Dirty carpets can make your whole house look unclean. It doesn’t take long for carpets to attract dirt, dead skin flakes, pet dander, and other nasties, leading to build-up and stains, especially in high-traffic areas. As well as being unattractive, dirty carpets can be a health risk, causing allergies and respiratory issues to act up.
While hiring a professional and safe carpet cleaning service can help keep allergens at bay, some people prefer a DIY approach to cleaning their carpets. If you’re cleaning your carpets yourself, it’s important to know how to do it safely.
There are several ways to clean your carpets, including using carpet cleaning products that contain chemicals. Incorrect use of toxic chemicals can be dangerous both during and long after cleaning. A few possible harmful side effects include:
We advise leaving the use of chemicals to the professionals, but if you are going to use them, follow these tips to stay safe:
Always keep chemicals locked away somewhere safe and out of reach of children and pets.
If you’re not comfortable using chemicals to clean your carpets, there are other ways you can keep your carpets clean without the use of potentially dangerous products. These tips will help you maintain a clean and hygienic home without the nasty toxins.
Vacuum More Often
Did you know you should be vacuuming your floors at least twice a week? If dust, dirt, and other debris are left to accumulate, they can be ground into the deeper layers, affecting the colour and condition of the carpet.
Regular vacuuming helps remove surface dirt to prevent long-term damage, making it easier to clean. It also helps reduce dust mites and allergens that can trigger asthma and allergy symptoms.
Vacuum your floors thoroughly at least twice a week.
Clean Spills Immediately
Don’t leave that pasta sauce or coffee spill to sink in. Clean spots and spills immediately to prevent stubborn stains.
Blot the spill with a dry, white cloth or white paper towels (prints or colours can cause dye transfer onto your carpet). Avoid scrubbing, as brushes can lead to wear and fraying of your carpet.
Use Household Ingredients
Use household ingredients to remove stains and odour. Salt, white vinegar, and bicarb soda are all great natural ways to keep your carpet clean and free from smells.
Steam Clean With Plain Water
You’d be surprised at how effectively steam can remove dirt without the help of detergent. Ditch the shampoo and stick to steam cleaning your carpets with plain water instead.
Simply fill the water tank on your steamer and keep the detergent tank empty (if it has one). Go slow to ensure the water shoots deep into the carpet’s fibres.
Open Some Windows
Mould, mildew, and dust mites thrive in humid environments. Keep your home well-ventilated after steam cleaning to help speed up drying time and reduce humidity.
A few other ways to reduce the moisture levels in your home include:
The most effective way to clean your carpets is to hire a professional carpet cleaner. They have the tools and knowledge to clean your carpets thoroughly and safely.
You should have your carpets professionally cleaned at least once a year to remove accumulated dirt, dust, skin flakes, dust mites, and other nasties living deep inside your carpets.
Learn more about how to care for your carpet to keep your home clean and safe for you and your family.