Many people love carpets. Your furry friends love to roll around in them, and they keep your toes toasty. However, they can also be a breeding ground for germs and bacteria. The good news is cleaning your carpets and keeping the germs away is easier than you might think. It starts with learning how to properly clean the carpet in your apartment.
Before you learn about carpet cleaning techniques, it’s important to understand why carpet hygiene is so important. Carpets trap pollutants like pet dander, mold spores, dust, allergens, and particle pollution. Shag and high-pile carpets trap more of these pollutants. Over time, these compounds build up, creating allergy symptoms like sneezing, hives and breathing problems. They can affect people living in the home by reducing the air quality.
You may think a carpet can’t get that dirty. However, it could be 10 times dirtier than a toilet seat and a public gym floor. The main reason for the tremendous bacteria buildup is the lack of cleaning because people tend to forget about the carpets, even during spring cleaning.
So, how do you clean your carpet? Even if you vacuum regularly, you’re probably not getting all the bacteria off. Here’s how to clean your carpet properly:
Dust buildup causes carpets to lose their luster and retain odors. Vacuum the carpet with the strongest suction to remove some of the loose soil and dust. Move any furniture or objects from the carpet before dust removal. Wear a dust mask if your carpets are very dusty or have never been cleaned. You may need to use a lint roller to remove crumbs and bigger particles.
Locate all the stains or spots on your carpet. Of course, it’s always best to clean these immediately. Blot spills rather than rubbing, as this will push it deeper into the fiber layers. Invest in a stain remover and allow it to soak for the recommended time before blotting with a damp cloth. It’s essential to perform a colorfastness test in a small, hidden area to ensure the cleaner is safe for your carpet before you apply it to all the stains.
Once you’ve removed any stains, it’s time to give the carpet a deep clean. Use your preferred solution, and apply or scrub the carpet as directed. Once you’re done, ensure you’ve rinsed out most of the product, as it could also cause buildup.
Mold and mildew thrive in moist conditions like damp carpets. Drying your carpet completely is crucial before you place other furniture or objects on it. If the weather allows, you can save money by allowing the carpet to air dry instead of running fans. Open all the windows to ensure adequate ventilation and prevent condensation.
Even if your carpet doesn’t smell bad, using a deodorizer can prevent musty odors and mold spores from building up by keeping dampness at bay. Simply sprinkle it onto your carpet and allow it to sit for the recommended time.
Choosing the right products is essential for protecting your household. Eco-friendly cleaners protect pets, people and the environment from toxins that may be found in certain cleaning products. Some of the benefits include:
You can create some DIY carpet cleaning products without breaking the bank. Simply gather a few ingredients you may already have, and you can make your apartment smell better and the world better.
Mix equal parts salt and baking soda. Sprinkle the mixture liberally and allow to sit for five to 10 minutes before scrubbing. Baking soda offers mild microbial benefits that allow it to kill off some forms of harmful bacteria. When applied regularly, it can also prevent mildew buildup and keep your carpets smelling fresh.
Vinegar is a common ingredient in DIY cleaning mixes. It removes stains and mold and clears funky odors. However, you must get the mixture right to ensure the vinegar doesn’t damage your carpets. Use a 1:2 ratio of white vinegar to water for synthetic carpets. Mix equal amounts of water and vinegar for natural fiber carpets.
If you don’t know how to clean an apartment carpet or are worried about ruining a luxury area rug, consider hiring a professional carpet cleaning service. These companies use top-of-the-line equipment, including powerful vacuums and machines specifically for cleaning carpets, that effectively lift away soil and dust.
Calling a professional can help maintain a clean space, especially if you’ve never cleaned your carpet. They know precisely how to remove stains from carpets, even stubborn spots. Here are some other benefits you can expect:
Now that you know how to properly clean the carpet in your apartment, it’s essential to stick to it to prevent bacteria, mold and dust build-up. One of the best ways to keep a clean house is to have a regular cleaning schedule.
Aim for a weekly surface clean that includes sweeping, vacuuming and applying a protectant in high-traffic areas. Generally, you’ll only need to pull out the deep-clean carpet cleaning products every 12 to 18 months. If your carpets get dusty or dirtier quicker, deep clean more regularly.
Of course, it depends on how often you have guests over or if you have pets. People’s shoes can carry E. coli and other potential health hazards. After hosting a fun movie night or cocktail party, it’s a good idea to deep clean your carpet.
The best tip for keeping your carpet clean is to set a schedule and stick to it. Where possible, opt for eco-friendly carpet cleaners and enlist the services of a professional if necessary. Remember that keeping your carpet clean can help maintain good-quality air and protect you from germs and mold that build up in the fibers.
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