet has been prepped with a cleaning solution, it’s time for what professionals call “extraction”.
While professionals use industrial-grade carpet cleaners, you can achieve great results with a portable carpet cleaner or steam mop. These are usually available for purchase or rent. If you’re lucky, you might be able to borrow one from a friend.
Using a steam cleaner or steam mop allows you to extract the dirt and grime that the cleaning solution has loosened from the carpet. The process is straightforward but requires a bit of care and attention to detail.
Tips for Operating a Portable Carpet Cleaner:
- Read the instruction booklet before using the carpet cleaner to familiarize yourself with the basics.
- Protect large furniture by placing plastic sheeting under items like sofas and armchairs to avoid accidentally steaming them.
- Understand the process: The machine uses hot water to create steam, which interacts with the cleaning solution on the carpet.
- Push the cleaner forward to release steam onto the carpet.
- Pull the cleaner back to extract water and dirt from the carpet.
- Follow the one wet pass, two dry passes rule: Move forward slowly to apply steam, and then move back twice to remove as much moisture as possible.
By taking your time and following these tips, you’ll maximize the effectiveness of your steam cleaning, leaving your carpets fresh and clean.
#5: Drying: Use Fans & Open Your Windows
Once you’ve finished steam cleaning your carpet, the next step is to dry it thoroughly. Proper drying prevents mould and mildew growth, so take the time to do it right.
Start by using old towels or rags to absorb any remaining moisture and soil from the carpet. Press down firmly to soak up as much water as possible. Next, set up 1-2 oscillating fans on the floor, directing them toward the damp areas. The airflow will help speed up the drying process. Open your windows and sliding doors during the warmest part of the day to let out moisture and bring in fresh air. You’ll need to be patient. Depending on the room’s ventilation, drying may take a few hours.
When Dry, Do One Final Quick Vacuum
Once your carpet is completely dry, it’s time for a final quick vacuum. This will pick up any residual dust and ensure that no dirt settles back into the carpet.
If you used plastic covers to protect your furniture, now’s the time to remove them.
Basic Everyday Tips for Maintaining Clean Carpets
- Place doormats at all home entrances to trap soil before it gets onto your carpets.
- Remove outdoor shoes when indoors to minimize dirt transfer.
- Run an air purifier or HVAC filter in the room to remove dust and particles from the air.
- Vacuum your carpets weekly to keep them clean and fresh.
- Wash and brush your pets regularly to reduce shedding and dirt accumulation.
By following these simple tips, you can keep your carpets looking and feeling fresh for longer.
Conclusion
Deep cleaning your carpet at home can be a lot of work and may not always achieve the desired results. Hiring a professional carpet cleaner is highly recommended to ensure your carpets are thoroughly cleaned and well-maintained.
You can make a significant difference by following these steps – starting with basic vacuuming, tackling deep stains, applying a carpet cleaning solution, and finishing with steam cleaning. However, professional carpet cleaning services have the expertise, advanced equipment, and specialized cleaning solutions to restore your carpets to their former glory, ensuring a deeper clean and longer-lasting freshness.
Multiservices Vancouver offers top-tier commercial and residential carpet cleaning services. Contact us today to schedule a service request, or call us at 778-968-6424. Let the experts handle it for you and enjoy beautifully clean carpets with less hassle.
FAQ
What’s the best thing to clean my carpet with?
A pH-neutral carpet cleaning solution (pH 5-8) is recommended for the best results. It effectively loosens dirt from the carpet fibers without causing damage. You can also use a vinegar and baking soda mixture for stubborn stains.
How Do I clean my carpet at home without washing it?
Yes, you can spot-clean stains and regularly vacuum your carpet to maintain its cleanliness. For a deeper clean, using a steam cleaner with minimal water can refresh your carpet without fully washing it.
Do you keep cleaning the carpet when the water is clear?
No, once the water in your steam cleaner or carpet cleaner runs clear, the carpet is clean. You should then move on to the drying process to ensure no excess moisture remains in the carpet.
