When you talk about carpet cleaning, people often think that it can only be done using commercial carpet cleaning products and items you buy at the stores. This is not entirely true though. Although majority of the carpet cleaning involves carpet cleaning solutions which you buy commercially, there are some common items, some of which you can even find around your home, which you can make use of to remove stains on your carpet.
If you encounter a food, drink, or any other kind of spill that caused a stain on your carpet and you don’t have any commercial carpet cleaning products available, don’t worry as there are other options that you can make use of. Below are three common items that can be pretty handy when it comes to cleaning carpet stains.
- Borax – Borax, which is otherwise known as sodium borate, is one of the ingredients in detergents and is being used for many household cleaning purposes. Among these is cleaning up dirty stains on the carpet. Borax is effective in removing stubborn stains that can be a nightmare for any carpet owner. To make use of borax, spray the stained area with some water using a spray bottle. Then sprinkle some borax powder onto the stain and gently work it into the soiled area using a soft brush. Let it dry for an hour or so and afterward remove it using a vacuum cleaner. This will surely help in getting that stain from your carpet.
- White Vinegar – White vinegar is probably one of the most common ingredients being used in the kitchen yet it also possesses certain cleaning qualities that make it very valuable in other areas of the house. It not only works to remove stains from your carpet, it also is effective in deodorizing it. Using white vinegar to clean up different kinds of stains is very easy. Simply place one part white vinegar inside a spray bottle and add to it four parts of water. Spray this solution onto the stain and use a clean white cloth to blot it out until you have removed the stain completely.
- Ammonia – Ammonia is another household item that you can use for cleaning your carpet. Like white vinegar, it effectively eliminates stains on your carpet and removes any unwanted odors at the same time. Ammonia is a very common item used for cleaning around the house, so finding some won’t be a big problem. Ammonia is used much in the same way as white vinegar, by making a cleaning solution with one part of it mixed with four parts water.
Who needs commercial carpet cleaning products when you have these there items in your very own home? Try these out and maybe soon you wont want to go to the store to buy name brand carpet cleaning products anymore.
Who doesn’t like the sweet, delicious taste of ice cream? I know I love ice cream and the many colors and flavors it comes in. Ice cream is one of the favorite desserts that people want to eat, whether it’s right after a big meal or while enjoying some quality time with your kids in the living room watching scary movies. The drawback though is that ice cream, no matter how delicious, can be a pain sometimes as accidentally spilling it on your rug can mean a lot of work for you. Cleaning spilled ice cream on your rug isn’t particularly pleasant. You’ll need to work on removing the stain as well as making your rug fresh too. Nobody wants to clean up this sticky mess, but unfortunately somebody has to do it in order for you to keep you rug clean and neat. If you need help in cleaning up spilled ice cream on your rug, refer to the list below for some tips which can help you in accomplishing this task.
- Scoop up the excess ice cream using a spoon or a blunt bread knife. Acting quickly will give you the best chance of cleaning the ice cream properly as you can remove it from the rug before it melts and make things even more difficult. Once you have scooped up all of the solid ice cream, get a clean white cloth to blot and remove the melted ice cream from the rag.
- Once you have cleared the spill, it’s now time to clean up the stain the ice cream has caused. To remove the nasty stain on your rug, you’ll need a cleaning solution made by mixing a teaspoon of non-bleach laundry detergent and a cup of warm water. Apply this directly onto the stain and leave it for about three minutes.
- Get a clean white cloth or some paper towels and blot the stained area. This will help remove the stain from the rug’s surface and transfer it onto the cloth. You’ll instantly see that the ice cream stain on the rug is becoming lighter which means the process is working. Continue on doing this until all of the stain is gone.
- With the stain completely removed, rinse the area with warm water to get rid of the residue on the rug’s surface. Dry it off using some clean rags and then you’re through.
Now that wasn’t too hard, was it? Ice cream stains may be one tough mess on your rug but with the tips above you’ll be able to clean it up like a pro.
