Keeping Your Carpets and Upholstery Looking Their Best
Few things in your home take more abuse than your carpets and upholstered furniture. From kids spilling juice to pets having accidents to just general dirt and grime buildup over time, these fabric surfaces in high-traffic areas can start looking dingy before you know it.
While vacuuming regularly helps, it only picks up surface dirt and debris. To get your carpets and upholstery looking fresh and new again, you need a deep cleaning with the right carpet and upholstery cleaner.
What to Look for in a Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner
With so many carpet cleaning products on the market, it can be hard to know which ones are truly effective. Here are some key things to look for:
Powerful Formula to Break Down Stains & Odors
Look for cleaners with strong active ingredients that can break down and lift out embedded dirt, stains, and odors. Some good ones to look for are oxidizing agents like hydrogen peroxide, enzymes to break down proteins and starches, and antimicrobial agents.
Safe for Fabric & Colorfastness
At the same time, you want a cleaner that is designed to be gentle and safe for use on carpets and upholstered fabrics without causing damage, fading, or running of dyes and colors.
Convenient Delivery Method
Carpet upholstery cleaners come in various forms like concentrated liquids, powder, foam, or pre-moistened wipes. Consider which application method you'd prefer based on your situation.
How to Use a Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner
Using a good quality carpet and upholstery cleaner is easier than you may think. Here's a typical process:
1. Vacuum thoroughly first to remove loose debris
2. Test cleaner on an inconspicuous area first to check for colorfastness
3. Follow product instructions for diluting if needed and applying the cleaner
4. Allow it to dwell for the recommended time to allow it to work
5. Agitate with a soft brush to help work the cleaner into fibers
6. Blot up excess moisture and solution with clean clothes
7. Allow to fully air dry before walking on carpets or using furniture
For heavily soiled areas, you may need to repeat the process. You can also hire professional carpet cleaners periodically for a deeper restorative cleaning.
Stain Removal Tips
Along with periodic deep cleaning, you'll also want to treat stains promptly before they can set. Here are some tips:
• Blot up any spills immediately with a clean cloth or paper towels
• Use a dedicated carpet/upholstery spot cleaner or stain remover
• Avoid rubbing, which can spread and set the stain deeper
• For stuck-on, dried stains, try making a baking soda paste to help lift it
• Always blot the area afterward until no more transfers to the cloth
Maintaining Your Clean Carpets & Upholstery
To get the most out of your cleanings and keep carpets and upholstered items fresher between deep cleanings, be sure to:
• Vacuum carpets at least weekly, more for high-traffic areas
• Use carpet protectors under furniture legs to avoid crushed areas
• Rotate cushions on upholstered pieces regularly
• Spot clean spills and stains promptly
• Consider pro cleanings every 6-12 months for heavily used areas
By using the right carpet and upholstery cleaner along with consistent maintenance, you can keep these fabric surfaces looking clean, smelling fresh, and lasting for years to come.
The Right Supplies Matter
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