Carpet and carpet are among the most popular and sought-after floor coverings. They can complement the decor of any room, making the room more comfortable and the floor insulated. This material has a special fleecy structure and therefore requires individual care. To preserve and maintain an attractive appearance, you should know how to effectively clean dirt from a carpet at home.
Carpet on the floor requires periodic cleaning, as the covering quickly becomes dirty and loses its original appearance.
How to properly care for carpets and rugs?
When cleaning, you must follow a few simple rules. Following all recommendations will help maintain the natural structure of the flooring and its appearance.
You can get your carpet into better condition using home remedies.
Subtleties of care
- Clean the surface of the rug or carpet weekly with a vacuum cleaner. This will help eliminate settled dust and prevent the formation of stagnant marks.
- Several times a year, the carpet should be knocked out in the fresh air to remove dust that has settled deep in the pile. It is recommended to carry out a similar procedure twice a year: in summer and winter. In winter, cleansing with snow is also suitable. This will help remove dust and freshen the product.
- If stains appear, prompt measures should be taken to eliminate them. Old and dried stains are more difficult to remove. In addition, the substance can ruin the structure of the pile.
- When choosing professional household chemicals, you need to focus on the material from which the carpet is made. Different products are used to clean synthetic and natural textures. The wrong choice can lead to damage to the coating.
- A foam brush or soft rag is useful as a cleaning tool. It is better to avoid using hard brushes. A rough surface disrupts the structure of the pile fibers, which will significantly worsen the appearance of the carpet.
Step-by-step instructions for washing a carpet
Synthetic carpeting can be washed. However, this method is not suitable for products made from natural fibers. Due to wet cleaning, the formation of fungal and mold growths is possible.
To wash the carpet, you will need two ironing brushes with not too hard bristles, detergent and two buckets.
Clean the carpet as follows:
- In the first bucket, household chemicals are whisked, the second is filled with clean water.
- Using one of the brushes, apply foam to the coating and leave for the time indicated on the packaging of the detergent composition.
- Wash off the soap layer along with the dirt using a second brush.
It is not advisable to carry out the procedure indoors on the floor. It is better to clean the carpet in the yard by hanging it on a crossbar so that water can drain freely. As a last resort, if the size allows, wash the covering above the bathtub. Small rugs made from artificial fibers are machine washed on a cycle suitable for synthetics.
This method allows you to thoroughly clean the carpet even if you have a washing vacuum cleaner. After chemical treatment, the surface is not washed with water, but vacuumed.
Cleaning methods by type of lint and material
Before you start cleaning, you need to choose the appropriate method. Options for the procedure and cleaning compositions are selected depending on the carpet material, structure and length of the pile. Both professional substances and folk remedies are suitable for use.
With the correct selection and compliance with all actions, you can get rid of dirt and foreign odors in a short time.
Note. The color palette of the carpet is also of great importance.
Long pile
Fleeces with long fibers are particularly soft and attractive. The disadvantage of such products is the difficulties that arise during cleaning. A large amount of dirt and dust gets stuck in the pile, which is very difficult to get rid of. The best option would be to use chemicals that form a thick, dense foam.
The foam penetrates deep into the structure of the pile, pushing stubborn dirt to the surface.
Short pile
Such coatings are not particularly difficult and require no maintenance. It is quite difficult to spoil the structure and appearance of the carpet, since the fibers are small in size. When cleaning, you can use both wet and dry cleaning. Professional formulations will help in thoroughly cleaning the coating.
Traditional methods are useful for urgent removal of traces and dirt.
Carpets made from natural materials
A carpet made from natural textures is particularly attractive. The disadvantage of such a product is its susceptibility to aggressive environmental factors. The structure of the wool covering can be damaged due to periodic moth attacks; lack of proper care will cause the appearance of fungus or mold.
When cleaning, only gentle methods are used.
Chemicals are selected according to the material from which the carpet is made. A solution of soda is useful as a homemade composition for wool or fur products.
Attention! For silk products, it is prohibited to use wet cleaning.
Synthetic coatings
Synthetics are easy to care for. To remove dust, it is enough to use a vacuum cleaner weekly.
If stains form, a solution of ammonia or vinegar is suitable.
Addition. The disadvantage of synthetic carpets is the rapid loss of brightness and disturbances in the structure of the pile.
Dark and light carpets
An important aspect when choosing cleaning products is the shade of the floor covering. Incorrect selection of the composition can cause marks, streaks, and fading of some areas of the pile, which will spoil the appearance of the product.
For rugs with a dark palette, solutions based on ammonia or vinegar are suitable.
With their help, you can quickly get rid of fresh or stubborn dirt, foreign odors, and dust. They will help clean the pile and will not cause disturbances in the structure of the fibers.
Advice. Many housewives also use turpentine.
Products in light shades are more demanding to care for. Using the wrong products will result in stains that are often almost impossible to get rid of (for example, lemon juice stains). The best option would be to use soda or starch. Salt will help refresh the pile.
