You expect warmth and comfort as you walk barefoot over your soft carpet. You instead feel something stick. The only thing that is worse than stepping in Legos is stepping into something unknown. Carpet care specialists can be like wrestling a giant bear. But it doesn’t always have to turn into a Greek tragedy. This is the lowdown on how to keep carpets in great shape.

Let’s get rid of those stubborn stains. Have you ever spilled wine or coffee on your clothes? As panic takes over, you grab for the nearest towel. Stop it! Blot, don’t rub. Rubbing just spreads stains like a bad joke. A vinegar-baking soda mixture works wonders with a wide variety of stains. Sprinkle baking soap over the stain. Spray the solution with vinegar and water. Let it foam up, then dab. Like a science lab for your carpet.

How about that regular dirt, grime and dust that makes your carpet looks like it has lost the will to live. Vacuuming for no other reason than to look good. Your carpet will not look like a sad matted mess if you vacuum regularly. Pro-tips: Make sure to clean high-traffic areas multiple times. You may have a living room that is like Times Square New Year’s Day, but not your bedroom. Give your bedroom the attention and care it deserves.

Steam cleaning is the heavyweight winner. Steam cleaning removes all surface dirt while vacuuming just picks it up. It also interrogates fibers in order to find hidden dirt. Renting a carpet steamer could be worth your while. It’s like having a spa day for your carpet. It rejuvenates it and makes it look better. You should still make sure that the product you buy has good reviews. It’s not worth buying a dud.

Ever had an unpleasant odor that wouldn’t let go? Baking Soda to the Rescue! Sprinkle it, let it sit a while (even overnight for the adventurous) then vacuum. It’s the perfect piranha. Also, essential oils. Add a few droplets to your baking powder before you sprinkle. Your carpet will be fresher, and the entire house will have a pleasant scent.

Love a day with sunshine when you open your windows to let in the fresh air? So does your carpet. Sunlight and fresh air are natural disinfectants that can remove musty odors. Just be careful. Too much sunlight will bleach out your carpet, making it look as though it has been dyed. You need to be moderate.

Dealing with allergies Carpets can trap allergens and other contaminants like pet dander or dust mites. Hypoallergenic cleaning agents can help. Avoid products with harsh chemicals. The use of a HEPA vacuum with frequent vacuuming is a great way to keep your home clean.

Have you ever dropped gum, wax or other products? The bag of ice is your friend. Freeze it until the blob hardens, then you can chip at it. If you’re dealing with wax, cover it with a towel and iron low. The wax transfers to the paper towels like magic.

Pets? They bring a sense of home to your house, but sometimes they leave a trail behind them. Some vacuum cleaners are better at pulling up pet hair when using a rubber squeegee. If you have an accident, a pet urine enzyme cleaner can help remove both the staining and the odor.

Remember that maintenance is more straightforward than restoration. Regular spot cleaning and vacuuming will go a very long way. Like dental hygiene, if you skip it, your problem could be much worse.

There you have it. The A-Z guide to carpet cleaning. If you ever have a messy spill or see your carpet getting drab, try these tricks. By using these tricks, you are giving your carpet a new lease of life.

NAP:
Ultra Brite Carpet & Tile Cleaning North Shore
79-83 Longueville Road, Lane Cove NSW 2066
(02) 8015 5143