Cheese spread is delicious and can go together with a lot of different types of food. It can be made into a delicious sandwich or can be used as a dip for chips and vegetables. Cheese spread tastes great together with these food items but sometimes it can accidentally be spilled on the floor or, worse yet, on your carpet. Cheese spread spills can really have a negative effect on your carpet’s appearance as a big yellow stain can come as a result. Cleaning this type of mess is not exactly easy either.
Don’t worry, cheese spread stains can be removed from your carpet and you can return it just the way it looked before. It may take some effort but you will be able to get rid of that ugly yellow stain on your carpet. Here’s what you need to do to get this done the easiest way possible.
First, scoop up the excess cheese spread using a blunt knife. Doing this minimizes the risk of the cheese going deeper into the carpet fiber as well as to other parts of the carpet. Be careful when scooping up and removing the excess cheese though as you can accidentally make the spill worse if your are not cautious.
Next, you’ll need to have a potent cleaning solution to apply onto the stain to remove it. For this you’ll need one teaspoon of ammonia and a cup of warm water. Mix the two and the place it inside a spray bottle. The ammonia-water cleaning solution will be able to break up the stain and make it easier to clean up.
Spray the stained area with the cleaning solution and let it set for a minute or so. Then, use a paper towel to carefully blot the area. The cheese spread stain will transfer little by little onto the surface of the paper towel and soon it’ll be entirely gone from your carpet. It may take several repetitions of this step but just persevere and continue blotting until all of the stain is removed.
For the last step, rinse and wash the area where the stain used to be with clean water. This rinses out any of the ammonia cleaning solution which might be left behind the carpet fibers. Use rags or towels to dry the area up and you’re through.
Cheese spread spills can be really frustrating to clean up because of the nasty stain that it creates. If ever you have cheese spread on your carpet’s surface, refer to the guide above to help you clean it up properly and get your carpet looking good once more.
Accidents are very common and we can get wounds or scrapes in and around the house. What can make things worse aside from having a painful wound is realizing that you have made nasty blood stains on your carpet. The red unsightly marks can really ruin the appearance of any carpet, even more so if it is light colored. Removing this type of stain can be tough but with the proper technique you can get rid of it fairly easily.
Blood stains are probably one of the common kinds of stains that carpet owners have to deal with. Knowing how to eliminate this cleaning problem can be a big help in maintaining the proper cleanliness of your carpet. Below are the easy to follow steps to eliminate any blood stains on your carpet.
- Blot the stain using a white paper towel as soon as possible so as to remove the excess blood from the carpet. This will help in preventing the blood stain from seeping deeper into the carpet fiber, making it tougher to remove.
- Make a solution which you will apply onto the stain by mixing a half cup of cold water and one tablespoon of ammonia. This aids in breaking down the stain and helping you remove it easier.
- After applying the cleaning solution, get another white paper towel and blot the stain again. By this time you will have already removed some of the stain although there may still be some remaining on your carpet.
- If you are not able to remove all of the stain using the previous step, create another cleaning solution this time by mixing one quart of cold water with a quarter teaspoon of non-bleach laundry detergent. Place the solution inside a spray bottle and apply it onto the affected area.
- Place a clean white cloth over the stained area and then place heavy objects on top of it such as books. Leave it there for an thirty minutes to an hour and then remove the book and the clean white cloth. The stain will most likely be gone once you finish this step.
- Finish things off by rinsing the area you cleaned with water. This will help avoid any residue build-up from happening on your carpet. Dry the area with a wet/dry vac and you’re done.
Blood stains if left unclean can really destroy your carpet’s look and appearance. Avoid this from happening by using the simple steps above to easily get rid of blood stains you have on your carpet.
Dirt, stains, and spills can wreak havoc to your beautiful carpet, destroying its appearance and giving a headache to you the carpet owner. Keeping the carpet clean is probably one of the toughest jobs in the home as there are cleaning problems left and right which can affect it. There are many cleaning methods which can be used to get your carpet clean and fresh again and choosing just one can be tough. Here we’ll be taking a closer look at one of the more common carpet cleaning techniques being used today, carpet shampooing. Shampooing the carpet is probably the oldest method to get your carpet clean. It is done by using a carpet shampoo to wash the carpet and using a motorized circular brush to work it into the carpet fiber and remove any dirt, dust, or stains. This is done working one section of the carpet at a time until all of it is cleaned and then vacuuming the carpet once it is dry to finish it off.
