When most people think about keeping their carpets clean, vacuuming is the first thing that comes to mind. It's certainly the best and most effective method of carpet maintenance, since it takes out grit that can cut carpet fibers and shorten the lifespan of your floor covering. However, running the vacuum cleaner isn't all there is to home carpet care. You can clean your carpet too, without having to rent a cleaning machine or hire professionals to do the job. There are several different methods you might use, as well as different types of carpet cleaners. Here are a few of them.
Dry Carpet Cleaners
Dry cleaners are usually found in the form of powders which you shake into your carpet and vacuum up. These can come in several different formulations. Some people use baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) or washing soda (sodium carbonate) right out of the box to eliminate odors and help remove debris. Others try commercially prepared types of carpet cleaners that are available in canisters with shaker tops. These cleaners may also contain detergents to help pull dirt and stains out of the carpet. A strong vacuum cleaner is important when using these cleaners, since you'll want to vacuum up the powder and the dirt with it. Don't use too much of these cleaners in one small area or you may have trouble removing them from the carpet. Vacuum slowly and deliberately, so you won't have to go over the area once more. This is particularly important when removing dry types of carpet cleaners from plush carpets, where dirt and cleaner can become deeply embedded.
Wet Carpet Cleaners
The other type of carpet cleaners that is commonly used is wet substances, such as detergents, solvents, and weak acids. These vary in toxicity and ease of use. Some home methods, like using a weak vinegar (acetic acid) solution or a little bit of peroxide to remove organic stains are nontoxic, inexpensive, and simple. Some commercial methods are faster working and stronger, but also more likely to contain harmful chemicals. They may also require a machine, such as a carpet shampooer, to use. The strongest classes of wet carpet cleaners should only be used by professionals.
No matter what type of carpet cleaners you use, it's important to apply them first in a small, difficult to notice area of the carpet. That way, if there's an adverse reaction between the cleaner and your carpet, you won't have a damaged or discolored spot in an area that's easy to see. In general, you should apply the mildest carpet cleaner possible for your situation, to reduce the chances of carpet damage. However, with the right cleaners and some simple precautions, you can clean your carpet at home.
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