Carpets are undoubtedly a great way to make a house feel warm and cosy, especially when it is cooler outside. However, keeping carpets in their original, fluffy condition can be a challenge, especially if you have lots of feet (and paws) running through your house. Investing in a professional carpet cleaning service is a great way of giving your carpet a new lease of life. But once that is done, there are things you can do to keep your carpet looking great. Check out these top tips from pro cleaners.
The rubber glove trick
If you are tired of stuff such as pet hair or general household debris marring the edges of your carpet, particularly your stairs, try taking a rubber glove to it! Use the glove like a cloth and rub vigorously over the entire carpet surface; you will be amazed at how much debris is lifted from the carpet. (This also works with a squeegee or anything else made of rubber).
Tackle stubborn stains with heat
We all have that stain that we have decided we just have to live with as no amount of carpet shampoo or bicarb has managed to touch it. Well, don’t give up until you have tried to iron it out! Start by giving the area a thorough vacuum, then dab vinegar water made up of three parts water and one part white vinegar over the stain(s). Switch the iron on and wait five minutes while the iron heats up and the vinegar water works its magic. Finally, place a clean tea towel or towel over the stained area and apply firm pressure with the iron. In theory, the heat + vinegar combination will transfer the stain from the carpet to the towel – magic! (Tip: don’t use your favourite towel!).
Baking soda isn’t just for cakes
If you get an oil-based product on your carpet, don’t panic! This is one time when you shouldn’t dab. As soon as the spill happens, grab the baking powder and sprinkle it liberally on the stain. Wait for the powder to absorb all of the oil and until it has formed a dry crust, then just vacuum it up. With luck, the oil will be sucked up with the powder. Baking soda is also a great deodoriser. Sprinkle liberally on pet accidents; make a paste and rub into stubborn stains, or pop some in a flask with a few drops of lemon juice and some water.
A close shave…
Did you know that shaving foam is in fact just very strong soap? What’s more, the bubbles help the soap to penetrate deep into a carpet, tackling the most ingrained stains. You don’t need to worry about brands, go for the cheapest, but make sure you get foam and not gel.
If your carpets need a little TLC, check out our directory of trusted local carpet cleaners and professional cleaners, who have the tools and the know-how to get your home sparkling in no time.
For more advice, don’t forget to follow us on Facebook or Twitter.