How to Clean a Carpet - Complete Guide

Keeping your carpet clean is essential for maintaining a fresh and inviting home environment.

Carpets not only provide comfort underfoot but also enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of a room. However, daily foot traffic and accidental spills can quickly lead to dirt buildup and unsightly stains.

In this article, we will guide you through the process of effectively cleaning your carpet, giving you valuable tips and step-by-step instructions.

Vacuuming

Vacuuming is a fundamental step in carpet maintenance and should be performed regularly to keep your carpet clean and free from debris.

Here’s a detailed guide on how to effectively vacuum your carpet.

First, do a quick check on your vacuum cleaner:

Check the vacuum bag or dust compartment and empty or replace it if necessary.
Inspect and clean the vacuum’s filters to ensure optimal suction power.
Ensure the vacuum’s brush roll is clean and free of tangled hair or debris.
If your carpet has delicate fibres, consider using a vacuum cleaner with a suction-only mode to avoid damaging the fibres.

Start by clearing the room of any loose objects or small items that could obstruct the vacuum’s path.

Begin vacuuming from the farthest corner of the room and work your way toward the exit to avoid stepping on freshly vacuumed areas.

Pay special attention to high-traffic areas, as they tend to accumulate more dirt. Vacuum these areas in multiple directions to loosen embedded particles effectively.

To clean carpet edges and skirting boards, use vacuum cleaner attachments like crevice tools or brush attachments to remove dust and debris.

For better results, make additional passes over heavily soiled areas or spots.

Stain Removal

Accidental spills and stains are inevitable, but with the right approach, you can effectively tackle them and prevent permanent damage to your carpet.

General stain removal tips

Always blot stains instead of rubbing, as rubbing can spread the stain and damage the carpet fibres.
Start blotting from the outer edges of the stain and work your way inward to prevent spreading.
Use a clean cloth or paper towel to blot the stain gently, applying slight pressure to absorb the liquid or lift the stain.
Avoid aggressive scrubbing, as it can push the stain deeper into the carpet fibres.

Food and drink stains

Blot the stain immediately with a clean cloth or paper towel.

Then, mix a solution of mild washing up liquid and warm water. Gently dab the stain, working from the outer edges toward the centre. Rinse with water and blot dry.

Pet stains and odours

Blot up as much of the stain as possible. Apply a pet stain remover specifically designed for carpets. Follow the product instructions and thoroughly rinse the area to eliminate any residue and odour.

Use some of our pet hair cleaning hacks to remove pet hairs effectively from your carpet.

Oil and grease stains

Sprinkle bicarbonate of soda or cornstarch on the stain and let it sit for 15-20 minutes to absorb the oil.

Vacuum the powder and use a dry-cleaning solvent to treat any remaining residue. Blot gently until the stain is gone.

Ink and marker stains

Dab the stain with rubbing alcohol using a clean cloth. Blot carefully, replacing the cloth as it absorbs the ink. Rinse with water and blot dry.

Mud and dirt stains

Allow the mud to dry completely, then vacuum the area to remove loose dirt. Mix a solution of mild detergent and water.

Gently sponge the stain and blot with a clean cloth. Rinse with water and blot dry.

Once you’ve treated the stain…

After spot cleaning, open windows or use fans to ventilate the room and allow the carpet to dry.

Avoid walking on the damp carpet until it is completely dry to prevent re-soiling or damage to the fibres.

If necessary, use a clean, dry cloth or paper towels to absorb excess moisture.

Deep Cleaning

Now that you’ve vacuum cleaned and treated any stains on your carpet, it’s time to do a deep clean to maintain the longevity and freshness of your carpet.

Here are three effective deep cleaning methods to help you achieve a thorough clean:

Steam cleaning

Steam cleaning involves the use of hot water and detergent solution. It is the most common and effective method for deep cleaning carpets.

Follow these steps to steam clean your carpet:

Vacuum the carpet thoroughly to remove loose dirt and debris.
Follow the instructions provided with the steam cleaner to prepare the machine and mix the appropriate cleaning solution.
Work in small sections, starting from one corner of the room. Apply the cleaning solution and hot water to the carpet, then use the steam cleaner to extract the solution along with dirt and stains.
Take care not to oversaturate the carpet, as excessive moisture can lead to mould or mildew growth.

After completing the cleaning process, ventilate the room and allow the carpet to dry completely before walking on it.

Dry cleaning

Dry cleaning methods use minimal moisture and are suitable for delicate or moisture-sensitive carpets.

Sprinkle a dry cleaning powder or foam onto the carpet surface.
Use a soft brush or sponge to work the powder or foam into the carpet fibres.
Allow the dry cleaning product to sit for the recommended time, allowing it to absorb dirt and stains.
Vacuum the carpet thoroughly to remove the dry cleaning product along with the loosened dirt and stains.

Bonnet cleaner

A bonnet cleaner is a specialised tool commonly used for interim carpet cleaning, especially in commercial settings.

Read the instructions provided with your bonnet cleaner to familiarise yourself with its specific usage guidelines.

Apply the appropriate cleaning solution or pre-spray to the carpet, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Attach the bonnet pad to the bonnet cleaner and adjust the machine to the appropriate setting, if applicable.
Starting from one corner of the room, work in small sections.
Place the bonnet cleaner on the carpet surface and move it in overlapping passes, applying moderate pressure.
Allow the bonnet pad to absorb the dirt and solution. As it becomes soiled, flip or replace the bonnet pad with a clean one.
Continue this process until you have covered the entire carpeted area.

Each deep cleaning method has its own advantages and considerations, so choose the one that best suits your carpet type and personal preferences.

Deep cleaning your carpet at regular intervals will help remove embedded dirt, revive the appearance of your carpet, and maintain a healthier home.

Drying Your Carpet

Once you’ve completed any of the aforementioned cleaning techniques, we recommend you keep the room well-ventilated to help the carpet dry out.

You can use a fan to help shift the moisture out of the room, or you can simply open as many windows as possible.

This will reduce the amount of time it takes for the carpet to dry, allowing you to start using the room again.

Tips for Keeping Your Carpet Clean

Here are some tips to help keep your carpet clean.

Vacuum regularly

Establish a consistent vacuuming routine to remove surface dirt and prevent it from settling deep into the carpet fibres.

Depending on the foot traffic in your home, aim to vacuum high-traffic areas at least twice a week and other areas at least once a week.

Use doormats and rugs

Place doormats at all entryways to trap dirt and debris before it reaches your carpet.

Consider using area rugs or runners in high-traffic areas to protect the carpet from excessive wear and tear.

Implement a “no shoes” policy

Encourage family members and guests to remove their shoes before entering carpeted areas.

Provide a designated shoe storage area near entryways for convenience.

Deal with spills immediately

Attend to spills promptly to prevent them from becoming permanent stains.

Consider hiring a professional

Consider scheduling professional carpet cleaning once or twice a year, depending on your carpet type and usage.

Professional cleaners have specialised equipment and expertise to deep clean your carpet, removing embedded dirt and revitalising its appearance.

Remember, prevention helps, but accidents can still happen. You should now be armed with the correct knowledge to effectively tackle dirty carpets or stains.

Check out our guide to carpet cleaning hacks for some more ideas.

How Often Should You Clean a Carpet?

To maintain a clean carpet, it’s recommended to vacuum at least once per week, or more frequently if you have pets or children. Promptly addressing spills and stains is crucial.

Scheduling professional carpet cleaning or performing a deeper clean yourself should be done at least twice a year to ensure a thorough and refreshed carpet.