Refresh your home for the new year.
Few things feel better than a clean home. As we head into the new year, it’s an exceptionally opportune time to clean up and begin anew, fostering a refreshed and invigorating environment for the possibilities. Studies show a clean environment lends itself to clearer thinking, which is the best mindset for closing our a year and heading into the next. One of the most deep-cleaning questions we get asked is about how to deep clean carpet.
While carpets may feel overwhelming to tackle, a deep cleaning is easier than it seems. We’ve crafted an ultimate guide on how to approach deep cleaning and the tools needed to give professional carpet cleaners a run for their money.
Materials needed
To deep clean the carpet, gather these supplies before you begin your cleaning process.
- Vacuum cleaner
- Stain remover (ideally one formulated for carpets) or white vinegar and water solution
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Carpet brush or any stiff brush
- Clean towels or microfiber cloth
- Steam cleaner (optional)
How to deep clean carpet, the easy way
No need to hire carpet cleaners. Your fresh carpet is a few steps away and will be back to its fresh state in no time.
1. Clear your area
Before you begin with these steps, make sure to clear the carpet area you’re deep cleaning. While you can move things around during the process, it’s much easier to clear the area before you begin.
2. Vaccum thoroughly
Vacuum your carpet pre-cleaning to ensure loose dirt, dust and debris are gone. Don’t forget to pay extra attention to high-traffic areas and corners, especially if you’re deep-cleaning the entire carpet.
3. Treat stains
Once you vacuum your carpet, it’s time to target stained areas. Apply a carpet stain remover to any visible stains. If you don’t have any on hand, you can create a DIY cleaning solution by mixing equal parts water and white vinegar. Gently blot the stains with a cloth or sponge. Avoid rubbing as it spreads the stain through the carpet fibers.
4. Pre-treat the entire carpet
Once you treat individual trouble spots, you can begin the deep cleaning process. There are multiple methods to approach deep cleaning; however, we recommend utilizing baking soda and a pinch of salt for this step. Sprinkle the one-to-one mixture over the entirety of the wall-to-wall carpet. Once you’ve liberally applied the baking soda mixture, use a spray bottle with cold water to lightly spritz the carpet. The carpet needs to be slightly damp, not drenched.
If you have a steam cleaner, opt to steam clean over this mixture following the manufacturer’s instructions instead of spraying the carpet with water. The proceed to the next steps.
Then, use your stiff brush to brush the mixture deeper into the carpet. This action assists the baking soda in penetrating between the carpet fibers.’
Then, set a timer for 30 minutes to allow the baking soda to set and dislodge any deep-set debris. For an extremely dirty carpet or a carpet with a lingering odor, allow the baking soda to sit for an hour.
5. Wipe away the residue
Once your timer goes off, it’s safe to wipe away the baking soda mixture and whatever debris it has removed with a microfiber cloth or towel. It doesn’t need to be perfect and once the carpet fully dries, it’ll be easy to vacuum the leftover residue away.
6. Air dry and vacuum
Allow the carpet to fully air dry. Use fans, open doors and windows and avoid walking in the area during this time. Since the carpet is only slightly damp, the drying process shouldn’t take too long. Allow the carpet to dry overnight to prevent anyone or any furry friends from accidentally stepping on the area.
Once the carpet is fully dried, vacuum the carpet to remove any leftover baking soda mixture. You may have to go over the carpet a few times to remove all the particles. We recommend vacuuming slowly, taking your time to go over any baking soda clumps.
7. Enjoy your fresh and clean carpet
Your carpet is now fresh smelling and clean, creating a healthier and more comfortable environment for you and your family to enjoy throughout the upcoming year. Clean your carpet every 12-18 months to ensure a healthy and well-maintained living space. Anyone with allergies or looking to get rid of regular pet hair should consider deep cleaning every 6-12 months.
Start the new year on the right foot, on a clean carpet
The power a clean home holds is remarkable as small cleaning acts can truly enhance quality of life and create a welcoming atmosphere. With household tools and a little bit of time, your carpet is easily restored to its original quality creating a fresh space to kick off the new year. Embrace the ritual of cleaning in your rental home and indulge in the results.
Ready to embrace a clean start in the perfect place? Take a look at our apartments and houses for rent.
Source: rent.com