Carpet Cleaning Tips

It is pretty much a foregone conclusion that your toast will land on your carpet buttered side down. What scientific principle governs this, I could not tell you. However, the same formula finds application with grape juice, red sauces and semi-chewed Swedish fish candy. In addition, if you have kids, the probability rate of sloppy foods plummeting onto your newly installed cream-colored rug triples.

Of course, the best way to keep your household rugs clean is to never walk on them, ever. Or if you must walk on them, diligently apply that clear, thick plastic covering that your Grandmother uses to safeguard her precious floral love seat. You will doubtlessly feel like a microwave dinner, enshrouded in synthetic plastics, but at least your carpet will remain pristine.

For the rest of us, who live in a somewhat realistic world, we may find it challenging to keep those well used carpets looking new. What trouble-free tips can we utilize?

For one thing, wipe your feet before you step indoors. This simple act, something we've all taught our kids to do, oftentimes goes overlooked. Wiping your shoes also cuts down on pesticides, some of which break down quickly outdoors in the sunlight but may last for years in your carpets.

Another astonishing option, which is a standard custom in some parts of the world, is to actually remove your shoes. Although it's not a Japanese dojo, it is your home, and shoe removal is still somewhat about respect, but more so about what your family dog has left outside for you to wade through.

But if some possessed stain should make its way onto your carpet, what's the best way to go about exorcising it? If it's a semi solid, gently scrape it up with a spoon or spatula. Don't go at it with your Ginsu knife. I know it will cut that aluminum can in half, but a knife or other utensil with sharp edges will damage your carpet or upholstery.

Blot up the liquid stains with an absorbent cloth or paper towel. White cloths are recommended because certain dyes may bleed and make the stain worse. By the way, to "blot" something means to dab at it with sustained top pressure. Not vigorously rub at the stain like you're trying to start a fire on the carpet with two sticks.

If you've got a fancy stain removing product, be sure to pre-test any solutions or chemicals on an inconspicuous area first. This is extremely important; different dyes and materials in your carpet could be damaged or discolored by a cleaning solution. Pick up your husband's favorite La-Z-Boy and try it under there. That particular rug section, I guarantee, will never be seen again. Anyways, if such a change should occur, try a different stain remover solution or call a professional.

Over-wetting a stain is a potential problem. Cold water is best if you're doing the blotting thing, but don't drench the stain. If moisture reaches the pad, the danger of mildew or damage to the wood flooring underneath could factor in.

Choosing a carpet that doesn't show stains is obviously a no-brainer too. Most newer carpets come pre-treated, and you'll find that initial stains will "bead up" and allow for easy blotting. If you have your carpet steam-cleaned, keep in mind that this may remove some of the manufacturer's stain guard. However, most carpet cleaning services also treat your carpet as part of the process.

Carpets naturally fade too, so rearranging furniture to switch up the traffic areas will help, and the sun won't be hitting the same spot too, which also contributes to fading.

As far as vacuuming, you should do so once a week and more often in areas of heavy traffic. Frequent vacuuming prolongs the life of your carpet by preventing a buildup of gritty particles that can erode carpet fibers. Get that fancy crevice tool out too. Don't be scared. And if you want to control the odors, add a little baking soda to the bag. When you empty it, you'll find a batch of muffins. Just kidding.