The best ways to clean carpets at home

The carpet has long been a detail of the interior, which helps to create comfort and coziness in the house. These products give special warmth only by their presence. Children play with pleasure on the carpet, it is pleasant to walk on it barefoot or just relax, sit back and relax.

Today, floor coverings are especially relevant: in some cases they are functional objects, in others - decorative elements. It can be carpets, rugs, paths, products from different manufacturers, made of a wide variety of materials and having various shapes. But all have one thing in common - over time they wear out, get dirty, lose their attractiveness, and, therefore, need careful care and regular, proper cleaning.

What determines the choice of carpet cleaning method

Zealous housewives, taking care of the cleanliness of carpet products, try to find the most acceptable way to eliminate pollution: the most safe for health, effective and affordable. It is obvious that, for the right choice of funds, you will have to pay attention not only to the amount of dirt, the presence of complex spots, hair from animals or their tracks, but also to the characteristic features of a particular coating:

• product thickness;
• color.
• material of manufacture;
• pile size;
• period of use, etc.

TOP 5 types of carpet cleaning

As a result, we can talk about 5 main types of cleaning, each of which has its own nuances. Learn more about each of them below.

Vacuum cleaner (plain or washing)

Regular cleaning of floor and wall carpet the specified unit, of course, will be able to maintain the product in good condition for a long time. As a rule, a vacuum cleaner is effective in cleaning dust or small impurities, even a “washing” miracle is unlikely to defeat a large amount of ancient dirt. In addition, when using the latter, it is important not to wet the coating very much, as it will then have to be dried for a long time.

Snow

Such cleaning makes it possible to refresh the color of coatings, to get rid of unpleasant odors and possible dust mites. Not very large contaminants are well removed from carpets having any pile length. On a site with fluffy clear snow, the items are naped down, snow is swept from above. After some time, the carpet is turned upside down, snow is swept away or a beater is used. Repeat the procedure several times. Then the carpet is shaken and dried. A great way to bring the smell of frosty freshness into your home, however, it is applicable only in winter.

It is important not to over-wet the carpet, otherwise, due to the long drying process, a musty odor may appear.

Household chemicals

This category includes sprays, powders, shampoos and stain removers. All tools are quite effective and easy to operate:

• Powders applicable to dry cleaning products, both synthetic and natural, with a short pile. The most effective are: "Spot Lifter", "Mitex" or "Sanlux".It is not difficult to work with them: it is enough to evenly apply the product on the surface of the carpet, rub it deep into the pile, and then go with a vacuum cleaner for its final cleaning along with dirt.
• Shampoos are considered a universal tool and are suitable for all types of carpet products. They are actively used to clean flooring from long-term, highly stubborn dirt. The product is distributed on the carpet in the form of foam, left for a while, and then cleaned with a vacuum cleaner. The popularity of such shampoos as “Vanish”, “Cinderella”, “5 Fave”, “Bee-Vors” can be easily explained by their zero effect on the adhesive base of products.
• Sprays demanded when cleaning carpets made of natural materials and having a fairly long pile. Over-humidification is not recommended for such coatings; therefore, Universal, Vanish Oxi Action or Dixi products will be indispensable for soft, delicate cleaning. They are easily atomized and rubbed effortlessly into the surface of the products, and after drying, they can be removed without problems with a vacuum cleaner.
• Stain removers it is better to choose for a specific type of carpet, although there are universal tools. It is best to use them only in a contaminated area. Most often used: "Hello", "Cinderella New", "Mellerud".

It is first necessary to test the effect of a chemical agent on a small inconspicuous area. This will help to avoid washing out the paint, spoiling the pile, etc.

Dry cleaning (professional)

Dry cleaning of carpets is quite popular because it includes a range of services for cleaning all types of carpets from dirt, odors, dust and bacteria. Many specialized companies disinfect products with full preservation of their structure. The advantages of dry cleaners are fast and quality work, however, sometimes, the question of price arises.

