How to Clean Your Carpets and Save Money

While it may be unquestionably convenient to call a carpet cleaning service, the average home carpet can be cleaned by the owners themselves. Intimidated? There is no reason to feel that way.

By following only ten easy tips, carpet cleaning and maintenance is a snap:

If you've ever wondered how to clean carpets, start with good daily habits. The first part of keeping carpet cleaning is routine maintenance. Before you consider machine rental or purchase, consider the way you treat your carpets daily. To keep them in the best possible condition, make sure that shoes are removed before stepping on the carpet.

Make sure excess dirt is not dragged into the house and you'll save time and money on carpet cleaning. Doormats and interior mats will help pick up most debris. Spot cleaning can also prevent stains from getting out of hand.

Secondly, be cautious about using carpet sprays and deodorizers. Don't go for the quick fix, short term solution and think that substitutes for carpet cleaning. Think of these products as similar to hair spray. Like hair with too much spray,deodorizers may smell clean but masking odor doesn't get rid of germs or allergens.

The third step? Don't get the job only halfway done by using liquid shampoos to clean carpets without a reliable machine. Again, think of the carpet and hair cleaning analogy. Would you use a shampoo, lather up your hair and then fail to rinse with water? Similarly, liquid carpet cleaners can be difficult to remove and leave behind soap residue that turns out to be a problem. Instead, consider renting or buying a professional quality home carpet cleaning machine. Many are very reasonably priced and pay for themselves in short order (compared to paying for a carpet cleaning service).

Be sure to do your research before buying or renting a carpet cleaning machine. Many excellent ones are on the market and some can be rented at hardware stores or even the local grocery stores. If you'd prefer to buy a carpet cleaning machine, popular brands include Bissell and Hoover. Be sure to read reviews at sites such as Amazon or through Consumer Reports or other rating services. Consider your needs and limitations.

You'll do more harm than good if you use the wrong machine so the best carpet cleaning method offers both hot and cold water methods. If you've got carpet that can take a beating, try using a machine that heats the water or cleaning formula enough to kill germs. Delicate oriental carpets may need a cold water option.

Test drive your carpet cleaner in a small area of the carpet to make sure it doesn't leave behind stains and does work well. Find a less visible area of your carpet or even a carpet sample from the store and test drive the carpet cleaning machine. See how well it does with various types of stains, from oil to red wine. Also, make sure the machine has a warranty that will work for you.

Simple carpet cleaning methods are often the best. If a machine is heavy or it takes too much time to mix the carpet shampoo, odds are that machine won't be used. Make sure you follow the steps in the machine's guide and that each step is easy to follow.

Consider the reality that you may need to use a special machine for steps. If the majority of carpeted areas in your home is on the steps between floors, consider buying a machine that doesn't pose a tipping or other risk. Although you may be tempted to take a rag and try to clean carpet on the steps without a machine, the results may not be as visible or satisfactory. Go with a machine that is low and close to the ground. Many options are available.

If carpet is durable and steam cleaning is a choice, opt for that. When it comes to getting rid of pet odors or ordinary allergens and germs, steam cleaning really does the job. Homeowners who want professional results have learned how to clean carpet by using steam to get the best results.

Finally, always consider carpet color and age, especially if it is very new or hasn't been cleaned recently. New carpets, especially those that are red, can have a tendency to "bleed" or be affected by cleaning. Ironically, old carpet may clean unevenly. So do a trial run on the carpet before cleaning the entire area and see how it does.