Spring Carpet Cleaning

March 31, 2015

Spring is just around the corner and that can only mean one thing…time for spring cleaning! If you’re anything like me, you’re starting to notice every little neglected crevice and you’re itching to get your entire home spotless. From top to bottom, it’s time to get your home ready for summer barbecues and out-of-town visitors. There are a few tasks that you probably leave for a couple times a year, and one of these cleaning tasks is most likely carpet cleaning. If you’re determined to do it yourself, these spring carpet cleaning tips will remove stubborn spots and erase all the effects of kids, pets, and good ol’ fashioned living.

Spots

Start by identifying the most obvious spots and stains. Spot treatment should be done during daylight hours because that’s when it’s easiest to find even the faintest stains. Use sticky notes to mark all the spots and then give each area your undivided attention. White vinegar and baking soda are all you need to safely and naturally remove stubborn stains. First pour a little vinegar on the stain and then sprinkle baking soda over the area. For minor stains, let the mixture sit until it dries and then vacuum it away.

For more serious stains, allow the vinegar and baking soda for sit for at least 30 minutes and then gently rub or blot the stain with a cloth soaked in warm water. Again, let the vinegar dry completely and then go over the spot with a vacuum cleaner. Vinegar and baking soda will work on most types of stains from pet to food and everything in between!

Steam Cleaning

Once you’ve addressed all the spot stains on your carpet, a general steam cleaning is all you have left to do. Steam cleaners can often be rented from local supermarkets or big-box chains, or you might even want to invest in a steam cleaner of your own. Either way, one pro-tip that will save you money is to use white vinegar as your cleaning solution. There are a wide range of commercial carpet cleaners available on the market, but vinegar is a very effective cleaner that also helps to remove odors without exposing your pets and family to harsh chemicals. Mix equal parts vinegar and water in your steam cleaner’s tank and you’ll have a great solution that doesn’t leave residue on your carpets.

Now all you have to do is run your steam cleaner over all your carpets just like you’d do with a vacuum cleaner. For the best results, make sure to let your carpets dry thoroughly before walking on them. Oh, and if you’re worried about the vinegar smell in your home, it’ll be gone before the carpets are dry!