Folk remedies

These are methods tested by time and deed, transmitted from generation to generation, heard from friends and neighbors, obtained by trial and experiment. They are attractive for their affordability and effectiveness.

How to clean a carpet with folk remedies: TOP-14 options

Soda

The well-known powder at home successfully copes with carpet cleaning - it is a good absorbent for unpleasant odors and dirt, as well as an affordable disinfectant.

With dry cleaning, the substance scatters on the surface of the product and is gently rubbed with a sponge or dry cloth into the pile. After approximately 30 minutes, a vacuum cleaner is carried out.

To carry out wet cleaning, a soda solution is prepared based on: for 5 l of water - half a glass (100 g) of powder. The resulting product is applied (preferably with a spray) to the carpet product and aged on it for 40-60 minutes.

As practice shows, this time is enough to return bright colors to the coating and remove dirt. At the end of the procedure, the product must be vacuumed.

Vinegar Soda

Mixtures containing soda are one of the most popular floor care products in the ranking. The active reaction between soda and vinegar, the rapid release of carbon dioxide serve as a powerful force to remove even persistent contaminants.

Method number 1

• Apply soda to the surface of the carpet.
• 1 tbsp. l vinegar diluted in 1 liter of water.
• After 30 minutes, spray the solution onto the product and wait half an hour.
• Brush first, then vacuum.

Method number 2 (for removing stains)

• Prepare a solution: 5 tbsp. l water and 1 tbsp. l of acetic acid 70%.
• Gently rub the mixture with a sponge on problem areas.
• Put soda on top and stand for 20-30 minutes.
• Vacuum.

Method number 3 (increased exposure)

• Dilute 4 tbsp. l vinegar, 1 tbsp. l baking soda and 1 tbsp. l washing powder in 100-150 g of warm water.
• Mix the mixture very quickly and apply to the floor.
• Gently rub areas with heavy dirt or stains with a cloth and brush.
• After 30 minutes, dry and walk with a vacuum cleaner.

Before applying the above methods, it is worth checking the interaction of the carpet pile with acid.

Carpets do not like interactions with hot water: silk and wool coverings are especially vulnerable

Hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is used to remove complex stains and deeply ingrained dirt. To prepare the mixture take 2 tbsp. l soda and half a glass of peroxide 3%. So that the product penetrates well into the fibers and dissolves the contamination, it is poured onto the stain and incubated for 15 minutes. Then the dirt is simply removed.

A feature of hydrogen peroxide is its whitening properties, so this method is applicable on white or light carpets

Laundry soap

Laundry soap - one of the most affordable, simple and safe means of cleaning. True, there is one caveat - it must be applied immediately after the appearance of the spot. Just spilled something on the carpet, you need to take a piece of soap, quickly rub it (on a grater with a large cell) and in the amount of 2 tbsp. l dissolve in 2 l of warm water. The mixture is applied to the stain with gentle rubbing movements. After the composition dries, it is cleaned with a vacuum cleaner.

It is possible that 1 tbsp is added to the soap solution. l turpentine. Then, during the cleaning process, you will have to wipe the surface of the carpet several times with a damp cloth, and then ventilate the product.

Salt

Regular table salt is a good tool for cleaning both synthetic and natural carpets. Its feature is excellent odor elimination. In addition, an excellent result gives blowing salt with soda.

Method number 1

Spread regular dry salt evenly over the dirty floor and rub well with a brush until the first darkens. Then the product must be vacuumed or knocked out well.

Method number 2

It is necessary to distribute the salt on the surface. While she is there - make a soap solution (hot!). Often washing the broom in solution, we sweep away the salt. The dirt will be well removed, and the carpet should be dried a little.

Method number 3

Salt with lemon juice is an excellent way to return the flowers to their brightness. Mix the mixture well, spread over the surface and leave for 15-20 minutes. Then, similarly to the previous method, remove the composition from the carpet.