This cleaning method, much like any other, has its own pros and cons. Here are some of the notable advantages and disadvantages of using this to clean your carpet.
Pros
- Gets Rid of Dirt, Dust, and Stains – Shampooing the carpet can really get rid of dust, dirt and stains that it might have. With the motorized circular brush, you will be able to easily work the carpet shampoo into the carpet fibers to remove any unwanted particles and leave it looking and smelling clean and fresh.
- Simple to Do – Since it is probably the oldest cleaning method for your carpet, it is very simple and easy to do. You won’t have a problem with complicated techniques, cleaning solutions and devices as all you would need is carpet shampoo which can be bought in stores and a motorized circular brush which you can easily rent or borrow.
Cons
- Time Consuming – One disadvantage that this method has is that it will certainly take up much of your time. Moving from one section of the carpet to another can’t be done rapidly and you would also need to wait for the carpet to completely dry up before you can start using it again. Water on the carpet won’t exactly dry up quickly so it’ll be a while before you are completely done cleaning it.
- Not that Effective For Deep Seated Dirt – Deep seated dirt can be a problem if you plan on using this method. This is because the motorized circular brush can’t really reach deep into your carpet fibers. Thus, some dust and dirt may be left behind.
Overall, shampooing your carpet is a good cleaning method depending on the situation your carpet is in. Check it out for yourself so that you may personally judge if this is the right cleaning method for you.
If you are a newbie when it comes to cleaning the carpet, it’s best if you have some basic information on how to go about the process. Not understanding the simple do’s and don’t of carpet cleaning can leave you having difficulty in removing stains, exerting more work than you have to, and worse yet ending up damaging your carpet by accident. Here are some of the basic do’s and don’t that you should know first before trying to clean up your carpet.
Do’s
- Vacuum Your Carpet Frequently – Frequent vacuuming will help remove dust and dirt and keep it from building up on your carpet. This can really make carpet cleaning easier as dust and dirt build-up over time can cause discoloration and is tough to remove completely. Three to five times a week is the best frequency for heavily used areas whereas once or twice a week will work for all other areas in your home.
- Test Out New Cleaning Products First – This is essential to avoid damaging your carpet with new cleaning products you plan on using. Some carpets are more sensitive when it comes to cleaning products which is why testing the cleaning solution you are using for the first time is best. Try it out on an inconspicuous part of the carpet first before using it on the entire area.
- Have Your Carpet Professionally Cleaned Once in a While – Having your carpet professionally cleaned at least a couple of times a year will really have a big impact in its condition and quality. Professional cleaners know how to properly and thoroughly clean your carpet which can help keep it in top condition and increase its lifespan.
Don’ts
- Using Bleach on the Carpet – Some people think that bleach is okay to use in most carpets. This is a big no-no as bleach can cause discoloration and damage your carpet. When using detergent in cleaning up stains and spills, make sure to use the non-bleach variety to avoid ruining your carpet.
- Not Cleaning Up Spills Immediately – Letting some time pass before taking any action in cleaning up spills can really make things harder for you. Not cleaning up immediately food and drink spills will cause the stain to set and be much more difficult to remove. This is why it’s always recommended to clean up spills as soon as possible to avoid this problem.
Cleaning the carpet is an important task if you want to keep it clean and in prime condition. If you’re not that familiar with the task, just take note of the information above to help you clean your carpet properly and easily.
If you are facing a cleaning emergency on your carpet and don’t have industrial carpet cleaning products and solutions, maybe the best answer for your problem can be found inside your kitchen cupboard. Yes, one of the most effective alternative to carpet cleaning products is baking soda and can be easily found inside your kitchen. Baking soda has great cleaning qualities which extends its use well beyond the kitchen walls. It is can be used in a variety of ways and in a number of cleaning situations. If you have not tried using baking soda yet, here are some of the most common ways to use it on your carpet.
