There are different ways you can quickly and effectively clean your carpet at home. But this must be done correctly so as not to harm the floor covering. The choice of a suitable detergent composition is made taking into account the cost, degree of contamination and components. It could be some kind of folk remedy or purchased household chemicals, it all depends on personal preferences.
Preparing the rug for cleaning
Before you clean the rug, you need to prepare it. To achieve this, several activities are carried out:
- if possible, the product is hung on the street and carefully knocked out;
- in apartment conditions, cleaning with a vacuum cleaner or broom is allowed, but this is done from both sides;
- You can remove accumulated dust using a wet rag and stick; you need to spread the material on the surface and lightly beat it;
- Particularly dirty areas need to be soaked; to do this, apply a detergent composition in advance and rub it in.
Afterwards you can proceed directly to cleaning. If you plan to use chemicals, you should protect yourself by wearing a respiratory mask and rubber gloves.
Overview of dry methods
You can remove stains with baking soda alone or with the addition of table salt.
The method helps if the carpet is made of natural or synthetic fiber. Unlike the solution, dry sodium bicarbonate does not harm silk and wool pile. Cleaning begins with knocking out dust and foreign matter from the carpet. It is important to try to remove most of the debris that is stuck between the fibers. Then the product is laid out on a flat surface and soda is scattered. There is no need to save it; the thicker the layer, the better the result. It is recommended to help yourself with a brush. After about an hour, the bicarbonate can be removed using the same brush, and it is better to remove the remaining substance with a vacuum cleaner.
The good thing about this method is that you don’t have to dry the rug; it’s ready for use immediately after the procedure. In winter, this is the only convenient option, since after any liquid products, and not just after an vinegar-soda solution, the product will have to be dried for a long time and thoroughly.
It is recommended to use salt mixed with soda if the carpet is not only dirty, but also smells unpleasant, and the colors have lost their brightness over time. If you clean a silk or wool rug with the “magic” mixture, it will acquire a beautiful shine. Sequencing:
- mix sodium bicarbonate and salt in equal parts;
- distribute the product evenly over the carpet;
- After 2-3 hours, vacuum it.
Light and dark
Light carpets are cleaned more often than dark ones, as they get dirty faster. Not all detergents are suitable for light-colored floor coverings; some may leave stains.
It's best to use:
- soda;
- acetic acid;
- lemon juice;
- ammonia.
Dark carpets are not so picky; cleaning products are selected for them that do not have a bleaching effect and do not etch colors. Usually a gentle option is chosen in the form of a soap solution.
Elimination of unpleasant odors
Every smell has a source. To eliminate it, you need to understand what exactly caused it. Most odors disappear once the traces are removed. If the smell persists for a long time, you can wash the carpet with a soap solution, a solution of washing powder or a special cleaning agent.
The most persistent and unpleasant odor is the smell of urine. It's not easy to get rid of it. An effective way is to use three of the most popular folk remedies simultaneously. First you need to wipe the stain with a solution of table vinegar. Then, after a few minutes, the dried trace is sprinkled with soda and treated with a solution of hydrogen peroxide on top. The product is not washed off immediately, but after several hours.
How to clean if you don’t want to bother with a brush
For those who do not want to spoil their manicure or simply try not to come into contact with detergents, you can use the help of household appliances.
Dry cleaning with a regular vacuum cleaner
A household appliance is often used for surface cleaning of carpets from debris, crumbs and dust. You just need to vacuum the carpet, and then under it. But, unfortunately, it is not able to cope with stains, especially very deep ones.
Washing vacuum cleaner and shampoo
Modern vacuum cleaners with a wet cleaning function are a real assistant to housewives. They are a pleasure to use:
- the cleaning solution is poured into a special bowl;
- a suitable nozzle is selected;
- Use gentle and smooth movements to clean the surface of the floor covering.
The only negative is that the device cannot be used often, since washing has a negative effect on the carpet, causing the product to deteriorate.
Steam generator
A steam generator will help you quickly get rid of greasy stains, dirt and other contaminants on a pile carpet. Steam cleaning is carried out on already vacuumed carpet. The cleansing effect is achieved due to the effect of high temperature, which penetrates deep into the fibers, due to which stubborn stains, as well as various bacteria, disappear.
Hydrogen peroxide
Sometimes it is necessary to clean your carpet with a really strong cleaner. But the best and most effective ones are usually sold by professional companies at an expensive price. Carpet cleaning at home like this can take a pretty penny out of your wallet. However, you can make an equally powerful cleansing product at home.
Mix:
- 3/4 cup hydrogen peroxide;
- 1/4 cup vinegar;
- 2 tbsp. dishwashing detergents;
- 5 drops of essential oil;
- 2 tbsp. fabric softener;
- 4 liters of boiling water.
On a note! The palace can be cleaned with this mixture without any problems or financial costs!
Household chemicals
Manufacturers of household chemicals have provided a wide range of various products for cleaning carpets. They are easy to use and work well against stains and foreign odors.
