How Can I Deep Clean My Carpet Myself?

The idea of deep cleaning your carpet can be daunting. Renting those clunky steam cleaners is pricey and hiring professional help can be even more. Fortunately, there are some smart ways you can tackle this task on your own. These tips and tricks will make your rugs look better than ever.

Before starting a deep clean, you’ll want to remove any furniture that can get wet. If you have a rug that can’t be removed, place a few old towels in the affected area and weigh them down with something heavy. This will absorb excess moisture that can cause the carpet to smell or mold.

A simple homemade solution of one part water and one part vinegar can lift many different stains from the fibers of your carpet. This method works well for most general stains (think muddy footprints or smudges from little hands) and is also helpful for blood stains. The vinegar will also act as a natural disinfectant and deodorizer, keeping your carpet fresher longer.

Vacuum the area first to remove as much soil as possible. Then, use a lint roller to catch any hairs, crumbs or other specks that your vacuum cleaner may have missed. Finally, apply the cleaning product of your choice to a white cloth or paper towel and blot the area. If the cloth doesn’t pick up any color, it is safe to move forward with your cleaning. If the fabric does start to fade or change color, you should choose a different cleaning product or method.

Once you have your cleaning solution ready, begin scrubbing your carpet with a scrub brush or broom. You can also use a power or hand-held vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to help lift dirt. After scrubbing, rinse the spot with clean water and dry the carpet with clean paper towels. This is essential to prevent mildew and mold from forming, especially in damp areas.

While the area is drying, it’s best to keep people and pets off of it. This will minimize the risk of tripping or falling on wet or uneven areas and will speed up drying time. If you must walk on the carpet, be sure to wear clean shoes and take extra care.

If your carpet isn’t fully dry after a few hours, you can speed up the process by placing a fan in the room. Once the carpet is completely dry, you can move your furniture back in place.

If you notice any lingering smells after cleaning, they may be from smoke or other odor-producing substances. These odors can be difficult to eliminate without removing the carpeting altogether, but there are some steps you can take to mitigate this problem.