I'm sure you've been vacuuming your carpet incorrectly your entire life!

Choosing the best vacuum cleaner for carpet

There are so many vacuum cleaners available today, from stick vacuum cleaners to robot vacuum cleaners. Not all of them are created equal, so it is important to choose a device that will suit the needs of your carpet.

If you are purchasing a new carpet, check the manufacturer's cleaning recommendations. For example, the new "soft carpets" that are very popular today may require a different type of vacuum than traditional carpeting. The same applies to a vacuum cleaner for long-pile carpets, because

Even if you have a central vacuum cleaner installed, sometimes it won't do the job alone and a new carpet will require an additional purchase.

Trying to choose between an upright or horizontal vacuum cleaner? It's mostly a matter of personal preference; each has its own advantages.

A vertical vacuum cleaner is a single unit consisting of a motor and a suction head. Many upright models even have wheels and other features to make movement easier. If you find it difficult to bend over, it is better to opt for a stick vacuum cleaner. Although they are difficult to use when cleaning stairs.

A typical vacuum cleaner for Russia is a dirt container on wheels and a hose with a nozzle. Its advantage is easier movement between rooms. Great for vacuuming under low furniture such as coffee tables and sofas. Because you pull the vacuum cleaner behind you, it is easier to carry, although it can bump into corners. The downside is that when going from carpet to bare floors, you will most often need to manually change the brush head (unless you need anything more serious than a retractable brush).

Polisher

For those who are faced with the constant problem of rubbing and polishing floors, a completely different electric “assistant” is suitable - a floor polisher. This is a special device that polishes the surface of natural floors after rubbing with mastic and wax. Such devices are indispensable where very large areas are covered with parquet or natural boards, but this device is also suitable for rubbing laminate, tile, and linoleum coverings. When working with the floor polisher, you must guide it, ensure that all surfaces (including wheels) are clean and that the water tanks are dry.

Using a rotating brush

Many vacuum cleaners come with a rotating brush that is designed to agitate the carpet fibers. This feature is useful for high-pile carpets, but may harm other types of carpets.

Loop style rugs, especially Berber, should not be vacuumed by spinning because it can loosen the fibers and cause the loops to have a fuzzy appearance. And if a small thread gets loose from the loop, it can wrap around the brush and be pulled out with such force that it affects several rows and damages the carpet.

Very long pile carpets can also get stuck in the nozzle. Natural carpets should never be cleaned with such attachments.

What is it made of, the amount of dirt and moisture

There are two types:

• synthetic;
• natural.

Synthetic ones are easy to care for and are inexpensive. They are easy to clean and dry.

Natural ones are often made from wool or silk. If not properly cared for, the fiber may stretch and its shape may change. Products made from natural materials can be easily dried with your own hands if a small part of the surface is wet. If the entire carpet is wet, for example due to flooding, it is safer to contact a dry cleaner.

The drying process is also affected by the amount of water spilled:

• if a corner is wet (for example, a mug of tea or water has been spilled), available means will suffice: napkins, rags;
• if a bucket is spilled, you can’t do without technology;
• if the entire carpet is wet and occupies a large area, the easiest way is to call a special service. But if you have free space, you can dry it at home.

Adjustable height

Adjustable suction head height may be required for different types of carpet. This function is needed if you have several types of carpets at home. It is required to maintain the desired air flow and provide better suction. Set the height according to the vacuum cleaner manufacturer's recommendations for your type of carpet.

A modern, simple way to collect small debris from the pile.

A slightly exotic way to clean fabrics and carpets is to use adhesive tape or tape wrapped around your hand or a paint roller. Sticky debris and hairs quickly make the adhesive surface dirty; for this reason, adhesive tape and tape must be changed frequently. This method requires a lot of time, but it collects pet hair and human hair well.

The Right Action

Before you start vacuuming your carpet, look around and look for small objects in the pile that are too large for the vacuum cleaner (such as toy parts, coins, paper clips, etc.). These items should be picked up by hand to avoid them getting into the vacuum cleaner, which will impair suction or cause damage.