Carpet shampoo 5+
Perhaps the best product from the budget segment. It does not cause allergies, since the composition does not contain fragrances or chlorine. The advantages of shampoo include:
- antistatic effect;
- color restoration;
- elimination of unpleasant odor;
- removal of old and stubborn dirt.
We recommend: What is the “carrot” for: interesting features of step drills
The liquid is suitable for washing vacuum cleaners and manual cleaning. Can be used pure or diluted.
Drop of VOX
Inexpensive, domestically produced chemicals that fight dirt, stains, and eliminate odors. Clear advantages include:
- low price, the cost of a 500 ml container does not exceed 100 rubles;
- after use the pile becomes softer;
- removes the most difficult stains, including blood, wine, berry juice;
- There is no unpleasant odor, so there is no need to ventilate the room after cleaning.
Another plus is its ease of use; the liquid needs to be diluted with water, applied to dirty areas, and lightly rubbed to form foam. After the carpet has dried, you need to vacuum it.
Help
Another budget but effective liquid designed for cleaning carpets. Excellently fights stains, dirt, and unpleasant odors. The product can be used both for hand washing and for washing vacuum cleaners.
Vanish
A popular cleaning product from a Polish manufacturer. Used in diluted form, the liquid should be applied to the rug and lightly rubbed until foam forms. It does not need rinsing, just vacuuming is enough.
Note! The use of a new cleaning composition requires testing. You need to treat a corner or other place that is hidden under the furniture with the product. This will help prevent discoloration or staining.
Special means
Finding a carpet cleaner in a store today is not a problem. Formulas tested in laboratories are more convenient to use than homemade preparations. In addition, they usually benefit in efficiency.
But here it is necessary to take into account that the composition of such cleaners is more aggressive and can cause allergies, especially if the chemical residues are not thoroughly removed.
Let's name the most popular means:
- Vanish;
- Sama;
- Cinderella;
- Bagi Shtihonit;
- ASTROhim;
- Eco Mist;
- Help;
- Karcher;
- AQUASUN;
- Dr. Beckmann Carpet Stein Remover;
- Dyson Zorb.
The method of application may differ for different chemicals, so it is advisable to carefully study the instructions before use.
Folk recipes
Most people, despite the wide range of purchased chemicals, still use folk remedies that have been tested by time. Do-it-yourself cleaning compositions are prepared from components that are always available.
Vinegar and soda
Both components, even when performed alone, are capable of cleaning stains on the floor covering, but in a duet they show a truly impressive result. To create an effective detergent, you need to mix them so that you end up with a mushy mass.
Rub this mixture onto the contaminated areas, then wipe the area with a clean damp cloth.
Salt
Small stains and fresh dirt can be easily cleaned with table salt. You need to proceed as follows:
- evenly distribute the salt crystals over the rug in a small layer;
- moisten the surface with a spray bottle;
- leave to dry.
After two hours, you just need to go over the flooring with a vacuum cleaner. As a rule, after cleaning there is no trace left of stains.
Washing powder
The only drawback to using washing powder is that it is quite difficult to wash off. In some cases, the product will have to be washed in the bath to remove any residue.
Wet cleaning is simple; dirty areas are treated with a soap solution until the stains completely disappear. Afterwards the surface is wiped with a clean sponge or rag.
Removing stains
Stains of different origins are removed in different ways, since they do not all react the same to conventional detergents. A number of such methods were mentioned above.
In general, the method for removing stains depends on their origin.
- Oil stains. Before removing such stains, it is necessary to remove as much oil as possible from the surface of the carpet, then treat the surface with alcohol and wash with washing powder.
- Grease stains are removed in the same way as oil stains.
- Ink stains must first be washed, then treated with lemon juice and washing powder and rinsed with water.
- Gum. First you need to apply ice, wait until the chewing gum freezes, carefully scrape it off the rug, and then wash the rug.
- Chocolate is washed with washing powder. If washing does not help, you can wash the stained area with hydrogen peroxide.
- The paint is removed with acetone or a detergent solution. For a better effect, you can pre-treat the surface with glycerin.
- Drink stains can be removed with plain water or soapy water. If the fabric is white, use bleach.
- Blood stains are removed with ammonia. They should be wiped off with cold water only.
- Traces of berries and fruits are removed with vinegar. Vinegar must be removed with cold water.
- Traces of a broken egg can only be removed with cold water and a soap solution or washing powder.
- Wax and plasticine are removed in the same way. One way is to apply ice to traces of the substance and remove the stain after freezing - cooled wax and cooled plasticine crumble easily. You can also heat the substance and collect it using a paper towel.
Cleaning with soda
Sodium bicarbonate has long been recognized as a universal remedy that effectively gets rid of various types of contaminants.
Cleaning is carried out in stages:
- dissolve 2 tbsp. spoons of soda in a liter of water;
- apply the solution to the coating using a sponge or brush, rub the surface thoroughly;
- wait two hours, during this period of time the carpet should dry.
After wet cleaning you need to vacuum it. The changes will be visible to the naked eye, the pile will become cleaner, and dirt will disappear. Baking soda tackles the toughest stains.
