Cleaning carpets is one of those things that everyone wants to sweep under the rug! (Please forgive pun. I couldn’t resist.) Seriously though, carpet cleaning is a major task and one that is complicated because it involves surrounding furniture, friends, pets, children and other relatives. Surely there must be an easy way, don’t you think? Read on, if you dare.
Before The Shampoo Treatment
Before using any carpet cleaning product, it’s a good idea to test an inconspicuous area for color fastness. This will avoid a lot of heartache later if there should be a problem with the product. Before shampooing, vacuum carpet thoroughly. This makes the job much easier and neater.
Shampoo Strategy
Always begin the task of shampooing your carpet at the end farthest from the doorway and work your way toward that doorway. This will prevent you from ruining the job by stepping on the cleaned area before it has a chance to dry.
Shampoo Schedule
How do you know when it’s time to clean your carpet? A general rule of thumb is to do it every year. You must judge accordingly, however, as the answer is dependent on the amount of traffic the carpet gets. If you are about to buy wall-to-wall carpeting, keep a piece of the carpet on hand. When the sample appears lighter than your carpeting, it’s time for a good shampoo.
Custom-Made Shampoo
Mix ½ cup powdered or liquid detergent, 1-teaspoon vinegar, 1-teaspoon ammonia and a quart of warm water. Use a hand-mixer and a big bowl to insure a good froth, but whatever you do, don’t get confused. You can’t drink this stuff! Using the froth only, rub lightly with a sponge or cloth over the entire carpet. Allow carpet to dry and then vacuum.
Happy Carpet!
Do YOU know of any carpet cleaning tips to add to this list? If so, please share.
Related Reading:
“Cleaning Leather And Other Diversions”
“Cleaning Antique Wooden Furniture”