A soap solution is useful for removing fresh dirt.
Salt
Cleaning with salt is quite easy, but you should use fine Extra salt. It will help get rid of contaminants if they have not yet become ingrained. The order is as follows:
- Apply a little salt to the pile and rub in gently with your hands.
- Leave for a couple of minutes, then vacuum.
- If possible, you should send the carpet outside and beat it thoroughly.
The cleaning process here is based on the fact that salt has the ability to absorb fat and moisture.
Cleaning from pollution
When carrying out general cleaning, a wide range of chemicals and household products are used. For a high-quality result, it is necessary to carefully study the list of options and how to apply them in practice.
Baking soda is a suitable solution for removing stains and strong odors. The contaminated area should be covered with the food component and left for about half an hour.
After time, the excess is collected with a vacuum cleaner.
Vinegar is useful in removing fresh stains. To work, you need to mix 2 tablespoons in a liter of water. The contaminated area is treated with the prepared solution until completely clean. It is recommended to carry out the procedure in a well-ventilated area.
It is important that the smell from the vinegar disappears quickly.
Hydrogen peroxide is an indispensable component for dust removal. When preparing the composition, use one teaspoon each of peroxide and ammonia, which dissolve in a liter of water. When cleaning, use a soft brush. To remove residues from the coating surface, the rug should be cleaned again with clean water.
This method allows you to deeply clean the carpet from dust without using a vacuum cleaner.
Attention. Before cleaning, you should test the product on an inconspicuous area of the carpet. If stains occur, it is better to discard this composition.
Ammonia is used as an inexpensive but effective stain remover. It helps in removing fresh or old stains.
Useful for cleaning white carpets as it does not leave streaks.
To prepare a cleaning solution, you will need 2 teaspoons of ammonia and a teaspoon of any washing powder. Both components dissolve thoroughly in warm water. The resulting mixture cleans the carpet of dirt. A soft sponge will be useful for this work. Upon completion, the product should dry naturally.
Addition. To remove excess soap, you can wash the coating again with clean water.
Lemon juice is suitable for removing stubborn stains, as the acid eats away the dirt and pushes it to the surface. Fresh lemon juice should be applied directly to the stained area and left for several hours.
To remove residual juice and prevent stickiness, the cleaned surface must be treated with clean water.
Laundry soap can cope with many types of dirt. In order to avoid possible gluing of the villi to each other, it is recommended to grate the cleaning component. The resulting shavings are dissolved in a liter of water. The solution is whipped to a dense foam. A foam sponge or soft bristle brush is useful for cleaning.
If necessary, the washing procedure should be repeated.
Tea is used to cleanse areas of stubborn and old stains. To work, you need to drain the liquid, leaving only the tea leaves. The component is placed on contaminated areas of the carpet for several hours.
After time, the excess can be removed with a vacuum cleaner or broom.
Sawdust and gasoline are suitable for removing greasy stains. The shavings must be thoroughly moistened in gasoline and the dirty area must be covered. Cover the top with a sheet of thick paper. Then leave for several hours or overnight if the stain has become embedded in the structure. After time has passed, the sheet is ironed and replaced with a new one. Heat treatment should be carried out until the paper is clean.
When cleansing fresh dirt, the procedure will not take much time.
Addition. Instead of sawdust, starch or talc is used.
Soap solution
Laundry soap is an excellent product that will help remove even difficult stains. It is impossible to apply soap in its pure form to a pile of any length, as this will literally wash out the piles and the carpet will look untidy.
The cleaning method in this case is as follows:
- Prepare a soap solution. For 0.5 liters of water you need to take 5 grams of grated soap and stir well. You need to use a regular brown block.
- Using a soft brush or broom soaked in a soapy solution, apply the solution to the entire surface.
- Leave for half an hour. Afterwards, rinse with a damp cloth and dry.
Chemical and mechanical cleaning agents
Professional chemical compounds are also suitable for cleaning. They will help in removing traces of dirt and dust with minimal effort and time.
Usually cleaning at home is carried out by Vanish.
Options
- Vanish is the most popular and frequently used composition. Using thick, dense foam, you can remove both superficial and old stains. The disadvantages include the high price and small capacity.
- Mitex has anti-allergic properties, which is a suitable option for families with small children. Suitable for any type of textile furniture. The big advantage is the elimination of dust mites.
- Flash is a solution that is useful for removing most stains. The key feature of this product is the elimination of foreign odors.
- Extra Profi will come in handy in emergencies. The solution is suitable for removing dried stains, including blood. An indispensable tool for removing chewing gum and plasticine from the surface of the pile.
- Sanlux is distinguished by the absence of harmful substances in its composition. The spray penetrates deep into the pile, completely cleaning the surface. A big advantage is the presence of a spray bottle, which allows you to apply the product directly to the contaminated area.
