If dirt and stains appear, it is not necessary to contact a cleaning company; you can find many tips on how to clean a long-pile carpet yourself at home.
Pros and cons of deep pile carpeting
Like any product, a fluffy long-pile carpet has its advantages and disadvantages. You need to know about their availability before purchasing such a product. You will need to devote a little more time to caring for it than a carpet with short pile.
Is the carpet in your home long-pile?
Not really
Benefits of long pile carpets
Among the main advantages of shag carpets it is worth noting:
- high thermal insulation properties, this property is especially important for residents of the first floors;
- excellent sound absorption and sound insulation;
- antistatic effect;
- small dirt and debris are not noticeable, as they are hidden by long fibers;
- absence of allergic reactions, since the long-pile carpet is made of synthetic materials;
- pleasant tactile sensations when touched. You want to lie on such a carpet or walk on it, children like to play on it;
- the presence of a massage effect and stimulation of the feet when walking barefoot;
- pleasant appearance and creation of comfort in any room;
- absorption of excess moisture if there is such a problem in the house;
- durability achieved through a reliable foundation. The pile is securely fixed and practically does not fall out;
- a variety of designs and shades to suit any interior.
Disadvantages of long pile carpets
Disadvantages to be aware of:
- high price. The denser and longer the pile, the higher the price. The most expensive items will be original copies or products made from natural materials;
- rapid wear. Lint wears off especially quickly in walkable areas or under the legs of heavy furniture. This feature limits the scope of use of long-pile carpets; they are not laid in corridors or in the kitchen;
- difficulty of cleansing. Using a vacuum cleaner will not completely remove dirt from such a carpet; it requires regular treatment with detergents;
- susceptibility to damage by moths, especially if the composition contains natural wool;
- dents from heavy furniture. For this reason, there is no point in buying a large rug so that its edges go under the legs of the furniture.
Why do carpets get dirty?
Long piles on the carpet easily accumulate dust and dirt.
Before cleaning, you need to find out the reasons that influence the formation of dirt. A carpet, like a filter, traps dust and other substances that are the result of human or animal activity. Any substance that comes into contact with it is considered contamination. This could be dirt and sand from shoes, dusty objects, machine oil, food particles, hair or pet hair.
Dry substances that contaminate the carpet make up 80% and affect its rapid wear. They can be easily dealt with with a vacuum cleaner. The remaining 20% comes from fats, oils and other substances. The most difficult to remove are tar, paint, tar, gum, fatty substances, adhesive and sticky materials. To get rid of them, special mechanical and chemical treatment is necessary.
It is better not to place carpets in places where they can easily get dirty - in the kitchen or hallway.
Important nuances for cleaning long-pile carpets
Products with long pile require careful and delicate care, as they absorb dirt more. The main feature of long-pile carpets is that they are difficult to clean.
Important! A simple vacuum cleaner with low power is not enough here. In case of severe or old stains, it is better to use dry cleaning services.
Before starting care, you should familiarize yourself with the following nuances:
- It is strictly forbidden to clean against the direction of the pile. Due to excessive force, it may not straighten completely;
- It is unacceptable to use brushes with hard bristles; they stir up the bristles and create an untidy appearance;
- You cannot moisten the pile too much, it will take a long time to dry, and its appearance will suffer;
- After cleaning, the carpet must be thoroughly dried, as remaining moisture will lead to the development of mold. Air access should be from both the front and back sides;
- Do not wet carpets made from natural materials: silk and wool;
- Before cleaning a colored carpet for the first time, you should check the color fastness in an inconspicuous area;
- It is unacceptable to use household chemicals that are not intended for this type of work or that have a strong odor. It will be almost impossible to eliminate it later.
What are the benefits of long pile carpets?
A pile that is more than two and a half centimeters is considered long. The advantage of this type of flooring is its attractive appearance. Helps retain heat and quickly absorb moisture. Among the disadvantages: dust settles on it more often, as does dirt.
If you do not provide full care to a long-pile carpet, it will very quickly lose its appearance, color and structure. It is cleaning that allows the villi to remain in their original condition. If you contaminate the surface, start cleaning immediately. If you don’t know how to do this, then contact your nearest dry cleaner. Some mistakes can lead to property damage.
Folk recipes
Folk remedies contain easily accessible ingredients that are found in every home. Such methods are much cheaper than ready-made household chemicals.
Important! If any liquid was used during treatment, then at the end the carpet must be thoroughly dried and ventilated. It is best to place the palace in the fresh air without direct sunlight.
