The Ultimate Guide to DIY Carpet Cleaning
How to Clean Your Own Carpets
DIY carpet cleaning can be hard work. But it doesn’t have to be with the right knowledge and tools. Imagine the satisfaction of having fresh, spotless floors without breaking the bank. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to tackle carpet cleaning like a pro, right from the comfort of your home.
Before we dive in, let’s take a look at what’s involved in the DIY process:
| Task | Time to Clean | Time to Prepare | Cost | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light Vacuuming | 30 mins | 5 mins | Low | Easy |
| Spot Cleaning | 1-2 hours | 15 mins | Low | Moderate |
| Deep Cleaning | 2-4 hours | 30 mins | Moderate | Moderate to High |
What You’ll Need for DIY Carpet Cleaning
Before you start, make sure you have the following tools and supplies ready:
Tools/Equipment
- Vacuum cleaner (preferably with rotating brushes or a beater bar)
- Cleaning machine (optional, for thorough cleaning)
- Scrub brushes (varying stiffness)
- Microfibre cloths
- Spray bottles
- Fans or dehumidifiers (for drying after cleaning)
- Rubber gloves (to protect your hands)
Chemicals
- Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)
- White vinegar
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Dish soap
- Club soda
- Salt
- Carpet cleaning solution (if using a machine)
- Stain removers (optional, for tough stains)
Colourfast Test
Before using any cleaning solutions or chemicals, it’s essential to perform a colourfastness test on an inconspicuous area of your carpet. This will ensure that the solutions don’t cause discolouration or damage to the fibres.
To perform the test, follow these steps:
- Mix a small amount of the cleaning solution you plan to use with water.
- Apply a few drops of the mixture to a hidden corner or area of the carpet.
- Blot the area with a clean, white cloth.
- Check for any colour transfer.
- If there’s none, the solution is safe to use on your carpet.
5-Step Carpet Cleaning Process
1. Prepare the Area
The first step to cleaning your carpets is to give them a thorough vacuum. This is crucial because it removes loose dirt, dust, and debris that can get in the way of a deep clean. Start by moving any furniture out of the way. Then use the hose attachment to get into corners and along baseboards. Don’t forget to vacuum under the furniture too. Use slow, overlapping strokes to ensure you’re getting all the pollutants out of the fibres.
2. Spot Clean
Before you do a deep clean, it’s important to tackle any stubborn stains or spots on your carpet. You can use a store-bought carpet cleaner or make your own by mixing equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution directly onto the stain. Let it sit for a few minutes to penetrate the fibres. Then, use a clean white cloth or a scrub brush to gently work the solution into the stained area. Blot clean with a towel to remove any excess moisture. Repeat this process until the ugly mark is gone.
3. Deep Clean
Choose your preferred method–with or without a machine.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
- Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the carpet.
- In a spray bottle, mix equal parts vinegar and water.
- Spray the vinegar solution over the part covered by sodium bicarbonate.
- Let the solution sit for a few minutes.
- Scrub the floor cover with a stiff brush, working in sections.
- Blot the area with clean, dry cloths to absorb the solution.
Carpet Cleaning Machine
- Fill the machine with the recommended carpet cleaning solution.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for operating the machine.
- Start in a corner and work your way across the room, overlapping each pass slightly.
- Avoid over-wetting the carpeting, and lift the machine at the end of each pass.
4. Rinse
After you’ve scrubbed the entire carpet, rinse away the cleaning solution and any remaining dirt. Fill your bucket with clean, warm water and use a clean towel to blot dry. Start at the farthest corner of the room and work your way towards the door, rinsing and blotting as you go. Make sure to wring out the towel frequently and change the water as needed. Keep rinsing until the water runs clear and there are no more suds.
5. Dry
The final step is to let your carpet dry completely. This can take several hours, depending on the humidity and airflow in your home. To speed up the process, open any windows and turn on fans to circulate the air. You can also use a dehumidifier if you have one. Avoid walking on the carpet until it’s fully dry to prevent any new stains or damage. Once it’s dry, vacuum again to fluff up the fibres and restore its texture.
Common Carpet Stains and How to Treat Them
Even with regular cleaning, stains are bound to happen. Here are some effective methods for tackling common types:
| Stain | Cleaning Solution |
|---|---|
| Red wine | Blot with a white cloth, then apply cold water |
| Coffee | Blot with a clean cloth, then apply carpet cleaner |
| Grease | Apply baking soda, let sit, then vacuum |
| Pet stains | Blot with white cloth, then apply vinegar solution |
Pro tip: Always blot, never rub! Rubbing can spread the stain and damage the carpet fibres.
Post-Cleaning Care
Congratulations, you’ve cleaned your carpeted flooring. Now, let’s keep them looking great.
- Make sure your carpeting is completely dry before walking on it or re-placing furniture. Use fans or a dehumidifier to speed up the process.
- Vacuum regularly (refer back to our handy vacuuming frequency table!).
- Treat stains as soon as they happen.
- Consider using doormats and implementing a “no shoes” policy to minimise dust and mud.
How Often Should You Vacuum?
Regular vacuuming is the unsung hero of carpet maintenance. It picks up dust, and debris before it has a chance to settle deep into the fibres.
| Traffic Level | Vacuuming Frequency |
|---|---|
| Light | Once a week |
| Medium | 2-3 times a week |
| Heavy | Daily |
- Take your time. Slow and steady wins the race when it comes to vacuuming.
- Overlap your strokes. This ensures you don’t miss any spots.
- Use the right attachments. Those crevice tools and upholstery brushes exist for a reason.
When to Hire a Professional Carpet Cleaning Service
While DIY can save you money, there are cases when it’s best to hire a professional. Here are a few situations where you might want to consider calling in the experts:
- Heavily soiled or stained floor covers
- You have allergies or sensitivities to cleaning products. Steam cleaning comes in handy in this case.
- Lack of time or energy to take the DIY route
- You have high-end or delicate carpets that require special care
- You’re moving out of a rental property and need to ensure your carpets are thoroughly cleaned
- Wall-to-wall carpeting throughout your home
Professionals have steam cleaners, other tools, and their expertise to tackle even the toughest stains and odours. They can also help extend the life of your carpeting by removing deep-seated dirt and grime that wear down fibres over time.
Conclusion
It may seem a daunting task to maintain a clean carpet without hiring pros. But with the right tools and techniques, it’s easier than you might think. By following these simple steps and maintaining a regular cleaning routine, you can keep your carpeted floors looking fresh and new for years to come. You’ll benefit from better indoor air quality too. So what are you waiting for? Grab your scrub brush and get to work.
