How To Wash Carpet And Make It Look Like New?

Regular carpet cleaning is a can’t-miss task for a healthier living environment. It’s because carpets trap allergens, dust, and pollutants and can make your life difficult if you have sensitivity to the trapped materials.

For this, you must know how to wash carpet properly. At the same time, you need to use environmentally friendly cleaning methods and you need to wash it without damaging the carpet.

Don’t worry as we’re here with the most effective and gentle ways of washing carpet so you don’t have to look for it anymore. Let’s see what we have for you today!

Things to Do Before You Wash Carpet

Before you start washing or cleaning your carpet, there are some preparatory steps you should follow. It will make your task easier.

• First off, prepare the room. Clear the room entirely of toys, books, and any clutter. Move furniture out of the way to have a clean slate.
• Next, vacuum your carpet, providing a quick routine clean to eliminate as much dust and dirt as possible.
• For stubborn stains, pretreat them with a carpet cleaning or stain remover solution. Alternatively, create a DIY solution using salt, baking soda, and vinegar.
• Always read product labels and conduct a small test in an inconspicuous area to avoid unintended damage to your carpet. After treating a small section, wait a few hours to ensure no adverse reactions before proceeding with the overall cleaning.

These steps set the stage for a successful carpet deep clean, leaving your space refreshed and dirt-free.

Also read: How to Clean Render: Tips and Techniques for Pristine Surfaces

How to Wash Carpet? What Are The Best Ways?

You can wash your carpet by following different ways. Let’s see the details.

Way 1: Clean The Carpet Without Machinery

Step 1: Mix Soapy Water

Start by mixing 1/8 teaspoon of soap with water in a spray bottle. This soapy solution will serve as the base for your manual carpet cleaning process.

Step 2: Sprinkle Baking Soda and Salt

Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda and table salt over the carpet or the specific area you intend to deep clean. This preps the carpet for effective manual cleaning.

Step 3: Apply a Soapy Water Mixture and Scrub

Spray the mixture of soapy water evenly over the carpet, allowing it to sit for a few minutes. This step ensures thorough soaking for effective dirt removal. Then, scrub the carpet in one direction using a stiff-bristled scrubbing brush. This helps accumulate most dirt, making it easier to pick up.

Make sure you switch the scrubbing direction to ensure a comprehensive clean. Scrubbing in opposite directions reaches every angle for a thorough deep cleaning.

Step 4: Press the Towel to Soak the Water

Press a towel into the carpet to soak up excess water, leaving the area damp or dry as needed.

Spray the carpet with regular tap water and, once again, press a towel or cloth into the carpet. This step helps remove any soap residue and completes the manual deep cleaning process.

Way 2: Clean With A Carpet Cleaner/ Hoover

You can use either a carpet cleaner or a hoover for this job. The steps for both methods are almost the same as follows.

Step 1: Prepare the Carpet Cleaner

Start by preparing your carpet cleaner or the Hoover according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Ensure the machine is filled with the recommended carpet cleaning solution and water for optimal performance.

Step 2: Vacuum the Carpet

Before using the carpet cleaner or the Hoover, vacuum the carpet thoroughly. This step removes loose dirt and debris, allowing the carpet cleaner to focus on deep-seated stains and grime.

Step 3: Clean the Carpet

Operate the carpet cleaner systematically, moving it across the carpet in overlapping passes. Follow the machine’s guidelines for efficient and thorough cleaning. For stubborn stains, use the carpet cleaner’s spot-cleaning feature. This allows targeted treatment for specific areas that need extra attention.

Step 4: Allow Drying Time

After deep cleaning, allow the carpet to dry completely before walking on it or replacing furniture. Proper drying prevents the growth of mould or mildew.

Note: During and after cleaning, ensure good ventilation in the room. This helps dissipate any cleaning solution odours and speeds up the drying process.

Way 3: Steam Clean The Carpet

Step 1: Prepare the Steam Cleaner

Firstly, read to understand the steam cleaner’s specific instructions. Different cleaners may have unique features or requirements. Fill the cleaner’s reservoir with water and an appropriate cleaning solution, following the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Step 2: Water and Cleaning Solution Mix

Prepare the cleaning solution by combining water and a suitable carpet cleaning solution. Alternatively, a mixture of vinegar and water can be used. It eliminates the need for commercial products.

Step 3: Add Essential Oils (Optional)

To counteract any lingering vinegar scent, incorporate a few drops of essential oils into the cleaning solution. This step adds a pleasant fragrance to the cleaning process.

Step 4: Start Cleaning Away from the Door

Commence the steam cleaning process away from the room’s entrance. Move the steam cleaner systematically across the carpet, ensuring comprehensive coverage. Follow a back-and-forth pattern for effective cleaning.

Step 5: Allow Adequate Drying Time

After completing the steam cleaning, give the carpet ample time to dry. This usually takes a few hours. Open windows or doors to enhance ventilation, expediting the drying process.

How to Treat Stains on A Carpet?

Don’t worry if you accidentally spilt something on the carpet that makes stubborn stains.

For dried stains like chocolate and mud, wait until they dry, then pick or vacuum away the debris. Wet stains from coffee, tea, or red wine should be tackled immediately. Be careful while blotting so you don’t unintentionally push the spill deeper into the fibres.

Use a carpet cleaner to lift liquid spills. Don’t oversaturate the carpet, and blot dry with a lint-free cloth. You can use a cool hair dryer to dry the Spot-treated areas. Be mindful of potential colour variations on older carpets after spot cleaning. Pre-treat heavily stained areas before using a carpet cleaning machine for effective stain removal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Wash A Carpet With Water?

Yes, you can wash a carpet with water, but it’s important to avoid excessive saturation. Wet the carpet using a damp cloth or a carpet cleaner. Ensure the carpet doesn’t stay excessively wet, as it could lead to colour bleeding or damage to the backing. Always follow specific instructions on cleaning products and test a small, inconspicuous area before applying water or cleaning solutions to the entire carpet.

Is Dishwashing Liquid Safe on The Carpet?

No, dishwashing liquid is not recommended for carpet cleaning. It may leave behind residues that attract dirt, and its composition may not be suitable for carpet fibres.

Instead, opt for carpet-specific cleaning solutions to effectively and safely tackle stains. Always follow product instructions, test in a small area first, and ensure proper rinsing to maintain your carpet’s longevity and appearance.

How Often Should You Wash Carpets?

For optimal cleanliness, wash your carpet every 12 to 18 months. However, higher-traffic areas may benefit from more frequent cleaning, approximately every 6 to 12 months. Adjust your cleaning frequency based on usage, spills, and the specific needs of your carpeted spaces. Regular cleaning ensures a healthier living environment and extends the life of your carpet.

Last Words

So, now, you’re aware of how to wash carpet in the right way. Hopefully, you’ll not struggle with it in the future. Regular vacuuming, and employing the right cleaning methods contribute to carpet longevity.

Whether using a carpet cleaner or opting for hand-cleaning techniques, follow these steps diligently. Remember, treating stains promptly and choosing suitable cleaning solutions are crucial. Keep these tips in mind to enjoy a fresh, inviting home with a carpet that looks and feels its best.