Let’s be honest, carpet cleaning often lands in that pesky pile of reluctantly-addressed household chores. You can seriously ruin your home by neglecting this task. Carpet cleaning companies hold everything, from dirt to allergens. This makes them a breeding ground of dust mites. Imagine an evening of comfort being ruined when you catch a whiff from stale cheese. Yikes! A little bit of attention can make a big difference.

Okay, gather around. Firstly, carpets are not created equal. There are different types of carpets: plush, shaggy and Berber. Each one requires its own strategy. You wouldn’t put on a formal tuxedo for a race in the mud, would ya? Exactly. A shag rugs might be cleaned thoroughly, but what about your delicate Persian rug? Not at all. Be sure to take good care of your floor.

Vacuuming often causes people to get frustrated. You need to understand that vacuuming doesn’t mean a quick swish across the surface. It’s similar to finding lost treasures by using a metallic detector. Slowly and deliberately is the key. You should treat it like a serious relationship, and not as a casual fling.

Do you own pets? Bless your heart. Pet hair sticks like a lover to carpets. Be prepared to de-fuzz your carpets frequently. The rubber squeegee works like magic in removing pet hair. Be aware that your neighbors could start to judge the cleanliness of carpets. Just kidding.

Spills on carpets are also a problem. You may remember when you dropped that red wine glass. Right? To start with, just blot the mess, not rub it. Rubbing just spreads the mess. Think of it as trying to dry with a wet towel. To soak up the liquid, grab a clean towel or cloth and gently press it on top of the spill. You can also use a little vinegar and baking powder to get rid of most stains.

We must not forget about those jobs that require heavy lifting. Enter the steam cleaner. The steam cleaner could be your carpet’s best friend. It sucked out dirt by injecting hot water deep in the fibers. Rent or buy it if you need to impress your grandma at her 85th birthday party with a sparkling living room. Be sure to read the instructions. Once I accidentally steam steamed up my cat’s paw. Neither one of us was happy.

You may have heard about carpet shampoos. You may need to use a carpet cleaning shampoo if the mess is severe. A regular scrub down isn’t always enough. You’ll be glad you did.

Mold should be on the list of things to talk about. Mold can grow on carpets, too, in damp and humid environments. If you live in a place that resembles an underwater swamp, consider investing in a good dehumidifier. Mold is not just bad for carpets. It can also be harmful to your health. Uninvited guests anyone?

Never forget about regular professional cleanings. We all know that sometimes DIY cleaning is not enough. Professionals are equipped with the necessary tools to reach deep into the carpet and find any hidden contaminants. Spending a little money can ensure your carpet is not a biohazard.

Last but not least, a final tip. Drop the shoes. Your carpet will appreciate the indoor socks and shoes more than the dirty outside shoes. If you ban outdoor shoes inside, about 75% dirt will be kept out. This isn’t a number that a magician pulled from a hat.

The next time that you are tempted to put carpet cleaning off, just remember how a small effort can have a huge impact. You will be able to breathe easier, keep your mind clear, and your grandma may even thank you. You never can tell when that neighbor with a cleaning obsession will drop by. Happy cleaning!

NAP:
Ultra Brite Carpet & Tile Cleaning North Shore
79-83 Longueville Road, Lane Cove NSW 2066
(02) 8015 5143