Starch
Most often, starch is used if you need to clean stains on a light-colored floor covering. There are no difficulties in this method; food powder is poured onto dirty areas for 30 minutes. After a given period of time, this place is rubbed with a damp brush, and then the entire surface is passed over with a vacuum cleaner.
Ammonia
To remove old dirt and deeply ingrained stains, ammonia is used; as a rule, it is always available. The detergent composition is prepared as follows:
- dissolve ammonia in a liter of warm water, you will need 2 teaspoons;
- Using a soft brush, distribute the liquid throughout the rug, rubbing problem areas especially carefully;
- Upon completion of work, wipe the surface with a dry cloth.
This option should not be used on carpets of dark shades, as ammonia can discolor the pile.
We recommend: The food had to be thrown away - the husband did not know that food should not be stored in aluminum containers
Snow help
In the winter season, it is easiest to clean carpets and rugs; the product can be taken outside, the snow will quickly remove dust and get rid of odors. You just need to spread it on the crust and also throw a layer of snow on top. Leave the coating in this state for half an hour. Then beat it out in the traditional way, using a beater or a simple stick.
Unfortunately, you won't be able to get rid of stains in this case.
Using sauerkraut
Sauerkraut provides an excellent cleansing effect. The workpiece must first be thoroughly squeezed, removing all the brine. Then spread it on the stains in a layer and rub it with a brush. As a result, the cabbage should turn gray. Leave it in this form so that the pile dries, and then remove the vegetable residues with a vacuum cleaner. The advantage of this method is that it not only cleans the surface, but also restores color.
Precautionary measures
Baking soda is a harmless and environmentally friendly material, but after using it, the rug needs to be thoroughly dried so that not a single area remains wet.
Carelessness will lead to the development of microorganisms in the pile. The product will acquire an unpleasant odor, mold will appear on it and can be thrown away. In addition, mold spores, once in the respiratory tract, can cause various diseases. Dry soda is a powder, so it should be used with caution if family members have allergies or asthmatics. In healthy people, getting the powder into the respiratory tract will only provoke a cough, but there is nothing good about this either. As for vinegar, it is better to work with it in rubber gloves, otherwise you can burn your delicate skin. When using sprays, you need to make sure that the drug does not get into your eyes, mouth and nose.
Rules for caring for the rug without removing it
If cleaning is carried out on the floor, that is, without removing it from its main place, then the product should not be allowed to get too wet. This is due to the fact that it will not be possible to create normal conditions for complete drying in these conditions, and this can lead to its deterioration, the appearance of a damp smell, and moldiness on the reverse side.
It is better to use wet brushes and a small amount of foam, and carry out the cleaning itself late in the evening, so that everything has time to dry overnight. In the summer, leave the windows open, and in the winter season, install a heater next to the palace.
Can it be washed and how?
Not every carpet can withstand washing; it all depends on the composition of the material, the presence of dye and its quality, as well as the manufacturing method: factory or handmade. If the second option, then it will not be possible to wash them; such products cannot be washed. Factory-made carpets can be machine washed only if they are not made with adhesive.
Washing large carpets is carried out on the floor, which is previously covered with polyethylene. You can also do this in the bathroom, if the size of the rug allows. It is pre-rolled, washed in pieces, and unrolled to a certain length. If possible, it is better to take the product outside and wash it with a Karcher or hose.
Drying tips
The outcome of the carpet drying process depends on whether the musty smell, mildew, or other fungal symptoms remain.
Air drying
The best solution is to dry the carpet outside. When washing outdoors, the carpet is left flat for several hours, using a large amount of water so that most of the water comes out. Dry at home in a well-ventilated area. You can place pieces of soft cloth under a carpet that is too wet. This will improve air circulation and the fabric will absorb excess moisture. A split system can help dry things out faster with the heating mode turned on and the air flowing towards the floor.
Incomplete drying will lead to the appearance of fungal infections in the palace fibers.
Advice: it is better not to walk on a mat that is not yet dry.
Preventing carpet stains
Standard preventive measures will help keep your flooring clean. All you have to do is stick to the following plan:
- Dry carpets on special dryers; clotheslines and other devices cannot be used;
- Once every six months, thoroughly wash the product using detergents;
- remove stains immediately, do not leave cleaning until tomorrow, during which time the dirt will be absorbed deep into the pile and it will be more difficult to remove them.
As you can see, there are a lot of tools that will help restore the palace to its original appearance. You can choose a detergent composition that will meet all requirements, including financial ones. The main thing is to strictly follow the instructions for use and do not forget about prevention.
Washing small carpets in the bathroom
The most convenient option for compact products is washing in the bathroom, and here are brief instructions on how to wash a carpet:
- The rug must be carefully folded or rolled.
- Next, fill the bathtub with water and dilute laundry detergent in it.
- Place the floor covering and leave for about half an hour. The pile should be saturated with foam.
- Brush over accessible areas of the carpet, then turn it over and repeat the process.
- Next, you need to drain the dirty water and get fresh water. There is no need to remove the palace.
- After this procedure, you need to remove the remaining foam with a stream of water; for this, use the “shower” function.
