Here are some essential tasks that should be a part of all carpet maintenance schemes and make a very effective carpet cleaning checklist:
1. Contamination control
Keep as much dirt and foreign contaminants out of the building as possible by placing mats or grids to catch them near entrances. Clean them often by washing or vacuuming, so they remain effective, consistently.
2. Detect
Many homeowners often ask, “What should I do to get stains or spills off my carpet? Several things I’ve tried seem to make things worse.”
First of all, try to remove the stain right away. Your best option is to use clean, cold water and a white towel. Moisten the spot or stain well and blot as much as you can with the white towel. White is preferred because it will prevent the possibility of color transfer from the terry cloth to the rug. Also, blot without rubbing to avoid spreading the stain to adjacent areas.
If this doesn’t remove the entire stain, try using a soap-free stain remover like Procyon. Avoid high pH solutions or foams that may have been formulated for other applications. Many of the ones you’ll often find in department stores will only make the problem worse. If your DIY efforts are unsuccessful, you should call in a professional.
Don’t leave the stain on the carpet. The longer it stays on the fibers, the more likely it is to set there as a permanent stain, which will be extremely difficult, if not impossible, to remove.
3. Vacuum
Every home or office should have a good quality vacuum cleaner, preferably one with a disposable bag or canister, and a beater brush. Carpets should be vacuumed regularly, preferably daily, but at least weekly.
Make sure the vacuum cleaner is routinely maintained. Empty the dust container frequently. Check that the hoses are not clogged and that all hoses and electrical cables are not worn or damaged.
Vacuuming is probably the most important activity to have on your carpet cleaning checklist. Soil particles can be extremely abrasive. They will usually migrate to the base of the rug, near the backing, and may not be readily visible. If not removed quickly, the carpet fibers will quickly wear out, and even after cleaning, their light-refracting properties will be so impaired that the carpet will appear old and dull.
4. Deep cleaning
Major carpet manufacturing companies and carpet industry experts recommend that carpet be deep steam cleaned at least once every 18 months. Once a year is preferable, especially if there is a lot of traffic on your carpet.
5. Protection
Apply a good quality protector right after deep cleaning your carpet. The protector will become a shield or lining that will resist dirt and prevent water or oil-based spills from becoming lodged in the carpet fibers and being absorbed. Therefore, they can be vacuumed quite easily and the rug will stay clean and stain free for much longer.
High-quality protectors can be relatively expensive, but they are worth it.
6. Warranty
Always be sure to check the terms of your rug’s warranty and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Use this checklist as a guide to proper and effective carpet maintenance, and you’ll extend its life and beauty, and save yourself a great deal of money over time.