Carpet stains, carpet odors and carpet dents seem to be three of the most common problems when it comes to keeping your carpet looking and smelling clean and new. If your carpet struggles with these issues, take heart. There are some simple things you can do to get rid of and prevent carpet odors, stains and dents.
It never fails, you've spent the entire morning with a steam cleaner, going over and over your carpet, trying to remove the grime that has been ground in. Finally, you step back and decide that the carpet is looking pretty clean again – at least as clean as you will be able to get it. Suddenly the door opens, and in rush your kids, followed by the dog. The kids walk halfway across the newly cleaned carpet leaving dirty footprints before they kick off their shoes and drop their backpacks in the middle of the room. The dog flops onto the floor and joyfully rolls back and forth, grinding in the dirt and spreading hair everywhere. You look in horror and, quite honestly, disgust at their lack of civil behavior as now your carpet begins to look like a battle zone. Your heart sinks as you begin to realize that you are right back where you began this morning.
What do you do now?
Try these three carpet cleaning tips:
Carpet Cleaning Tip # 1 – How to Remove Carpet Stains
The sooner you discover a stain, the better the results you'll get when you clean it. The biggest problem with stains is that they see into your carpet and become an almost permanent fixture. To get rid of stains while they are wet, immediately dab a spill or spot with a dry sponge or a wool cloth. Do not rub the stain as this will cause the spilled substance to work its way farther into your carpet and make it even harder to remove.
If dabbing the spot does not remove the stain, try plain water and a sponge or wool cloth. Again, try to dab the spot rather than rubbing it deeper into your carpet. If you need to work to remove the stain, try moving your cloth in a circular motion. As a last resort, add a small amount of carpet soap to the water and dab the carpet.
Carpet Cleaning Tip # 2 – How to Remove Carpet Odors
Carpet odors have many sources. Odors come from food and drinks that have been spilled, animal accidents and substances dragged inside on shoes and dirty feet. One of the best ways to remove carpet odors is to take the carpet outdoors, clean it with a mild detergent and let it dry thoroughly in the sun.
While this solution is great for area rugs and small removeable pieces of carpet, it obviously will not work if your carpet has been permanently installed. Carpet odors in permanently installed carpet can be removed in the same manner – by using a mild detergent and rubbing it gently into your carpet. Instead of drying the carpet in the sun, you can use a room fan pointed directly onto the offending area to help your carpet dry quickly and thoroughly. Keep in mind – if you use too much water when cleaning your carpet, the water will soak into the carpet pad where it will create nasty odors of its own. When removing carpet odor, it is better to err on the side of too little water than too much.
If all else fails, you can always use a spray on powder or liquid carpet freshener or deodorizer. While this will not permanently remove the odor, it may less the odor to the point where you are comfortable being in the room.
Carpet Cleaning Tip # 3 – How to Remove Carpet Dents
Carpet dents, those unsightly impressions that remain in your carpet when you move the couch or rearrange the bedroom furniture can be cured – but it takes some elbow grease and time. One of the best ways to remove carpet dents is to use a stiff brush. With the brush, brush your carpet in a circular motion to pull the carpet fibers back into a standing position. If the dents are really bad, the steam from a steam iron can be used along with the brush to straighten the carpet fibers. Do not put the iron directly onto the carpet but let the steam from it moisten the carpet as your brush it.
Use these tips to remove your carpet stains, get rid of carpet odor and wipe out carpet dents and once again, you'll have a carpet that looks, feels and smells almost like new.