Many people choose to clean their carpets at home, with plenty of water and soap. If the carpets are handmade, this is a practice that can ruin them, but if they are machine-made and quite durable, there is no problem. As long as you don’t make any of the mistakes that can ruin the carpet.
We have compiled the most common of these below along with best practices to effectively and safely clean your carpets at home.
Large amount of soap
There is a myth that the more detergent we use, the better the carpet will be cleaned. In reality, a large amount of detergent also means a great deal of difficulty in rinsing it out. All you will achieve is excessive foaming and inevitably enough soap residue will remain that will cause allergic reactions in sensitive organisms.
Generally speaking, a capful of detergent is more than enough. If you use special carpet detergents, which is best, then they have detailed instructions on the back for the required amount.
The steam cleaner needs attention
In recent years, carpet cleaning with a steam cleaner has gained popularity, since the high temperature of the steam kills germs and mites without the need for cleaning agents. This is certainly a good solution, but it is not a panacea. The steam liquefies and thus accumulates moisture inside the carpet, something that many people are not aware of.
Thus, it is necessary for the carpet to follow the drying process, as with classic wet cleaning, because otherwise the moisture will not leave and will collect germs or even mold.
Drying in the sun
It is the most common and also the most dangerous mistake. After washing the carpet, you spread it out on the balcony to dry under the strong rays of the sun. Sure, good drying is crucial for the carpet, but the sun can very quickly wear down its fibers and fade its colors.
It is therefore advisable to let the carpet dry in a space that is not directly exposed to the sun’s rays, but is well ventilated, free of humidity, and has natural light.
Stain cleaning
The most common reason that leads us to clean the carpet at home is a strong stain, such as wine or coffee. The first step in this unfortunate case is to absorb as much moisture as possible with a paper towel and then wash locally.
There are various solutions for each stain, such as baking soda and vinegar, but caution is needed here. Excessive rubbing, especially on colored and delicate carpets, can discolor them and cause irreparable damage. If after a little rubbing the stain does not go away, it is best to contact a carpet cleaner, so that the stain can be removed safely.
In any case, regular carpet cleaning is a good habit, so that you and your children can enjoy a clean and healthy environment. However, we recommend that you contact the specialized staff at Kyritsakis Carpet Cleaning beforehand , to advise you on what to avoid and when professional carpet cleaning is preferable and safer.