Soda
For work, a soda solution is used, prepared from the following ingredients:
- warm water - 1 l;
- baking soda - 1 tbsp.
Soda powder is thoroughly dissolved in water and cleansing begins immediately. The easiest way to use this cleaning product is to pour it into a spray bottle. After applying the composition evenly to the surface of the carpet, you need to wait about half an hour and treat the entire area with a soft-bristled brush. Then, dry the product and thoroughly clean it with a vacuum cleaner on both sides.
Soap
The soap solution consists of the following ingredients:
- warm water - 1 l;
- finely grated laundry or baby soap - 1 tbsp;
- turpentine - 1 tbsp.
Attention! Since turpentine has a strong odor, it is better to work with it in a well-ventilated area.
In a container, mix soap shavings and turpentine until completely dissolved. Using a soft brush, apply the composition to the pile and leave to act for half an hour. Wipe the entire surface with a soft cloth moistened with clean water. Ventilate and dry the carpet in the fresh air, and then vacuum it well.
Vinegar with soda
To prepare a cleaning solution based on vinegar and soda you will need:
- water - 0.5 l;
- baking soda - 2 tbsp;
- dishwashing liquid - 1 tbsp;
- white 9% vinegar - 2 tbsp.
This mixture must be applied pointwise to areas of contamination and left for about 10-15 minutes. Scrub with a soft bristle brush and remove excess liquid with a paper towel. Vinegar and baking soda will also help clean your microwave and oven.
Ammonia with washing powder
This method effectively removes old stains and refreshes the carpet. To prepare the solution you will need:
- water - 5 l;
- ammonia - 1 tbsp;
- washing powder - 3 tbsp.
Apply the product with a sponge or brush evenly over the entire surface of the carpet. After 15 minutes, the pile should be wiped with a damp cloth, dried and vacuumed well.
Important! For colored carpets, you cannot use washing powder with a bleaching effect.
Lemon juice
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is used to eliminate local contamination, as well as to clean the entire surface. For half a liter of water you will need 2-3 tsp. lemon juice. This ingredient should not be used undiluted.
After applying the liquid, you need to walk over the carpet with a brush, paying special attention to heavy dirt. Wipe with a damp cloth and dry well.
Washing powder
Washing powder is used only diluted with water. Its foam can become an alternative to ready-made industrial products for caring for fabrics and carpets. For 5 liters of water you will need 3 tbsp. washing powder without bleaching effect.
Advice! To enhance the effect, you can include 1-2 tbsp in the composition of the product. ammonia. Beat the water well until a dense foam appears, which must be applied to the carpet.
Avoid contact with liquids and excessive moisture. Wait 10 minutes, wipe with a damp cloth and dry.
Snow
Snow cleaning is a simple and effective method known to many generations. To do this, the carpet must be taken outside and spread face down on clean snow. It is good to beat it from the inside out and repeat the procedure on the other side.
Use a broom to sweep away the remaining snow and take the carpet home. If you carefully remove the snowflakes, you won’t need to dry it; the surface won’t have time to show much.
You can find out how to clean a carpet with snow here.
Salt
Salt removes odors well and fights greasy stains. But you cannot pour it dry onto the entire surface of the carpet, since it will be very difficult to remove the grains. For work, a concentrated saline solution is used: 0.5 liters of water will require 3 tbsp. salt.
Mix until completely dissolved and apply to the carpet using a spray bottle. Dry the surface completely and vacuum it thoroughly.
Do you use traditional recipes for cleaning carpets?
Not really
The pile is gone - what to do?
Long pile lies down and loses volume for two reasons: deformation or contamination. You already know what to do with a dirty carpet - beat it thoroughly, clean it with snow or a suitable cleaning agent, and then carefully comb it.
It is more difficult to restore pile that has been crushed due to deformation, so it is better to simply avoid this: do not walk on the carpet in shoes and do not place furniture on it. You can try to lift small areas of synthetic pile using ice cubes or a hairdryer (heat the crushed area and comb it). Natural villi cannot be restored in this way - you need to contact a specialized specialist.
As you can see, the rules are simple, and if you are ready to follow them, then a long-pile carpet will give you coziness and comfort without much hassle!
Household chemicals
When choosing household chemicals, you should give preference to products with a gentle and delicate effect.
Important! It is strictly forbidden to use chlorine bleaches or other aggressive compounds.
