How to clean a carpet?

How to clean and disinfect a carpet?

Carpet does not have an easy life. People walk on it, accidentally spill various liquids on it, dust gets stuck in it easily… Not to mention that it absorbs the smells of the house: smells of cooking, cigarettes, pets, etc.

Before ripping everything out, it may be worth trying to clean a carpet thanks to some homemade tricks, among other things. But be careful, remember to test the cleaning method on a small non-visible area of ​​the carpet to avoid damaging or discoloring it.

1. Steam carpet cleaning

Steam cleaning has a great advantage, that of eliminating almost 100% of bacteria and germs on surfaces. When you have a carpet and want to keep it for many years, it may be worth investing in a good steam mop that can disinfect a carpet.

Make sure your carpet fiber is steam-cleanable by reading the cleaning instructions and doing a test on a small area.

2. Carpet cleaner

To remove a stain from a carpet, it is advisable to use a cleaning product specifically designed for this purpose. There are different cleaning solutions and some are even formulated to remove stains left by pets.

You can use them directly on stains, or with a carpet shampooer. Be sure to read the cleaning advice on the back of your carpet and on the product packaging to avoid damaging the fibers or the color.

To clean stubborn stains on a carpet or rug, here is a really effective product and cleaning brush:

3. Dry cleaning a carpet

If the fibers of your carpet cannot be wetted, it is better to turn to dry cleaning. And it is not always necessary to deal with a professional, because some dry cleaning products for carpets are available.

For example, Sommières earth will be useful for removing a stain from a carpet, especially if it is greasy. Terre de Sommières helps loosen and absorb grease on the carpet, without leaving rings and without altering the colour.

This product can be used even on fine fabrics, leather and other materials and surfaces.

4. Clean a carpet with white vinegar

In addition to costing almost nothing, white vinegar has bactericidal, antiseptic and cleansing properties. To remove a stain from a carpet and disinfect it, you can use a recipe combining white vinegar and salt:

• ½ cup white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons of salt

Let the salt dissolve in the vinegar, then rub the stain with this solution and rinse with a damp sponge. Once everything is dry, all you have to do is vacuum it up.

5. Clean a carpet with baking soda

A natural way to clean a carpet in addition to deodorizing it is to use baking soda. Here’s how :

• Begin by vacuuming to remove dust and debris.
• Sprinkle baking soda all over the carpet
• For a thorough cleaning, run a brush over the entire surface so that the baking soda coats all the fibers of the carpet, especially where there are stains.
• Leave on for a few hours, even overnight
• Carefully vacuum in all directions. This will revive the fibers of your carpet.

6. Clean a carpet with sparkling water

For a stubborn stain on a carpet, try cleaning it with club soda combined with white vinegar. Mix the two liquids in equal parts, then apply the mixture directly to the stain and dab it with a clean white cloth. This recipe will be useful to remove coffee stains, wine stains, vomit stains

and even urine. V

You could also use only sparkling water and rub gently with a clean white cloth. Let the water sit for 30 minutes, then sprinkle baking soda on the carpet. When the baking soda is dry, vacuum it.

7. Shaving foam to clean a carpet

To remove a stain from a carpet, apply a generous amount of shaving foam. Leave on for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight. Then all you have to do is scrub the stain and vacuum it up.

8. Lemon juice to clean a carpet

Some stains, such as those left by mud or dirt, can be cleaned with lemon juice. To do this, simply dilute fresh lemon juice in a little water, then gently rub the stain on the carpet.

You could also make a paste of fresh lemon juice and salt and use it to remove a stain from your carpet.

• Gently rub the stain with this paste
• Rinse with a damp sponge
• Let it dry and then vacuum it well.

Of course, you will first have to test this solution on a small non-visible part of your carpet.

9. Cleaning a carpet with ammonia

For stubborn stains on your carpet, you can use ammonia. Simply pour a little on a damp cloth, then dab the stain until it disappears. Then rinse with a clean cloth soaked in water and let dry.

10. Maintain and protect your carpet from stains

The best way to keep a carpet in good condition is to vacuum it regularly, and give it a monthly baking soda treatment. And once your carpet is clean, you will surely want to avoid re-soiling it. Be aware that there are waterproofing and stain-resistant products for carpets.

These products are mostly odorless and invisible, and keep your carpet looking like new. They can also be applied to your fabric or leather armchairs, and even to certain clothes.

If you are rather looking for cleaning tips for a floater then this article is to read: Cleaning a floating floor?