Method number 4

For easy wet cleaning, a solution is suitable: 1 liter of water, 10 g of citric acid and 1 tbsp. l salt. The mixture will refresh the colors and remove odors, applied with a brush.

Do not use a stiff brush that can damage the fibers. Never clean across or against the pile, only in the direction of the pile

Lemon juice

Lemon juice is an acid, therefore, it is assigned the role of a natural stain remover. To quickly remove contamination, apply fruit juice (freshly squeezed) onto the stain and leave for a couple of hours. After washing the surface with plain water, the carpet is given time to dry and vacuum cleaned.

Ammonia

Ammonia is considered one of the most effective cleaning products. Often it is he who is chosen to remove stains from juices or red wine. To process the carpet, a composition is prepared - 1 liter of water and 2 tsp. ammonia. The pile is cleaned with a brush and only it is wetted with a solution so that there is no aggressive effect on the surface of the product. After treatment, give 5 minutes, and then wipe with a clean, dry piece of cloth.

Detergent and ammonia

To clean very soiled carpets, there is an effective tool:

• In 8 l of water, 2-3 tbsp. tablespoons of washing powder.
• In the resulting solution is added 1 tbsp. spoon of ammonia.
• The composition is wiped with a cloth several times.
• As a result, the product passes with a soft brush and dries well.

Tea leaves

Tea brewing is a good way to neutralize unpleasant odors and small impurities. An important nuance is to use only for dark-colored flooring! Otherwise, you can just ruin a good light carpet.

The algorithm of actions is quite simple:

• Small-leaf tea is brewed (green or black).
• Leaves are wrung out and still wet scattered in areas intended for cleaning.
• After drying the tea leaves, use a broom or vacuum cleaner.

Sauerkraut

What you don’t learn from grandmothers, but the proposed method of cleaning works! The main thing is to choose cabbage, in the preparation of which vinegar was not used, and rinse it to get rid of the characteristic smell of pickled vegetable. Then you need to scatter the cabbage over the coating and, using a broom or brush, roll it over the entire surface. The pieces will collect dirt on themselves, so they must be periodically collected, washed and the process repeated until the cabbage stops “getting dirty”. At the end, everything is cleaned and can be vacuumed.

Potato juice

This method also belongs to the "vegetable" category and serves to return to the carpet neatness, brightness and freshness. The scheme of action is as follows:

• peel several potatoes, wash thoroughly and grate with a fine grater;
• fill the mass with ice water and hold for 1 hour;
• squeeze and strain;
• in the liquid obtained after extraction, moisten the brush and clean the carpet.

It is important that the remnants of the cleaning agent used are thoroughly cleaned. Since its residues may subsequently lead to faster contamination of the floor covering

Gasoline and sawdust

Maybe for some people this combination sounds wild, but this composition proved to be excellent at removing complex stains that have long and firmly “sprouted” into the structure of the carpet. The only thing the hosts will have to put up with is a steady, specific smell that will last for several days. But as a result, a mixture of gasoline with sawdust will help to cope with such impurities as chocolate, plasticine, varnish, urine, wine, etc.

First you need to vacuum the carpet, as well as prepare the cleaning mixture. To do this, add 10: 1 gasoline to the soap solution. We thoroughly impregnate the sawdust with the resulting composition, generously apply them to problem areas and leave to absorb dirt and completely dry. Then everything is swept away without a broom.

Kerosene and washing powder

Not surprisingly, kerosene is not far behind its brother gasoline. A good result shows a tool consisting of kerosene, washing powder and water. This composition is used for cleaning wool products or floor synthetics:

• the powder is soluble in water, as for everyday washing;
• per 1 liter of solution add 1 tsp. kerosene;
• the mixture is gently applied and rubbed with a sponge on the areas for cleaning.

As in the previous case, it will take some time for the smell of kerosene to disappear.

Solid soap

This method will require preliminary preparation, but the hostess will be ready for any force majeure. To create a “soap” you need:

• to collect together wheat flour, table salt, ground pumice and wine vinegar in a ratio of 6: 1: 1: 0.3;
• add a small amount of water to the mass, mix and heat over a very moderate fire until the consistency of a thick paste;
• cool a thick mass;
• when cold, cut the product into convenient pieces (in hardness it resembles soap).