Before applying the cleaning agent to the carpet, it must be vacuumed to remove large debris. After complete drying, the procedure must be repeated.
Shampoo “5+ carpets”
An affordable product, for 0.5 liters you will need to pay about 150 rubles. This preparation is allowed for cleaning products made from artificial and natural fibers.
Main advantages:
- stain remover effect;
- color enhancement;
- elimination of unpleasant odors;
- low cost;
- proven effectiveness.
Before starting work, the shampoo must be diluted with water in a ratio of 1 tbsp. half a liter of warm liquid. Apply to the pile and let dry completely. Vacuum the carpet on both sides. If necessary, the procedure can be repeated.
Vanish
A popular product that is used for high-quality cleaning of carpets and upholstered furniture. The drug is concentrated, so before starting work it must be diluted: 1 part Vanish to 9 parts water. For a 450 ml package you will need to pay about 300 rubles.
Advantages of Vanish:
- effective removal of contaminants;
- refreshing colors;
- elimination of odors.
Among the disadvantages, users note the high cost and strong chemical aroma.
Drop Vox
This is a liquid detergent that also requires dilution with water: 1 cap per 2 liters. When whipped, a dense foam is formed, which must be applied to the carpet. Leave until completely dry and vacuum the surface. The packaging of this drug is estimated by the manufacturer at 100 rubles.
Advantages of the Drop:
- pleasant, unobtrusive aroma;
- extremely economical consumption;
- low price;
- proven effectiveness.
Karcher Wet carpet cleaner rm-519
Among the stated benefits of this drug:
- Can be used on all types of carpets;
- permissibility of use in a washing vacuum cleaner;
- no need to rinse;
- accelerated drying achieved thanks to a special formula.
Measure 150 ml of this product and dilute it in 4 liters of water. Apply to carpet or pour into a vacuum cleaner. Leave until completely dry and vacuum.
Important! According to users, this product is the best choice for owners of washing vacuum cleaners. Among the disadvantages, it is worth noting the need for re-treatment in case of severe contamination and the high cost - about 600 rubles per half liter.
Unicum carpet and upholstery cleaner
The manufacturer promises that:
- after drying, a protective layer remains on the carpet, which reduces the likelihood of dust penetration and the absorption of odors;
- colors will be restored and become bright and rich;
- stains and unpleasant odors will completely disappear.
The product must be applied undiluted to the carpet and left until completely dry. Vacuum the surface thoroughly. The product has a pleasant, unobtrusive scent that remains on the fabric for a long time. The cost of a 500 ml package is about 200 rubles.
Important! Work with all household chemicals is carried out only with protective gloves.
Cleaning methods and products
To choose a method for cleaning a long-pile carpet, determine the material from which it is made. This will allow you to choose the desired washing method. Most often, such items are made from synthetics - acrylic, polyamide, nylon, which are easy to care for and practically do not cause headaches when cleaning.
Woolen ones are demanding to care for. If you use unsuitable detergents, the material may deteriorate. They are also short-lived and can wear off quickly. Due to the special material, they look very shaggy, which adds extra comfort to any home. A special advantage of long-pile woolen carpets is hypoallergenicity. Some of the most popular cleaning products include:
- Vanish. This is the most popular shampoo. Cleans the surface well and allows you to remove even stubborn stains.
- Shampoo 5+. Ideal for carpets made from natural materials.
- Drop of VOX. A product that helps preserve color. Effectively copes with corrosive contaminants.
- Udalix Ultra. A universal product that is also used for cleaning carpets.
To clean, use a thick, soft brush. It will help comb out any dirt. You can also carry out cleaning using folk remedies. Among them:
- Soda. Sprinkle it in a thick layer and leave for 30 minutes. After that, wash by hand. It will help remove unpleasant odors and remove any contaminants.
- Soap. Take a bar of laundry soap and grate a small part of it. A tablespoon of the resulting grains should be dissolved in 200 ml of warm water. For greater effect, add turpentine. The coating must be treated with the resulting solution and left for 5-7 minutes. Then wipe the surface with a dry cloth and ventilate the room.
- Vinegar. Regular vinegar will help get rid of stains. Add two to three tablespoons of acid per liter of water. Mix the ingredients, comb the pile with the resulting product using a soft brush. This method will add shine and shine.
- Ammonia. Effectively copes with traces of chocolate, coffee or tea. Add 20 grams of alcohol and a tablespoon of regular powder to a liter of warm water. Treat the coating with the resulting solution and wipe it with a damp cloth.
