cleaning carpet floors

• To reduce buildup in your carpet, vacuum weekly or more often in high-traffic areas. ...
• Get a deep clean once a year by hiring a professional carpet cleaning company. Or DIY by renting a steam cleaner from your local grocery store or home center. ...
• Address stains as soon as possible. Try using only water first, by repeatedly dampening and blotting the carpet with a clean terrycloth towel?often this alone will remove a stain if ...

Full Answer

What is the best carpet and floor cleaner?

Best carpet cleaner on hard floors: Vax Rapid Power Plus Carpet Cleaner; Best carpet cleaner for upholstery: Bissell ProHeat 2x Revolution Deep Cleaner; Best carpet cleaner for portability: Swan ...

How to clean carpet floor without vacuum cleaner?

How to deep clean carpet by hand:

• Start by mixing up a tiny bit of soap (1/8 teaspoon, though you can just eyeball a small amount) with the water in the spray bottle. ...
• Sprinkle the baking soda and table salt over the area you want to deep clean; you don’t need to cover it completely.
• Spray the mixture of soapy water lightly over the same area. ...

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Which carpet cleaning machine is the best?

These are the top carpet cleaning machines in GH Cleaning Lab tests:

• Best Overall Carpet Cleaner: Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro Carpet Cleaner
• Best Value Carpet Cleaner: Hoover Smartwash Automatic Carpet Cleaner
• Best Professional Home Carpet Cleaner: Bissell Big Green Machine Professional Carpet Cleaner
• Best Carpet Cleaner for Area Rugs: Bissell CrossWave Floor and Carpet Cleaner

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How to clean carpets like a pro?

Once you know where you can test, the following steps:

• Take a white piece of cloth and put enough cleaning products on it. If you need to mix anything, do it aside, then wet the fabric with the solution.
• Slowly pat on the area on the carpet using the cloth. Leave this on the spot for at least ten minutes.
• Take another piece of cloth and blot the damp area. ...

How do you clean carpet floors?

Clean With Distilled White VinegarVacuum and Treat Visible Stains. Always begin any cleaning process by spot cleaning stains and then vacuuming the carpet to remove loose soil, dust, dirt, and debris. ... Mix a Vinegar and Water Solution. ... Apply the Solution, Wait, and Blot. ... Allow the Carpet to Air-Dry.

How can I clean my carpet at home myself?

In a bowl or small bucket, mix one part white vinegar with three parts water. Dip the bristles of the scrub brush into the solution and rub them into the carpet. Massage them into the fibers well (without fully saturating the carpet) and follow up with a cloth to help blot excess moisture.

What is the easiest way to clean the carpet?

Start by sprinkling baking soda over the carpet and vacuum thoroughly to remove loose debris. (The baking soda also works to remove odors.) Add two drops of carpet shampoo and warm water to a clean spray bottle. Spray the mixture over the carpet, taking care not to saturate the fibers.

Can we wash floor carpet?

#3: Wash your carpet or scrub out tough stains Carpets with cotton or synthetic fibres can be washed in the machine on a slow cycle. If your carpet is a non-washable type, you might instead want to spot-clean with a sponge and lid dish soap. This will loosen up spills and make them easier to remove.

How do you deep clean carpet by hand?

Deep clean by handSprinkle baking soda over the surface of your carpet.Mix carpet shampoo (that you've color tested) with warm water; then add the mixture to a spray bottle.Spray the cleaning liquid over the carpet.Brush with a carpet brush.Blot the area.Spray again with warm water only.Blot the carpet again.

What is the best homemade carpet cleaning solution?

Baking soda and vinegar is one of the best mixtures for spot-treating messes on a carpet. ... Using a mixture of salt and water can clean recent stains made from spilling wine or dropping food.More items...•

What is the most effective carpet cleaning method?

The best method of cleaning carpets is usually steam cleaning, which removes over 90% of dirt and bacteria from carpeting. Dry cleaning carpeting is also effective for ensuring carpets are ready for foot traffic as quickly as possible.

How can I deep clean my carpet without a steam cleaner?

Combine equal parts vinegar and water directly in a spray bottle, shaking to mix. Spray the solution directly on the carpet, blotting with a clean cloth. Try spraying the mix to spot clean, deodorize, or combine it with the deep cleaning power of a vacuum's bristles to remove stains.

What does baking soda do for carpets?

TLDR: Baking soda can be used to clean carpet because it is a powerful alkaline solution that when combined with acid produces dioxide gases. These oxidized gases are highly effective at removing stains from carpet and other materials with ease.

How do I shampoo my carpet?

0:334:37How To Shampoo Your Carpet - Steam Clean Carpet Stains For ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAll you need to do is hit the start power it on and just go right over it like a vacuum cleaner you'MoreAll you need to do is hit the start power it on and just go right over it like a vacuum cleaner you're going to go over it once with the wash. And then once or twice with the rinse.

