7 Incredible Carpet Cleaning Tips, Tricks, and Secrets

Exclusive: The Art of Cleaning Your Carpet

While carpets are often stain-resistant, this doesn’t mean they’re stain proof. If you’ve decided to rent carpet cleaning equipment, it’s important to understand how to appropriately use these tools. Familiarize yourself with the tricks and secrets of deep carpet cleaning to ensure your flooring looks brand new for years to come.

Tip #1: Use Your Vacuum

Most homeowners have at least one vacuum in their household. Carpet, hardwood, and tiled floors all benefit from occasional vacuuming and models today come equipped with several attachments for specific jobs. Crevice tools are handy for cleaning along edges; upholstery brushes are used for getting pet hair and dirt off of furniture; and dirt on tiles and hardwood can be swept away with the suction of a vacuum.

The most common use for a vacuum, however, is cleaning carpets and rugs. Vacuuming carpet is an effective way to remove dust, dirt, and pet dander. Products on the market exist to help with odor and stain protection in high traffic areas, and are applied prior to vacuuming. Always read the instructions before using any type of floor cleaner in your home.

Tip #2: Vacuum Frequently

Carpet should be vacuumed at least once a week, with high traffic areas receiving more frequent attention. Pets bring joy to our lives, but also leave behind hair and dander. Considering vacuuming daily, or at least every other day, if you have pets in your home.

Tip #3: How to Vacuum

Simply plugging in the vacuum, turning it on, and quickly sweeping the carpet back and forth is not effective. Slow down, and let the suction do its job. Overlapping strokes will ensure embedded dirt particles are sucked into the vacuum and prevent further carpet fiber damage.

Tip #4: Maintaining a Vacuum

People loyally perform regular maintenance on various household appliances, or at a minimum, try to keep them clean. Other than changing the bag or emptying the contents of the canister, how often do you perform maintenance on your vacuum? Regular maintenance includes changing the filter, inspecting belts, and cleaning. Suction is what renders the carpets clean, so performing this easy maintenance will keep a vacuum performing well.

Tip #5: When to Rent Carpet Cleaning Equipment

There are times when carpet is far too dirty to clean with a vacuum cleaner. Stains that refuse to dissolve eventually need to be extracted with a carpet cleaning machine. Grocery store, hardware stores, and professional carpet cleaning businesses often have machines to rent and appropriate cleaning agents available to purchase. Hiring a carpet cleaning professional is another option. When you choose to clean it yourself, knowing how to properly use the equipment is crucial. Read the manufacturer’s directions or contact a professional for a lesson on how to use the machine.

Tip #6: Wet or Dry?

The most common way to deep clean carpet is either through wet or dry extraction. Wet extraction, also known as steam cleaning, works by injecting a combination of water and a cleaning agent directly into the carpeting. Once complete, the water and dirt are suctioned back into the machine. The downside to wet extraction is the possibility of saturating the carpet, which requires more drying time and can damage carpet and padding underneath.

The dry extraction method works by sprinkling a dry absorbent compound on the carpet. After a specified amount of time, the carpet is vacuumed with the cleaning machine. Dry cleaning units usually work betters than steam cleaners but are more expensive to own or rent.

Tip #7: Call a Professional

Sometimes calling a professional carpet cleaner is the only way to go. The staff at Xtreme Clean are happy to assist. We’ll answer your questions about the appropriate equipment to rent, help you determine what equipment to use for your specific task, and demonstrate the proper way to use the equipment.

If you don’t want the hassle, we offer a variety of services at affordable prices that won’t clean out your budget. Your floors will look like they were installed yesterday. Contact us today for a free quote on making the floors in your home beautiful once again.