- Ice. Removes traces of plant juice and resin. Freeze the stain, then scrape off the remaining parts with a knife. The remainder can be withdrawn in any convenient way.
Products we do not recommend
It is important to know that neither folk nor industrial remedies are universal. For example, using a powder with blue granules or colored dishwashing detergent can cause unattractive stains on a white or milky carpet.
For such a product, it is preferable to use saline solution or soda. Similarly, white powders should not be used to clean dark rugs. In this case, the best choice would be turpentine, ammonia or vinegar.
Important! It is strictly forbidden to use aggressive chemicals with a persistent odor: kerosene, gasoline, chlorine, solvent.
Local cleaning to remove stains
Stubborn stains can only be removed with more aggressive means. If you spill milk, alcohol, or drop berries on the carpet, cleaning with a solution made from 1 tsp will help. vinegar and 1 liter of water. The liquid must be applied using a spray bottle and then blot the residue with a dry sponge.
If the pile is stained with tea, coffee, wine, blood or chocolate, dilute 1 tsp. ammonia in 1 glass of water and apply the liquid to the contaminated area with a spray bottle. After 15 minutes, it will need to be collected with a dry sponge (wool should not be treated with ammonia).
Before using any cleaning product, first test on a small area of the fabric. In this way you will avoid damage to the product. After wet cleaning, do not walk on the carpet or roll it up until it dries. Drying should occur naturally, without the use of heating devices.
How to care for a long pile carpet?
Care consists of following the manufacturer's recommendations and systematically performing all actions.
Key recommendations include the following:
- It is better to use a regular lint-free brush with the vacuum cleaner. This way, small debris will be better removed from the depths of the carpet;
- It is necessary to begin removing contamination immediately after it appears, without waiting for it to dry;
- vacuuming should be done at least once a week;
- In winter, you should not give up the possibility of using snow for cleaning;
- wet cleaning with cleaning compounds must be done at least once every six months.
A long-pile carpet is a spectacular interior decoration that requires special treatment. To prevent dirt and debris from accumulating in it, it must be cleaned regularly and using suitable detergents.
6 folk recipes for dry cleaning a carpet at home can be found here, 18 simple recipes for how to clean a carpet at home quickly and effectively can be found here.
White, long-haired: how to preserve beauty?
For a white carpet with a long pile, the need for regular dry cleaning comes first. Any dirt will be noticeable against a light background , which is very difficult to clean if the pile is long.
Regular vacuuming will reduce the need for wet cleaning. This approach will allow you to preserve the appearance of the product for longer.
White long-pile synthetic carpets can be moistened during the cleaning process, and if necessary, use a washing vacuum cleaner. But after this, the product must be thoroughly dried.
To remove complex, especially old stains, it is recommended to use dry cleaning services.
Features of Belgian carpets
Carpets produced in Belgium can transform any interior, adding a touch of style and elegance to it. When making them, craftsmen respect centuries-old traditions, and also do not forget about the need to introduce innovations that help improve the quality of products.
Carpet designs differ significantly from those produced in eastern countries. They reflect the life and traditions of Europe. In models aimed at use in modern interiors, color and stylistic solutions are fully consistent with current trends.
Advantages of carpets from Belgium:
- Improved wear resistance;
- Long-term preservation of its original appearance (some manufacturers are even willing to provide a guarantee for up to 10 years);
- Wide variety of colors, sizes, shapes;
- Easy to care for;
- Optimal ratio of product cost and quality.
It is worth mentioning separately that both industrial production and hand-made carpet weaving are developed in Belgium. Entire dynasties have survived in which carpet-making skills are passed on from generation to generation.
Carpet cleaning foam
To clean carpeting, the easiest and fastest way to get rid of stains, stains and other contaminants is foam. This method is ideal for carpets where small areas need to be cleaned. For this purpose, a special aerosol with dry foam is used. Now in stores there is a very wide selection of such products, all of them are developed using special formulas that allow you to easily and quickly deal with dirt and give the product its original appearance: brightness and refresh color.
The procedure is quite simple: the can is shaken and the foam is sprayed immediately after the fleecy carpet is cleaned of dust and debris. You need to apply it in an even layer, then leave the foam for 20 - 30 minutes. Only after it has been completely absorbed into the pile should you go through it again with a vacuum cleaner in order to pull all the dirt to the surface.
