Are you tired of the endless task of removing stubborn stains from your carpet? Do you wish there was an easier way to keep your carpets looking fresh and clean?
Well, look no further!
We will be sharing 13 carpet cleaning hacks that everyone should know. These hacks are easy to follow and will help you effectively remove stains from your carpets, leaving them looking as good as new.
So, if you want to restore your carpets to their former glory, read on to learn some valuable carpet cleaning hacks.
1. Blot, Don’t Rub
It’s important that you don’t ever rub stains on your carpet, as this will only work the stain into your carpet even more, making it harder to get rid of.
When you spill something on your carpet, you need to try to reduce the spread of fluid as much as possible.
The faster you act, the better the outcome will be for your carpet.
Use a clean cloth or towel to blot lightly. Start at the edges and work inwards, as this prevents the stain spreading and getting larger.
2. Freshen Carpets with Bicarbonate of Soda
Got an old carpet that could use a little freshening up? Bicarbonate of soda, also known as baking soda, has a wide variety of uses when it comes to cleaning carpets.
Try sprinkling a generous amount of bicarbonate of soda onto your carpet, making sure to cover all areas evenly.
Let it sit for an hour or so. Bicarbonate of soda is a natural deodoriser which will remove odours from your carpet.
Once you’re happy it has done its job, simply vacuum up the baking soda to enjoy a brand-new scent to your carpet.
3. Remove Pet Stains Using Bicarbonate of Soda
Are you feeling frustrated with the number of stains your pet is leaving behind?
With bicarbonate of soda, you will no longer have to worry about this. You can turn your attention to making fond memories with your little puppy or kitten.
Spread a generous amount of bicarbonate of soda on the stain, leaving it to absorb the stain for a little while.
Simply blot the bicarbonate of soda away with a cloth. Not only will it help with the discolouration, it will also remove the sharp smell that pet accidents leave behind.
This hack is quick and effective, and especially useful when you’re training your pet to go outside to do their business.
4. Remove Oil Stains with Bicarbonate of Soda
The tendency to surrender to oil stains is a common one, but it does not have to be that way.
You’re right – hot water and detergent don’t do the trick.
That’s where bicarbonate of soda comes into play. Sprinkle the bicarbonate of soda onto the carpet stain. Leave it to absorb the stain, forming a dry, powdery layer.
At this point, all you need to do is vacuum away the bicarbonate of soda. This hack may not completely remove the stain, but it will make it look much better.
You can try dabbing the stain with some water and detergent if you feel the stain is still an eye-sore.
5. Lint Rollers Are Not Just for Clothes
That lint roller that’s lying around in your drawer has more uses than you might think.
Are you finding your vacuum cleaner, no matter how strong it is, just doesn’t quite get all the hairs and small bits of dirt in your carpet?
Grab your lint roller and get those elbows working to collect all the stubborn hairs. This shouldn’t take too long, but it is quite tiring!
This addition to your cleaning routine will make your carpet look speckless.
6. Rid Your Carpet of Pet Hairs with a Squeegee
If you’re overwhelmed with the amount of pet hairs and a lint roller simply isn’t doing the job, try using a squeegee.
This hack will work better on short hair carpets.
All you need to do is wet the squeegee, and then just drag it across the surface of your carpet.
The hairs should collect in a small pile, which you can either pick up with your hands or with a cloth.
7. Fluff Up Your Carpet Using Vinegar
Got an area of your carpet that sees the underside of too many shoes?
You can use dilute vinegar to fluff up those areas of the carpet that have trampled down. Mix in dilute vinegar with equal parts water and then spray on the affected area.
Leave it to soak into the carpet. Then, take a sponge and wipe it along the carpet to free the fibres, giving them back their original shape.
8. Remove Nail Polish Stains with Rubbing Alcohol
Acetone is usually our go-to when removing nail polish from our fingernails, but it will leave you disappointed if you try the same tactic on your carpet.
Let the nail polish stain dry. As it hardens, use a blunt tool such as a spoon or a butter knife to scrape off as much as you can from your carpet.
Once you’re happy you’ve removed as much as you can, dip a cloth or a towel in rubbing alcohol.
Gently blot the stained area on your carpet. The rubbing alcohol will dissolve the nail polish and the cloth should absorb it.
9. DIY Carpet Deep Clean
This simple hack uses common detergents that you will almost certainly have lying around.
Mix together the following: a ¾ cup of hydrogen peroxide, a ¼ cup of white vinegar, 2 tablespoons of washing up liquid, 2 tablespoons of fabric softener and a gallon (about 3.5-4 litres) of warm water.
Use your shampooing machine or simply put the solution in an empty spray bottle. Apply liberally to your carpet.
This hack is a great alternative to store bought carpet cleaner, as it has the same effect.
10. Fix Dents in Your Carpet with Ice Cubes
Did you spontaneously move around all the furniture in the room, only to realise the heavy furniture has left big dents in your carpet?
Not to worry, this hack is sure to fix that.
Place one or two ice cubes on the area of the carpet that has been depressed. Wait until the ice has melted away.
At this point, you need to blot away the excess water. Place a clean towel on top of the dent, and proceed to iron onto the towel until the area dries.
The steam will loosen the carpet fibres, allowing them to return to the original shape, which will restore your carpet.
11. Freeze Away Chewing Gum
Before you start slashing your carpet with a pair of scissors, try this easy hack.
Use a spoon to scrape away the big bits of chewing gum. Don’t use a sharp tool, as this will damage the carpet fibres.
Using a bag of ice, place it on the remaining pieces of gum. Keep sliding it over the stain, until it starts to harden as it freezes.
Vacuum or brush away the loose pieces. If there’s still some left, mix a tablespoon of mild detergent, such as dish soap, with one cup of water.
Spray onto the stain, using a clean cloth to blot away the excess gum that is still left.
12. Iron Out Carpet Stains
Firstly, you will need to vacuum away any loose dirt or dried particles on the stain.
Prepare a solution of one part vinegar to three parts water. Dip a cloth or towel in the solution, allowing it to soak it up.
Place the wet cloth or towel over the stain. Leave it for about five minutes.
Iron directly onto the wet cloth. Apply a bit of pressure, using circular motions. The heat and steam from the iron should lift the stain out of the carpet.
13. Remove Old Dirt Stains with Shaving Cream
Having children or pets will inevitably lead to dirt finding its way onto your carpet, causing unpleasant blotches.
Quite surprisingly, shaving cream is very good at removing dirt stains whilst preserving your carpet.
Just vacuum the stain to remove loose particles of dirt. Then, apply a generous amount of shaving cream so it covers the dirt stain completely.
Wait a minute or so before you use a cloth or sponge to gently blot the stain, wiping away any excess foam.
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