Should I scrub my carpet?

Avoid scrubbing your carpet since you could make stains worse. Blot or pat them instead.

How do I get stains out of carpet?

Try to blot as much of the stain up with a clean white towel so it doesn't set into your carpet.

How do professionals clean carpets?

Professional carpet cleaners use a machine with steam cleaning capabilities to clean every square inch of the carpets.

How can you clean a carpet?

You can use a vacuum cleaner with suitable attachments to clean a carpet. Then use a mild cleaning agent and microfiber cloth for spot cleaning.

I have a white carpet. Is it okay to ask people to remove their shoes?

In most cases it's okay to ask people to remove their shoes before entering your home. However, it is good manners on your behalf to let them know...

What to use to clean stains on carpet?

You’ll need that washing up liquid and white vinegar. For best results, follow the step-by-step instructions in our tips for removing stubborn carpet stains.

How to get rid of a stain on a carpet?

No matter which cleaning solution you opt for, blotting is the way to go. For best results, blot inwards from the outside of the stain to ensure the stain doesn’t spread further.

What about other types of flooring?

Most people have a mix of flooring in their houses these days. But we’ve got you covered no matter the flooring type:

What is the best carpet cleaner?

One of the best carpet cleaners for general stains is – believe it or not – ordinary shaving cream, which can remove just about every type of normal dirt stain (think muddy footprints or smudges from small hands).

What is the best way to refresh a carpet?

Powder carpet cleaners are the easiest way to refresh your carpet. Just follow these steps...

How to avoid spills in carpet?

For example, try to keep eating and drinking in carpeted areas to a minimum.

How to get gum off of shoes?

But don’t worry, if gum ends up on your carpet, the solution is in your freezer. Grab a few ice cubes and press them against the gum for 30 to 45 seconds.

How to test carpet cleaner?

Test the cleaning product on a small inconspicuous part of the carpet. Following the directions on the bottle, try it out in a discreet place. Some products may be inappropriate for your carpet, so it is best to test it first. A scrap of carpet or a rarely seen place such as the interior of a closet are good places for testing cleaners.

Why is it important to clean a carpet?

A clean carpet is important both for the appearance of your home and the health of the people who live in it. Stains and dingy carpet can detract from a peaceful atmosphere, while allergens and dirt can contribute to respiratory problems. There are a number of ways to clean carpet, depending on the nature of the mess.

How to get soap out of carpet after steaming?

To thoroughly remove the soap, put a 50-50 mix of white vinegar and water in the machine and repeat the cleaning process. The vinegar will help remove any lingering detergent residue.

What is carpet shampooing called?

Carpet shampooing is sometimes called "steam cleaning. ". However, this is a misnomer, as these machines actually use hot water and detergent, not steam. ...

Why do you vacuum a carpet?

Remember that one of the main reasons to vacuum is to remove hair and dander. A large pet will usually produce more of both compared to a smaller one. If your carpet is visibly soiled with dirt or pet hair but isn't due for cleaning, forget this rule of thumb and vacuum more often.

How long does it take for carpet to dry?

Leave windows and doors open to allow for free air circulation. Make sure that the carpet dries completely within 24 hours for mold prevention.

What is spot cleaning?

Spot cleaning is for recent spills on a small part of your carpet. It is not part of regular carpet maintenance.

What is hot water extraction?

Hot water extraction targets the soil that results from air pollution cooking vapors and tracked-in dirt which can cause gradual but significant dulling of colors over time. The color isn't lost, but is hidden under the film. If this type of soil is allowed to accumulate, it begins to attract and hold the dry soil.

Get on a cleaning schedule

Carpet in a typical household should be cleaned every 12 to 18 months, depending on the number of residents and amount of activity. If carpet is cleaned before it becomes too unsightly, the cleaning chore will be easier and more successful.

How to get rid of a stain on a carpet?

Using your chosen form of carpet cleaner, you can follow these steps for basic spot cleaning of recent or set-in stains on your carpet. Spray the cleaner over a small area and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Dab the stain with a clean towel. Once the stain has vanished, rinse the area with clean water.

How often should I deep clean my carpet?

To keep your floor looking its best, it’s recommended to fully deep clean it every 18 months or so (source).

What to use to protect carpet from stain?

Use Scotchgard spray: If your carpet isn’t stain-resistant but you’re not ready to install new flooring, consider a preventative spray! To protect the fibers of your carpet you can use a rug and carpet protector spray like Scotchgard. This spray repels liquids and blocks stains from your carpet.

How to get nail polish out of carpet?

DO NOT pour the nail polish remover on your carpet. Once the stain is up, rinse the area with warm water, and blot dry with a clean towel or rag.

What happens if you don't clean your carpet?