Materials from which Belgian carpets are made
At the dawn of carpet weaving in Belgium, the carpets produced were made exclusively from the wool of New Zealand sheep. Over time, technologies changed, and other materials began to be used in products, both natural and artificial. Sheep wool remains the favorite, but in addition to it, bamboo silk, viscose, acrylic and even polypropylene are also used.
Modern wool carpets are still made from the highest quality material. In most cases, not only the pile is made from wool, but also the base, which makes the products incredibly strong, dense, warm, and durable. The service life of the coating is 10-15 years. The only drawback, besides the high price, is the possibility of individual allergic reactions.
Belgian viscose carpets are relatively inexpensive and completely hypoallergenic. They are soft and silky to the touch, do not require complex care, and retain their original appearance for a long time. Disadvantages include fear of moisture and the ability to dry clean only.
Silk carpets from Belgium are distinguished by their high cost, which fully corresponds to the performance characteristics of the product. Such coatings have antistatic properties, do not attract dust, do not accumulate dirt, and are completely hypoallergenic. Unpretentious in care, they are able to maintain an attractive appearance, brightness and clarity of the pattern for a long time.
Carpets made of polypropylene are dense, wear-resistant, easy to clean, but their pile is prone to electrification. At the same time, synthetic material is an unfavorable environment for the life and reproduction of dust mites and other harmful microorganisms. The cost of such coatings is affordable, and the design is striking in the variety of colors and patterns.
In addition, manufacturers also offer a good selection of lint-free carpets and mats. Cotton, viscose, and acrylic are used for their production.
Interior ideas
There are no restrictions on which rooms to use lint-free carpets. They will find a place in the living room or bedroom, as well as in the corridor, hallway or kitchen. Since lint-free carpets are minimally hassle-free to care for, they are often recommended for use in rooms where the flooring gets dirty most quickly. But for these rooms it is better to choose relatively inexpensive coatings, but for products made from natural materials a more suitable application may be found.
Cotton carpets in natural colors can complement the interior of a living room or bedroom, giving the space a special charm and coziness. Thick fabric with textured weaving looks especially stylish, which will ideally complement both a modern interior and a touching shabby chic.
Belgian collections of lint-free flooring are especially popular among buyers and sellers. Products made in this country are considered to be of high quality, and even if we are not talking about a natural composition, their price will be higher than that of similar products made in Russia or other countries. Lint-free carpets from Belgium are universal. They are suitable for both a strict office and a delicate children's room.
When it comes to products with traditional oriental designs, it can be more difficult to integrate them into the interior
It is important to observe the measure, especially if the coating has an excessively bright color or rich pattern. It is better to use such a carpet as a separate accent so that the space does not become overloaded with details.
Since most pile-free carpets are thin and pliable in structure, they can be used on a sofa or armchair. It looks original and stylish. They are also used to decorate walls, but only if the design of the room allows for this possibility.
Getting rid of fresh stains on the carpet
Have you or your family stained your long pile carpet? You can easily get rid of fresh stains if you use our tips:
- Soak the stain with a clean rag as quickly as possible Absorb the stain until most of the moisture is removed from the fabric. Never try to scrub the stain with a sponge or brush! This way you will only rub it, and the dirt will penetrate into the deep layers of the carpet.
- Prepare a cleaning solution and follow all the steps in the section above (Step-by-Step Instructions for Cleaning an Entire Carpet).
How to remove odors?
When cleaning the carpet with any detergent, most unpleasant odors are removed.
The most persistent aromas remain from:
- fish;
- dampness;
- cigarette ash;
- urine;
- animal excrement.
To prevent the carpet from becoming completely saturated, you need to clean it immediately as soon as the “dirty deed” is noticed.
Home remedies that are good at removing persistent odors include vinegar and ammonia. From household chemicals - washing powder and products with a strong aroma.
It is advisable to use formulations without chlorine, as many cats are very attracted to its smell. More often than not, these creatures like to go to the toilet on the carpet.
It is very difficult to eliminate the smell of dampness from a coating at home if it is not possible to remove it from the floor. After all, if it didn’t dry out last time, it’s unlikely to happen next time. In order not to suffer, it is better to order dry cleaning of carpets at home.
When is cleaning not necessary?
If you own a long-pile handmade carpet, you should avoid trying to clean it yourself. Natural wool under the influence of aggressive care products, including homemade ones (soda, salt), can lose color and shape. And it will no longer be possible to restore the former beauty. How to care for carpets in these cases? Such works of weaving art should be handled very carefully and should be cleaned exclusively by professionals. Home remedies are only applicable to synthetic products.
