Carpets and rugs add comfort, beauty, warmth, and insulation to a home. They reduce noise and cushion slips and falls. They offer design flexibility with their wide range of colors and textures, are easy to install, and are very affordable compared with other materials such as wood and tile. If you choose a dark color or multicolored pattern, they even help hide dirt and small stains between cleanings.
Frequent vacuuming goes a long way toward removing dust, dirt, and allergens. But every so often, those textiles need a full refresh. DIY deep-cleaning is easier than you might think.
But First, Vacuum
The first step to all cleaning jobs—carpet or rug—is to vacuum. Do so in an overlapping forward and backward motion. Vacuum the surface both horizontally and vertically, to reach the twisted fibers from all angles. Cleaning products won’t be as effective on fibers covered in loose dirt.Spot Cleaning
There are many carpet cleaners to choose from, but they’re not made equal. Some actually attract more dirt after their use (think about how leftover soap creates a ring around the tub). To avoid this, make sure your chosen cleaner is Carpet and Rug Institute certified—look for the SOA (“seal of approval”) label—and be sure to rinse thoroughly.A DIY standby is to mix 1 cup warm water with 1/8 teaspoon dish soap (be sure it doesn’t contain any bleach, oils, or moisturizers), 1 tablespoon white vinegar, and 1 teaspoon baking soda.
Test in an inconspicuous location to see if it causes any discoloration, color-bleed on a patterned carpet, or other damage. Let it sit for 24 hours just to be safe. If things look good, proceed.
Spray the cleaner over the spot, allow it to sit for 5 to 10 minutes, then dab it with a clean towel. Once the stain has disappeared, rinse the area with clean water until all the soap has been removed. Soak up any remaining moisture with a second towel, and allow to air-dry thoroughly.
Treat dark water-soluble stains, such as the “dreaded reds” (juice, wine, and berries), coffee, and soda, with a mix of 1/4 teaspoon nonbleach laundry detergent or white vinegar in 32 ounces of water. Test for colorfastness, then work from the outside of the stain in, applying, blotting, and rinsing with clean water. Repeat until the entire stain is removed.
Pet pee happens. It’s critical to use a towel to absorb as much of the liquid as possible ASAP. Then blot the area with a cool, damp cloth. Pet store enzymatic cleaners are specifically made to be effective on urine. Or, for a DIY solution, mix equal parts white vinegar and water and blot the spot with it—this step breaks down the uric acid, which is not water-soluble, binds quickly to surfaces, and can be extremely stubborn. Then apply a mix of 1/2 teaspoon clear, nonbleach laundry detergent in 32 ounces of water to remove the stain. Spray on, rinse with warm water, and blot dry.
DIY Deep Cleaning
Dirt likes to hide down deep in carpet fibers, which is why carpet cleaners were invented. While most carpets and rugs can be steam cleaned, it’s important to read the label, particularly with rugs. For example, wool rugs require a gentle wool detergent. Test it first in an inconspicuous area. If there’s any color bleed, take it to a professional.Before you start, remove the furniture. Then start at the corner farthest from the door and work toward the exit. Using a solution designed for the machine, depress the trigger to spray cleaning solution on the first pass, and release the trigger to allow the machine’s suction to pull up any leftover moisture on the second pass. It’s generally recommended to count to two for each step taken to allow maximum wetness to be removed. Some more sophisticated machines have roller brushes that agitate and scrub as they go.
For an even more thorough job, fill the machine with hot clean water and go over the surface once again. Depress the trigger to spray the clear water on the first pass, release it to pull up any remaining water, and then allow it to air dry. For a faster dry, open the windows or turn up the heat or air conditioning.
A Note About Rugs
It’s important to note that area rugs aren’t the same as carpets. While there is some overlap in cleaning techniques—both can be spot-cleaned with a specialized cleaner/shampoo—some rugs may have fringe that needs particular care. Rugs also usually have a denser pile that traps dirt and soil at their base, which a vacuum cleaner might not be able to reach. This is why rugs are usually taken outside where they’re beaten and shaken. If a rug has an intricate pattern, it should be tested for color fastness before cleaning.Costs and Benefits
To rent or to buy? That is the question. While carpet cleaners can be expensive, buying is cheaper in the long run. There are other factors to consider as well.Professional-grade rental units offer stronger performance. Some can be rented by the hour to keep costs down. Rentals don’t require permanent storage space in the home. If there’s a problem, the unit gets changed out.
A carpet cleaner is an asset that will pay for itself in saved rental fees over time. Plus, you don’t need to book it. This is of particular importance in the weeks around Thanksgiving and Christmas, when demand is high, or for spot cleanups. It doesn’t need to be lugged to and from a store each time.
If buying a big guy isn’t in the budget, consider a spot-cleaning machine. It costs much less and works on upholstery and car interiors as well as carpets. Use an oxygenated formula cleaner to boost its performance to address pet messes, grease, and other tough stains.