If you don’t clean them right away they can seep to your carpet padding and subfloor, only to cause more damage down the road. This is why learning how to clean carpet with basic cleaning practices like vacuuming and spot cleaning can take your carpet a long way.

What is the best way to clean pet urine?

Please note: another great cleaning solution for pet urine is an enzymatic cleaner. These cleaners break down the stain for an effective stain remover. An enzymatic cleaner can be found at your local pet store.

How to get rid of water soluble stains?

To get rid of these stains, you can create a simple cleaning solution made of ¼ teaspoon of non-bleach detergent or white vinegar mixed with 32 ounces of water. Working from the outside in, blot the stain, then rinse with warm water, and blot again with a clean towel.

Steam Carpet Cleaning

I use up to 500 PSI and the most extreme chemicals you can buy when cleaning. This combination along with lots of heat and steam kills the germs and leaves your carpets cleaner than ever before. I am IICRC certified and have years of experience in providing the best clean.

Strong Chemicals

I don’t skimp on the product. My chemicals are top of the line. Never worry about having a carpet cleaner that doesn’t even put chemicals down or just uses hot water. That’s like taking a shower without soap! Our hypo-allergenic products are human and pet safe. They also provide maximum power when loosening soil from the carpet fibers.

Most homes contain a variety of flooring types. Knowing how to best clean each surface can be a lot to keep track of, so use this guide to clean all of the flooring types in your home

Most homes contain a variety of flooring types. Knowing how to best clean each surface can be a lot to keep track of, so use this guide to clean all of the flooring types in your home.

How To Clean Floors of All Types

The first step to cleaning floors is preventing stains in the first place. Keep your floors clean by removing shoes at the door, using door mats and lightly cleaning regularly. These habits will make it easier when it’s time to deep clean your floors. Here are our tips for cleaning some of the most common types of residential flooring.

Cleaning Carpet Flooring

To reduce buildup in your carpet, vacuum weekly or more often in high-traffic areas. Investing in a good vacuum for your type of carpet and lifestyle can make a big difference. Remember to empty the canister or change the bag regularly for maximum suction power.

Cleaning Concrete Flooring

Most often found in the garage, concrete flooring can be maintained by an occasional dry sweep, followed by a pressure washer or water and a hard-bristle broom to remove surface dirt.

General Flooring Cleaning Tips

Use a doormat to catch 85 percent of dirt that walks into the home. A coarse doormat outdoors, and an absorbent doormat indoors is the perfect combination, and will reduce indoor cleaning greatly.

What do you need to clean hexagon tile floors?

"All you need is a broom or vacuum and a clean cloth.

How often should I clean hardwood floors?

"How often you clean your hardwood floors depends on how many people and pets you have in your home and how much foot traffic you get," says Gagliardi. "To keep hardwood floors looking their best, it's usually best to sweep, vacuum, or mop up dry debris at least once a week." She says the more people that step foot on your floors, the more frequently you'll need to clean. "Dirt and grime, especially, can make your hardwood floors look dull. If this is the case, deep clean hardwood floors every two to four weeks," she says.

What is the best mop for tile floors?

Meanwhile, Vega suggests the Bissel Powerfresh Steam Mop ($89, amazon.com) accompanied by Clean Republic for tiled floors.

What is the best cleaner for pet stains?

Whether you're cleaning carpet, wood, or tile, when it's a pet-related stain you're tackling, you want to use the right type of product. "Clorox Pet Solutions Stain & Odor Remover Spray ($5.69, petco.com) is a powerful cleaner formulated with hydrogen peroxide that actually breaks down pet stains instead of simply covering them up with fragrance," says Gagliardi. Just be sure to test for safety in an inconspicuous area of your floor first.

Is Clorox medium good for cleaning hardwood floors?

Some mediums are more finicky to clean than others. Mary Gagliardi, Clorox's in-house scientist and cleaning expert, says it's important to be careful when cleaning hardwood floors. "Avoid using abrasive cleaning supplies like scrubbing pads or hard bristle brushes to prevent scratches," she adds.

Is it necessary to clean your floors?

Giving your space a good cleaning is essential to achieving a happy and healthy home, but maintaining your floors—especially when your house has a variety of different flooring that all require their own specific type of maintenance—can feel like an insurmountable task. Still, cleaning the floors regularly is a necessity, ...

Can you use Pine Sol to clean porcelain tile?

You can use Pine-Sol Original Squirt 'N Mop ($38.85 for six, amazon.com ). "It's safe for hard nonporous surfaces like ceramic and porcelain tiles, and also sealed granite," says Gagliardi. "You can apply this product directly from the bottle over a three foot by three foot area and start mopping. Then, keep working your way over the entire tile floor one section at a time. To finish, use a clean, damp mop to wipe the floor clean."