Do not hurry

You need to vacuum the carpet by moving the brush back and forth. There is no need to rush. When there are a lot of other things to do, I myself know that I want to quickly vacuum. However, this does not give the air enough time to pick up all the dust and particles from the carpet fibers, and therefore cleaning will be pointless.

Instead, slowly move the vacuum cleaner in one direction and then pull it towards you. Move on to the next section of the carpet, going lightly over the area you just cleaned to make sure you pick up all the dirt at the joints.

Reverse

For best results, repeat the process in the opposite direction - that is, if you originally vacuumed in a north-south direction, turn around and sweep the brush from east to west. This doesn't have to be done every time you vacuum, but it's best done during deep cleaning.

Be sure to empty the dust bin when it gets full. A full bag or tank will reduce suction power, making the overall job less efficient. It's best to keep the dust bin more than three-quarters full to ensure maximum performance.

Foam cleaning

The foam contains components that corrode dirt (alkalis, acids, alcohols), abrasive substances for absorbing dust and a detergent base. It is an intermediate cleaning method between the use of dry powders and wet cleaning. Suitable for natural pile carpeting because it does not leave excess moisture on the product. Apply to contaminated areas of the coating for 20-40 minutes and then remove with a vacuum cleaner.

Examples of good foam brands:

• Vanish Gold (450 rubles for 600 ml);
• Tuba (325 rubles for 600 ml);
• Nordland (300 rubles for 600 ml);
• “Carpet cleaner” from Luxus Professional (480 rubles for 600 ml).

Use attachments

Most vacuum cleaners come with hose attachments, making it easy to clean hard-to-reach areas, as well as vacuum upholstery, curtains, and more. Use a crevice tool along the baseboard around the edge of the room to suck up any accumulated dust.

The upholstery attachment is good for use on delicate surfaces such as wool or silk—fibers that should never be cleaned with a regular attachment. Gently brush the brush with the desired attachment over the delicate material.

If you have a faux carpet with a cut pile, be careful with the edges of the product. A vacuum cleaner with a regular attachment may cause it to unravel.

For stairs, the easiest and most effective way is to use a narrow hose attachment or even the empty end of the hose itself. Run the hose along the edges of the stairs, paying particular attention to areas where dust collects, such as the back where the stringer goes.

Mold

Like rust, mold never sleeps.

Not only is it unsightly, but it can also cause a number of health problems. Damp homes are especially susceptible to this problem, but so are those that are not cleaned regularly.

Vacuuming will not only remove mold particles from your carpets and upholstery, but it will also prevent mold from spreading throughout your home. The vacuum cleaner will lift dormant spores from the carpet.

In addition to vacuuming, be sure to dust and clean all of your household surfaces to keep mold at bay.

Vacuum more often: but how much?

Most of us don't vacuum every day, but prefer to run the vacuum regularly once or twice a week. No matter how often you do it, you may wonder if it will damage your carpet.

The danger is that the brush stretches and wears out the carpet fibers. In some ways this is true. In fact, dirt does more damage to your carpet than most vacuum cleaners.

If your device has multiple modes, choose a softer, more gentle brush head for extra cleaning.

Some people worry when they see carpet threads in their dust collectors. Does this mean that the vacuum cleaner breaks down the fibers and slowly rips them out? Not really. In general, carpets can be vacuumed several times a week without damaging them. But dirt on the carpet actually breaks down the carpet fibers and also creates a breeding ground for dust mites and bacteria.

User manual

What you need to know:

• Beware of overheating. Working time without a break should be up to two hours.
• The filter needs to be changed twice a month. Dust collectors must be washed after replacing the filter.
• Do not use the device in damp places.
• Avoid working during power surges.
• Not suitable for use by children.
• Do not use the device to collect water, flammable or explosive substances.
• Do not use the device with a damaged power cord or plug. Do not use it if it has been dropped, damaged, left outdoors, or dropped into water.
• It is prohibited to leave equipment near heating devices.
• The electric vacuum cleaner is not intended for use by people (including children) with reduced physical or mental capabilities.
• To avoid electric shock, it is recommended not to touch the device with wet hands.
• Do not use without a filter and dust collector.
• It is prohibited to use the device to collect sharp, solid substances.
• Do not use the power cord or hose as a carrying handle.