1. Remove Unpleasant Carpet Odors – Your carpet can sometimes be hampered by unpleasant odors and nasty smells which can come from your pets, bacteria, fungi, and many other sources. This can be an annoyance as well as an embarrassing situation to be in as visitors and guests can smell your carpet the moment they enter your doors. Baking soda is an effective cleaning companion to remove this unwanted odors on your carpet. Simply sprinkle the baking soda on the affected areas of the carpet and let it set overnight. Then the following morning, use a heavy duty vacuum cleaner to remove the baking soda as well as the nasty odors which it has absorbed from your carpet.
2. Remove Carpet Stains – Baking soda can also be used to remove stains from the carpet. It will not only help in keeping your carpet fresh but also aid in removing markings and stains on the carpet’s surface. Using it as a stain remover is simple enough. Just mix the baking soda with a teaspoon or so of white vinegar and water to create a cleaning paste. Apply this paste on the soiled area of the carpet and allow it to completely dry up. Then, use a blunt knife to remove it or pick it off from the carpet fibers. Be careful when doing this as you can accidentally cut the carpet fiber if you are not cautious. Then, run the vacuum cleaner over it to remove any loose particles. You’ll notice that the stain will be gone and your carpet is clean and spotless again.
Baking soda is a useful and effective alternative to use in cleaning your carpet. It’s cheap, accessible, and very simple to use. The next time you have a carpet cleaning problem, grab some baking soda and see how effective it can be in action.
There’s nothing worse than having a pipe burst or leak and cause water damage to your home. It will not only cause a big problem for you to repair but more often than not it can end up drenching your carpet with water making it another predicament that you have to fix. The excess water and moisture on the carpet can bring about a host of other problems such as ruining the carpet’s appearance, bacteria, fungi, germs, molds, and mildew. If you are a carpet owner, cleaning up your carpet after water damage is certainly a big priority that you need to resolve.
Drying up your carpet with a fan and letting it be is just not enough to avoid damage to your carpet. Proper steps need to be taken so that you will have the best opportunity to clean your carpet and return it to good condition. Here are some tips that you can follow to help you address water damage on your carpet.
1. Address it Right Away – Don’t let the water just sit there and set for several hours before trying to clean it up. Start cleaning up immediately so that you will not risk further damage to your carpet. Once you have water damage on your carpet, get your gear ready and get to it as soon as possible to increase your chances of completely cleaning it up without any problems.
2. Remove the Excess Water – After the burst pipe spilled lots of water on your carpet, what you will need to do after fixing the leak is find a way to extract as much of the excess water as you can. Find a sponge and a pail and try to remove as much of the water by dabbing the former on the wet areas of the carpet. This will help make cleaning it up easier as well as prevent it from spreading further into the carpet and your home.
3. Disinfect the Wet Parts of the Carpet – One problem with water damage is that it can be a source of germs and bacteria on your carpet. One way to combat this is by disinfecting the wet portions of the carpet by making a cleaning solution made up of a tablespoon of bleach and a gallon of water and scrubbing it on the affected portions of the carpet..
4. Get the Help of Professional Carpet Cleaners – If you are not that experienced in handling these kinds of situations or you are unsure about something related to it, get your phone and call professional carpet cleaners who can help you with whatever question or services you require. Don’t put your carpet at risk , seek the advice of people who can provide you with the best information.
Follow these tips and soon you will have no problems dealing with water damage on your carpet. It is an unfortunate event but something that can be solved with the right approach.
