We love a good carpet. They are comfortable and bring warmth and aesthetic to a room. When not properly cared for, however, they can be a hoarding place for dirt, mud, and germs, eventually losing color and freshness with time. To keep your home feeling (and smelling) fresh, here are some tips for keeping your carpet clean and in great shape– the Greenly way!
Clean often
This one might seem like a no-brainer, but it’s easier to notice a crumb on linoleum than on your carpet or rug. That’s because the fibers make them harder to find, and if not proactive, a mess can accumulate right beneath your feet. The more they are walked on, the deeper they are ground down into the fibers of the carpet, making them harder to pull up with a vacuum. You can’t wait until you notice it’s dirty to start cleaning your carpet more regularly.
The rule of thumb for most carpet manufacturers is to vacuum once a week for every person living in the home, and even more often if you have a dog or cat.
Treat stains immediately
When you spill something on a carpet, you will want to move quickly to prevent the stain from settling in. Always blot, never wipe, excess moisture. There are plenty of stain removing products on the market, including greener options, but good ol’ vinegar and warm (not hot) water (1 part vinegar to 3 parts water) will work wonders. For tough stains, sprinkle equal parts table salt and baking soda, spritz with a solution of water and a few drops of dish soap. Let sit for a few minutes, then brush with a soft bristled brush repeatedly in the same direction. Once you’ve brushed it all away, spritz the now clean area with the water solution, then soak up moisture with rags.
Schedule deep cleans
As opposed to your typical vacuuming schedule and occasional spot treatment, a deep carpet cleaning should be scheduled every 12-18 months. However, this can vary depending on the type of carpet, traffic in the area, pets in the home, and lifestyle choices (such as wearing shoes indoors). We recommend leaving this to the pros or investing in high quality equipment.
With Greenly Pro, you can schedule your deep cleans in advance! Our clients get the most out of their carpets and never have to worry about the equipment or tools needed to keep them fresh and looking brand new.
If deep cleaning yourself and without a heavy duty steamer, be sure to avoid using too much soap. This will leave residue behind which will cause the fibers to become stiff and make the carpet appear matted down. It can also cause discoloration.
Remove bad smells with the holy grail
Baking soda isn’t just for baking. If you’ve read any of our content, you will know we are fans of baking soda. You can deodorize your carpet by mixing two cups of baking soda with ten drops of your favorite essential oil. Sprinkle the mixture over the carpet, wait for it to dry (or even overnight, for tough smells) and then vacuum up the powder, Your carpet will smell fresh and cleaner than ever.