Correct use of the vacuum cleaner

Which ones can be washed and which ones can’t?

To clean the floor covering, you can use a washing vacuum cleaner in the following cases:

The product is sewn from synthetic materials. Rugs made of acrylic, polypropylene, polyester, microfiber, polyamide, nylon and terclone are not afraid of wet cleaning. The flooring is made of semi-synthetic. Carpets are made of knitwear

They can be cleaned with a washing vacuum cleaner, but with caution, as they are sensitive to water. The products are sewn from tufting.

Do not wash carpets such as

• products made from natural fabrics: wool, felt and fur;
• silk floor coverings;
• hand-made products;
• viscose carpets;
• jute carpets with very long pile more than 15 cm;
• Cotton and linen carpets - only dry cleaning is suitable for them.

A washing vacuum cleaner collects no more than 40-60% of the water it releases. In products made from natural fabrics, it lingers and begins to rot.

This causes an unpleasant odor and bacterial growth. It will be very difficult to “reanimate” them.

Each carpet has certain care features. This directly depends on its composition. Most often, products are of a mixed type, so it is necessary to check with the seller at the purchase stage whether a washing vacuum cleaner is suitable for cleaning them.

How to clean carpet from smell

Here are two options for cleaning carpets from foreign odors using inexpensive products that are found in any home:

Educational article: How to choose the right filter for drinking water: which of the 3 types is better

Basic rules for drying

Since it is impossible to do without wet cleaning in the house, sooner or later any owner will have to dry the carpet. In order to do this correctly, you just need to follow a few tips, including:

The carpet must be completely dried. Neither the pile nor the base should remain wet. Only a few days pass between getting wet and the unpleasant odor appearing.

Therefore, it is better to check how well the product has been dried - this is easier than dealing with an unpleasant odor in the future. When the humidity of the carpet arises due to the specifics of the room, it also needs to be dried periodically. It is especially important to pay attention to ensuring that the pile is dried correctly. In addition, the room needs to be ventilated more often to ensure uniform air circulation. Order chemical treatment for fungus and various types of bacteria. Try to make sure that the product does not get wet during storage; it is best to dry it before rolling it up. In this case, the quality of the product will remain intact and durable, without deformation or other types of damage.

Make sure that the product is outdoors as often as possible. Ultraviolet light has a good effect on the carpet, and heat treatment kills dust mites. Under the sun, the carpet is guaranteed to dry and you will not have any problems due to moisture.

The regime is not for the sake of the regime, but for the sake of convenience

How often should you clean and what is better - a little every day or a rare but accurate general cleaning? This question does not have a universal answer and you need to rely on your own convenience or habit.

For some, the daily regime of maintaining cleanliness is normal - doing things little by little so that they don’t accumulate: today - laundry, tomorrow - washing the floors, the day after tomorrow - kitchen chores. This approach has many advantages: it does not waste a lot of time and effort, but without the habit of orderliness it is difficult to implement.

Another option is the accumulation of household chores, which ends with a lot of cleaning. In this situation, which is typical for people accustomed to a free regime, you can not be irritated by everyday hassles, replacing them with something more pleasant, and in a moment of extreme need, do all the accumulated tasks at once.

But if there is a small child in the house, daily cleaning of the children's room becomes an axiom. The only consolation here can be that even wet cleaning of a children's room requires very little time, the bulk of which is spent putting scattered toys and things in their places.

In any case, remember that you have household members who can be organized - at the very least, take part in the cleaning or take on some chores, or, at a minimum, not interfere, which can also be very important.

Methods for cleaning carpets with folk remedies

Cleaning interior items without using commercial household chemicals is a good way to save your family budget. There are many methods for cleaning carpet at home. Among them there are even methods without Vanish, without water, without a vacuum cleaner, without washing and without chemicals. Before using any, read the recommendations of specialists:

Rice. 1 - Washing the carpet in the washing machine

1. Carpets should not be scrubbed with a hard brush as this will damage the fibres.
2. Cleaning proceeds in the direction of the pile.
3. Do not use hot water or use large amounts of moisture.
4. Before using the product, test its effect on a small, inconspicuous area to prevent staining, loss of pigment, and damage to the pile.
5. You can wash a carpet in a machine if there are no prohibitions in the instructions.

