How to Clean Carpets -- Part I

This introductory article on how to clean carpets gives you the basics for adding some carpet cleaning services to the menu of services in your house cleaning business.

To maintain the original color of carpet and keep it looking bright, it's important to clean it frequently. Carpets come in various colors, lengths, and textures, but there are some basic rules to follow for every type of carpet.

How to Clean Carpets -- Vacuum

Vacuuming is extremely important. It removes dust and dirt that have gotten deep into the carpet fibers. Sweeping carpet might make it look more attractive and remove large debris, but it cannot get into the deepest parts of the carpet, and in fact drives dirt deeper into the fibers. Vacuuming lifts the dirt out, instead of merely stirring it around. It's a good idea to invest in a more expensive vacuum cleaner. There are many cheap models available, but these tend to have low suction and are not as effective. In rooms that are frequently used or have high traffic, vacuum at least once per day. For rarely used rooms, vacuum at least once per week.

How to Clean Carpets -- Spot Cleaning

Spills, even when caught quickly, can stain carpet fibers. Carpet stain removal is a multi-step process.

Gently blot as much of the liquid up as possible with an absorbent towel or napkin. Do not rub the stain... this only causes it soak further into the fibers. There are commercial products available specifically for spot cleaning carpets. The directions vary widely... follow the directions on the back of the can or bottle. These are great to use. There are also many home remedies. A popular one is using club soda. Simply pour it onto the stain, and dab the area dry. For high traffic areas, there are foams that are made that are sprayed onto the carpet, allowed to sit for a period of time, and simply vacuumed up.

How to Clean Carpets -- Deep Cleaning

There are two options available for deep cleaning: shampooing and steam cleaning. A deep cleaning of the carpet should be done a minimum of once every three months, and more often if the carpets begin to show wear or overall discoloration from dirt. Shampooers and steam cleaners can be purchased or rented. It's a good investment to purchase one, as renting can be somewhat expensive, especially when the costs are added up over a period of years. Purchasing one is a more economical choice. These are very simple to operate. They will come with a complete set of instructions, whether purchased or rented.

Preventative Maintenance

There are ways to prevent wear on carpet. In high traffic areas, such as hallways or entry ways, place area rugs or plastic runners. Also, having household members remove dirty shoes before coming inside will keep out a lot of dirt.

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