And then, if necessary, “soap” is taken out and carpet cleaning begins in one direction with a pile. The remnants of the mixture are brushed away with a dry brush.

What you need to know about folk cleaning products

If you know some details when using improvised tools, then cleaning carpets at home will be very effective and high-quality:

• According to the principle of salt, sawdust, tea leaves, bran, starch, semolina, etc. can be used.
• Sawdust works well not only in wet form (gasoline with detergent), but also in dry form.
• Ground pumice should have the size of coarse salt.
• Semolina and bran can not be moistened, they are used only in a dry state.
• Welding leaves spots of a yellow tint.

Before any cleaning, you must first vacuum the product, which will significantly reduce the amount of dirt and dust

Methods for removing various stains on carpets

In addition to various cleaning methods, which must be carried out regularly, there are ways to remove different types of stains. If the child smeared clay on the carpet, the guests spilled wine, and the beloved dog put the meat juice, you must act immediately:

• Fruit stains removes a mixture of laundry soap and apple cider vinegar in 1: 1 proportions and diluted in 1 liter of water. The product is applied to the pollution, gently rubbed, and then cleaned with clean water.
• Coffee stains excreted with dishwashing liquid. Fresh spots should be slightly moistened, add a couple of drops of the gel, rub and rinse with water. Not bad copes with this task and hydrogen peroxide, and even beer.
• Long coffee stains help remove glycerin. It is applied to the stain and left overnight, and in the morning washed off with a washing solution.
• Greasy spots qualitatively removed with a mixture of salt and alcohol (1: 4). The tool is rubbed several times in the direction of the pile. Not so fast, but it is possible to remove traces of fat with chalk with talcum powder, tooth powder or starch. Pour the powder onto the stain and hold for a little over an hour, then process the coating with a vacuum cleaner.
• For removing wax, paraffin, chewing gum, plasticine we use the cold method. We put the ice in the bag to the problem place to bring it to a solid state, and then remove it with a knife or scraper. Sometimes they take on the exact opposite method - a tissue or napkin is applied to a drop of matter, along which they conduct it with a hot iron. The subject of elimination should remain on the fabric.
• Blood stains excreted only with cold water. Soak it, if it is dry - soak it, take a shaving cream and rub it into the stain. You can take a soda solution, hydrogen peroxide or ammonia. After a certain period of time, we wash everything off with a sponge.
• Carpet stains with a dark surface easy to clean with table salt or lemon juice.
• Salt is applicable to stained with red wine. The cleaning area must be quickly poured with wine, but only white, and moistened with cold water. The next step is salt in an unlimited, but reasonable amount. We fill the spot with it, leave it and after 15 minutes we vacuum it.

• For breeding ballpoint pen and felt-tip pens alcohol or a solution of glycerin and liquid soap is taken.

If stains from drinks, food, or for any other reason have appeared on the carpet, they must be removed immediately.

How often do I need to clean the carpet?

Taking into account all of the above, we can conclude that a sound and affordable means of cleaning carpets on their own is possible and necessary.

The carpet may look decent, but in fact it was covered with a solid layer of dust or in the corner set up a toilet for your pet, the boys ran a couple of times without removing their dirty shoes, or the proximity of the kitchen affected and strange smells appeared. In these and other cases, you should not put it off until later, but it is better to get down to business immediately. This will provide not only the beauty and comfort of home, but also the health of loved ones.

As a rule, it is enough to shake the carpet once a week and arrange wet cleaning every month. If the product is a frequent place for games and recreation for households, then vacuuming should be done 2-3 times a week and wet cleaning 2-3 times a month. It is not difficult to choose the appropriate cleaning method for a certain type of carpet from folk methods. And if in doubt, you can always use industrial cleaners or seek the support of specialists.