Carpeting is a popular flooring choice in many homes due to its comfort and aesthetics. To keep your carpet and looking its best and to help maintain a healthy indoor environment, regular maintenance and cleaning are crucial. Delve into the world of carpet cleaning with these best practices listed below.
(source: Shaw Floors)
PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE Your First Line of Defense
Adding rugs and walk off mats to high traffic areas, such as entryways, doorways and hallways, helps reduce the amount of dirt and debris tracked onto your carpets and can help minimize wear and tear.
SPOT CLEANING AND SPILL REMOVAL Get It Before It’s Gone (into Your Subfloor)
When spills occur, it's crucial to address them promptly. Letting stains sit for too long can allow them to seep into the subfloor and cause unseen damage. Blot the stain with a clean cloth, working from the outside in to prevent it from spreading.
VACUUMING REGULARLY
Keep it Clean
The most important step in caring for your carpet is vacuuming it thoroughly and frequently. Regular vacuuming is essential to remove surface dirt and debris. Aim to vacuum high-traffic areas at least once a week. Use slow, overlapping strokes and pay extra attention to areas with heavy foot traffic and under furniture. Consider investing in a high-quality vacuum cleaner that suits your carpet type. Vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters are excellent for trapping allergens.
HOT WATER EXTRACTION OR STEAM CLEANING
Deep Cleaning for Carpets
For tougher, stubborn stains, bigger messes, or a special occasion deep cleaning, hot water extraction or steam cleaning can be highly effective in restoring the freshness and cleanliness of your carpets. Hot water extraction involves the use of hot water and a cleaning solution to remove deep-seated dirt and stains from carpets, removing oils and particulates that accelerate soiling. While DIY carpet cleaning machines are available, professional hot water extraction services often yield better results and save you time and effort. Whether you choose to hire a professional or do it yourself, make sure the machine used has the CRI Seal of Approval. We recommends hot water extraction every 12-18 months, depending on the traffic in your home.
Note: Never saturate natural fiber carpet and rugs with water or cleaner; this will stain it. Learn more about cleaning your wool, sisal, jute, seagrass and hemp carpet.
CREATE A CARPET CLEANING SCHEDULE
It's Time to Clean!
Establish a cleaning schedule based on your household's needs. Consider factors like the number of occupants, pets and amount of activity. Carpet cleaning needs may also vary with the seasons. Heavy cleaning may be required after the winter months when carpets accumulate more dirt and moisture. Periodic professional cleaning by certified technicians ensures a thorough job and helps prolong the life of your carpets.
Regular carpet cleaning, including preventative maintenance, proper vacuuming, and hot water extraction, is essential for maintaining a clean and healthy living environment. By establishing a cleaning schedule and following the tips provided in this guide, you can enjoy the beauty and comfort of your carpets for years to come.
A variety of cleaning products are available at CFM and will vary depending on the application, amount of traffic and use. Please consult an CFM representative for more information.