An expensive carpet lying on the floor requires special care - after cleaning it should look perfect. For example, Persian hair will become sticky, damp, and dirty even faster if you don't remove the cleaning product thoroughly enough.

Ammonia

A mixture of this substance with glycerin is an excellent option for manual cleaning. It will not eliminate serious stains, but it will refresh the color and restore the brightness of the colors. Dilute 2 tbsp. l. product in a liter of cold water, clean the carpet and remove any residue with dry wipes.

Whiteness and Domestos

Mix 1.5 liters of water, 5-6 tsp. liquid soap and 30 g of these products. Stir the mixture, dip a cloth in it and clean the carpet. Then wipe well with a damp sponge and ventilate the room. Instead of Domestos, you can use Comet or Toilet duckling.

Rice. 2 - Carpet cleaners

Hydrogen peroxide

Combine 100 ml of the substance with 2 tbsp. l. baking soda, shake until the powder dissolves. Apply this mixture to the stains using a spray bottle and rub with a microfiber cloth. Repeat until the stains disappear. After this, vacuum the carpet.

Lemon juice

Apply it to the dirty carpet, rub with a napkin or sponge, and leave for 2 hours. Rinse off with warm water. This method helps to wash away dried dirt and even remove ink from a ballpoint pen. Instead of lemon, you can use citric acid.

Laundry soap

Helps remove dirt and old grease stains:

• grate 1 tbsp. l. grated soap;
• dissolve in a liter of water;
• add 1 tbsp. l. turpentine;
• Apply to carpet and scrub with a brush.

After 3-5 minutes, rinse the mixture with warm water, blot away the moisture, ventilate and dry the rug.

Vinegar

An excellent product for adding brightness to carpet colors. Combine 2/3 cup water with 1 tbsp. l. baking soda, 1 tbsp. l. washing powder and 60 ml of vinegar. Apply to the stain, rub from the edges to the center, blot with a damp cloth. Surface stains can be cleaned with a solution of 750 ml water and 2 tbsp. l. vinegar.

Rice. 3 – Table vinegar for carpet cleaning

Soda

It is actively used by housewives to eliminate odors and add freshness to color. Sprinkle 5-6 tbsp over the contaminated surface. l. soda, after half an hour, clean with a vacuum cleaner. This method is especially suitable for white carpets - soda “works” very cleanly.

Kerosene and gasoline

Dissolve 1 tbsp. l. washing powder in a glass of water, add a few drops of these substances. Wash the greasy stain with the mixture, then rinse well with water and dry. Be sure to ventilate the room.

Washing powder and dishwashing detergent

Rice. 4 – Fairy for washing dishes

Similar substances, for example, “Fairy”, will allow you to clean the stains on the rug yourself. Beat 2-3 tbsp. l. product in 500 ml of water until foamy, rub the stains with it and vacuum. The carpet in the interior will look like new.

Salt

Suitable for removing dirt from natural or synthetic surfaces and absorbing unpleasant odors. Sprinkle the carpet with fine dry salt, spread over the surface, rub lightly, moisten a broom in warm water, sweep up the residue and vacuum. An alternative to salt can be sawdust with a mixture of gasoline or detergent, drunk tea leaves without sugar (only for dark fabrics), bran, semolina, ground pumice.

Starch

Scatter 5-6 tbsp over the surface. l. powder, leave for half an hour. First, sweep away the residue with a damp broom, then thoroughly vacuum the carpet. This method is good for white fabrics when it is not possible to wash the fabric with bleach.

Sauerkraut

Rinse it well, spread it over the carpet and roll it with a broom to collect dust and dirt. Rinse the leaves again, clean and repeat the procedure until the dirt is completely removed. This method will also help prevent your dog from shitting on the carpet.