You can also use cheaper, but no less effective products.
A steam cleaner is useful as a mechanical tool. Work should be carried out strictly in the direction of the pile. Primary treatment will help lift dust to the surface and smooth out lint. After the initial stage, you should remove dirt from the surface of the carpet with a soft brush. After removing dust, re-steam the coating.
At the end of the procedure, the product should dry thoroughly naturally.
Recommendations
If you want to get the fastest and highest quality results, then you need to always have the following products at home:
- “Vanish” is a pink bottle with a concentrated soap solution that will always come to the rescue and remove any dirt with its foam. Disadvantages - the bottle is enough for only 2 cleanings, high price.
- Brushes for removing animal hair - just wipe the bristles thoroughly and most stains will be removed without the use of auxiliary products or chemicals.
- Tea leaves and sauerkraut - to remove hair and other contaminants. It is enough to scatter one of the products over the surface of the carpet, wait 40 minutes, and then remove them with a broom. The carpet will be bright, clean and beautiful.
Cleaning wool
The hair left on the carpet from pets gets clogged into the pile. Over time, it begins to tangle, which worsens the appearance of the coating. You can use several methods for cleansing.
If there is an animal in the house, then the problem of carpet cleaning will be an eternal issue.
Option 1
To work, you will need a brush and warm water. Cleaning must be done in the direction of the pile. The wool remaining on the brush should be collected in time. The process is highly complex, as the procedure will require a large amount of time.
The advantage is complete hair removal.
Option 2
Using fabric softener simplifies the cleaning process. Add a small amount of detergent to a glass of water. The resulting mixture must be poured into a spray bottle and the surface of the carpet should be thoroughly treated.
After drying, the product is cleaned with a vacuum cleaner.
How to wash a carpet with a vacuum cleaner |
- Sprinkle five to six tablespoons of baking soda on the dirty surface of the carpet. After thirty minutes, completely remove everything using a vacuum cleaner. This method is especially suitable for cleaning carpets whose color is white.
- Baking soda is also a very good no-wash cleaner for natural or synthetic floors and also removes odors.
- Fine salt is an old, tried-and-true carpet cleaner. Sprinkle the rug with salt, rub lightly, and after five to ten minutes clean it with a damp brush or a vacuum cleaner. You can also use sawdust, bran, and semolina for this purpose. Some subtleties of removing stains on rugs
Carpets made from synthetic materials are resistant to dirt, but not water. If something is spilled on such a carpet, you must immediately blot the wet area with a dry towel or something paper. After this, it is permissible to use any of the listed means. To maintain the original shine of a synthetic carpet, periodically refresh it with a vinegar solution.
Removing difficult stains
It is quite difficult to clean the carpet from traces of berries, alcohol, coffee or blood. The components are quickly absorbed into the structure, which complicates the process.
Ammonia is useful in removing berry stains. The product should be left for a short amount of time and then removed with warm water.
To remove fresh stains, a soap solution is useful.
When cleaning carpet from coffee or alcoholic beverages, a solution of washing powder and warm water is suitable. Contamination is treated with a soft cloth until completely clean. Excess powder can be removed with warm, clean water.
Fresh blood stains can be cleaned with cold water. If the stain is dry, ammonia diluted in two glasses of water will do. The carpet is treated with a soft sponge until the dirt is completely removed.
Hydrogen peroxide will remove excess that has eaten deep into the fibers.
Snow
This method is specific, since snow cleaning is possible only in winter and at persistent subzero temperatures. True, this is the most inexpensive option. Procedure:
- Take the rug outside into the snow and spread it with the pile down.
- Carefully trample on it, and then beat it off with a stick.
- Then turn over to the other side and repeat the steps.
- Snow that darkens should be swept away and not left on the pile for a long time, especially if it is medium or long.
- As the snow gets dirty, move the carpet over the snow.
The process can be considered complete when the snow remains clean after beating with a stick.
Rules for caring for different carpets
To properly care for the canvas, you must first understand what it is made of.
Moreover, it is important to know what both the base and the pile consist of. Let's start with the first one
Base materials:
- Felt. Can be natural or artificial. The second option is most often used. It has good insulating properties and is not demanding in maintenance. It tolerates wet cleaning quite easily.
- Foamed latex. It is not afraid of water, but it takes a very long time to dry after getting wet. Easy to clean, withstands aggressive agents. Over time, it begins to crumble and completely loses its elasticity.
- Textile. Cleaning methods depend on the composition of the threads. Natural ones can only withstand dry cleaning, but synthetics can be washed.
- Jute. Natural fiber, quite difficult to care for. Does not tolerate moisture and does not dry well. The result may be mold and rot. If it gets very wet, it warps after drying. Synthetic varieties do not have this disadvantage.
- Rubber. Elastic coating, resistant to any type of cleaning. It dries very poorly. Sometimes you have to dismantle the panel to dry it completely.