Aside from the good old vacuum cleaner, there is probably no other device out there which can really be a big help in cleaning your carpet than the wet/dry vac. Sometimes called the shop vac, it is very similar to the vacuum cleaner in that it uses suction to remove dust, dirt, and loose particles from the floor and yes, on your carpet. The wet/dry vac has many advantages which is why it has become one of the favorite companions of carpet owners everywhere. It is great for manoeuvring small areas since you can really control the wet/dry vac as compared to bulky regular vacuum cleaners. It is also effective in cleaning wet areas on the carpet, something which can damage ordinary vacuum cleaners. The wet/dry vac on the other hand is made particularly to work in both wet and dry environments. It also comes in a variety of sizes which you can choose from depending on your specific needs, which is likewise a big plus.
A wet/dry vac can be used in a number of ways when cleaning your carpet. Here are just some of the many modes of using this very helpful device.
- Removing Liquids From Your Carpet – Liquids such as water and all kinds of drinks are among the nightmares that your carpet can face. The problem with liquids is that it can’t be removed by the vacuum cleaner and drying it up using towels and rags can take some time. With your wet/dry vac on the other hand, you can suck out the liquids from your carpet and dry it in just a matter of minutes.
- Cleaning Up Loose Particles – A wet/dry vac is in essence just like a vacuum cleaner, only smaller and can work in wet surfaces. As such, it is effective in remove loose particles on the carpet which could get stuck on your vacuum cleaner. This is why it is recommended the you use the shop vac to remove loose particles such as coins, pins, nails, and others which can potentially hurt your family or damage your vacuum cleaner.
- Rinsing the Stained Area After Cleaning – One of the important steps in stain removal is rinsing the area where the stain used to be. This is because excess cleaning solution residue can be left behind and would be bad for your carpet. Spraying water and using your wet/dry vac will certainly do the trick and remove any residue which may be left behind.
The wet/dry vac is a wonderful cleaning device which you should take full advantage of. Make sure you use it the next time you decide to clean your carpet.
Here’s an article you may enjoy on the subject of using household cleaning agents to clean your carpet. Most homeowners don’t realize it, but there are indeed things laying around your house that can be used to get your carpet clean. Especially in an emergency, these tips can save the life of your carpet.
Read these over and save it for an emergency. In fact, bookmark this page and come back when you have your next emergency spill. Oh, and one other thing…don’t forget to use a shop vacuum or wet vacuum to extract the excess soil and water from the carpet. This can indeed be the lifesaver of your carpet. Get a small wet vac and keep it for emergencies!
Here’s the article:
Carpet cleaning often involves a lot of work. You would need several important items too to properly accomplish the task. One of the most important items that you will require is carpet cleaning product. This can be bought in many grocery stores and comes in different varieties and brands. This can cost you some money but it can do the job of cleaning stains, dust, and dirt from your carpet. These carpet cleaning products though can be replaced by several household items which can be equally effective in cleaning your carpet. Items such as vinegar, baking soda, salt, and a lot more can do the job without hurting your wallet. If you haven’t tried using these carpet cleaning alternatives, here are some of the top advantages that you are missing out on.
- Low Cost – Commercial carpet cleaning products will surely ring up your wallet. If you are tight on your budget, trying household items to clean your carpet is a great way to save money while still getting the job done. Salt, baking soda, and vinegar are very common and doesn’t cost as much as industrial carpet cleaning products so you can save yourself some money and still have a clean and fresh carpet.
- Convenience – Have you ever had an accident or spill on your carpet which left a stain but you were unfortunately out of carpet cleaning products in your home? Well, in these situations, using alternative cleaning solutions from vinegar and ammonia can solve your problem without you having to trouble yourself with going to the store. You can just check your kitchen or your closet and fix yourself a potent cleaning solution in a jiffy.
- Safe for the Environment – Some industrial carpet cleaning products may contain ingredients which can prove hazardous to the environment. This is one area where household carpet cleaning alternatives have an advantage as salt, vinegar, and baking soda do not have negative effects on our surroundings. They are both eco-friendly and budget-friendly which is why it is great option you should try.
Cleaning your carpet doesn’t always need to be made using commercial carpet cleaning products you can buy in stores. Using household items to do the job will give you the same results and save you some money. Try it out and see just how much you can save by using alternative carpet cleaning products you can find inside your home.