Your Top Carpet-Cleaning Questions: Answered.

To maximize the life of your carpet, it’s important to vacuum and clean it on a regular basis. Give it special attention after hosting events, or after the holiday season when it receives that extra foot traffic. Another trick is to lay down rugs in high-traffic spaces, protecting your carpet from damage later on. When an inevitable spill occurs, clean the area immediately, even if it seems minor. Being prompt in your damage control will minimize the risk of permanent discoloration to your carpet.

No two stains are the same, so they shouldn’t be treated as such! Here are a few remedies for some common spills:

• Red Wine:
  • To clean a red wine spill, mix a solution of one-part dishwashing liquid, one part white vinegar and four-parts warm water, and dab it onto the stain. After the mixture soaks in, blot the area with a damp paper towel to remove any leftover solution. Repeat this process until the stain is completely gone.
• Gum:

Use ice or dry ice to freeze the gum that is stuck to your carpet. Once it’s hard and frozen, shatter the gum with a hard object, like the back of a spoon. After the gum has shattered into smaller pieces, vacuum the remains to completely remove the leftover traces of gum.

• Pet Accidents:
  • To combat the stain and odor of animal urine, first try to absorb as much liquid as possible with a towel and then blot the stain with a damp cloth. Use a solution of one-part white vinegar and one-part water to remove any lingering odors, and then blot dry with a paper towel to finish.
• Oily Substances:
  • If you’re facing an oily spill, like olive oil or salad dressing, use an iron on the affected area—making sure to use a damp paper towel in between the carpet and iron to avoid heat damage.

With all stains, it’s a good idea to first try to absorb as much liquid as possible with a dry paper towel. Also, be sure to use a blotting rather than a rubbing motion when lifting a stain, as this could push the stain into your carpet.

A common solution for old or hardened stains is an item you probably already have in your medicine cabinet: Hydrogen Peroxide! This multi-purpose solution can be used on old or tough stains from your carpet with dazzling results. To most effectively use it, completely cover the stain in the solution and make sure to wait 15 minutes before you start to rub. Once it’s dry, run a vacuum over the area to fluff up the carpet and remove any remaining solution.

There are a handful of effective ways to perk up a matted or flattened carpet. To revive your carpet and return it to its original luster, run a comb or stiff brush over the area using light pressure. If the matted area doesn’t immediately perk up, don’t fear! For a deeper refresh, run a steam iron over the matted area, being sure to lay a damp washcloth on top of the affected spot to create a barrier between your carpet and the heat. Then use the edge of a kitchen knife to work the pieces back into place. See our removing indentations video for additional tips.

If you are considering using a rented carpet cleaner, make sure you are well-informed about the attention your carpet needs before you begin. Which rooms need the most attention? Do any of these spaces have furniture that need to be moved? What types of stains does your carpet have? Once you have a good idea of your home’s specific needs, cleaning your carpet yourself will be a much smoother process.

Many common household items can double as effective carpet deodorizers. When it’s time to freshen up your carpet, look toward the kitchen pantry and the medicine cabinet for an easy at-home fix. Some common solutions include baking soda, white vinegar, and Hydrogen Peroxide mixtures. Whatever solution you use, be sure to vacuum up the remnants after treating your carpet to avoid lingering residue. To make your carpet smell extra-fresh, you can top off this treatment with a couple drops of essential oils!

To best preserve the vibrancy of your carpet, avoid sun exposure as much as possible, as this will lead to fading down the line. It’s also important to be careful with chemical carpet cleaners, as these harsh solutions can strip your carpet of its color. If your carpet’s color is looking a little lackluster, treating it with a hot water and salt solution can bring back some of it’s original hue.

The frequency of your carpet cleaning is ultimately determined by how much wear your carpet gets on a regular basis. If you have little kids or pets, you may need to vacuum your carpet 3-5 times a week. If your carpet receives little foot traffic, it’s a good idea to vacuum once a week to keep your carpet fresh. It’s also a good practice to get your carpet professionally cleaned at least once a year. Most new carpets must be cleaned every 12 to 24 months to keep the manufacturer warranty valid, even if you elected not to get the spot and spill warranty. Make sure you keep those receipts. We refer customers to Blue Green Cleaners. Our service providers will send email reminders so your warranty will stay valid with scheduled regular cleanings.

If you have shag carpeting in your home, make sure you know how to take care of this particular style, as it’s unlike any other carpet type. Shag carpeting is particularly sensitive to vacuuming, so use a vacuum only when absolutely necessary. Using the hose attachment will provide a gentler clean and, while it might take a little longer, your carpet will thank you!