Do you remove the rugs at home when spring comes? Follow these cleaning tips to remove stains and preserve textiles. Carpet cleaning requires thorough cleaning at least once a year. So if you plan to store it in the spring, it is an excellent opportunity to do it now so that it is kept in perfect condition until you put it back in the fall. Of course, you can always take it to a professional service to have it cleaned, many times; they keep them for months until you need them again.
You can use one of these handheld steam vacuums. However, it is always advisable to check the color fastness at high temperatures on an inconspicuous part of the carpet and use the steam level at a minimum. Before steam cleaning, it is imperative to vacuum the hairs and dust. Then activate the steam with the suction function simultaneously.
1- HOW TO CLEAN THE CARPET BY HAND?
It’s simpler than you think. For example, to remove dust, you should use the vacuum cleaner regularly, whenever possible, on both sides. As for the frequency, it will depend on the use. A living room rug is not the same as a bedroom accessory. Bagless vacuum cleaners are practical and functional; choose the model that suits your needs.
The best trick to eliminate foul odors, including tobacco, is to sprinkle baking soda over the entire carpet and vacuum. When pets are at home, we encourage you to create a homemade hair remover, like those on clothes, but in a maxi version. This simple craft is made with an empty bottle covered with sealing tape, so you will have a very effective roller to remove the hairs.
If the carpet is in a high traffic area, it is recommended to rotate the carpet 2-3 times a year so that its wear is similar. The rotation would be 180º, the part on the right would be on the left, and vice versa.
TIPS TO REMOVE STAINS:
Whenever we talk about carpets and stains, the most important thing is to be clear that you have to act quickly to prevent the stain from drying out. To clean a carpet easily and quickly, it is essential to know what you are dealing with. It is essential to let the fabric dry well after the cleaning operation, so try not to use it for 8 or 10 hours.
2- Solid stains
The Solid stains are removed by picking up what has fallen with the help of a spoon or by scraping the surface. However, when a liquid has produced the dirt, you will have to use absorbent paper. It is forbidden to rub the substance that has fallen because it would cause the stain to spread.
3- How do you dry clean the carpet?
You have to start from the edge of the stain and work your way inwards. If you have to use water to clean the stain, it should be dried well. We give you a good tip so that the drying is perfect and the excess water disappears: place a towel under the stained area. The most common stains are removed with a brush in water with vinegar or water with a bit of ammonia.
TYPES OF CARPET STAINS:
Dirt is very common in this type of textiles, and it is perhaps one of the most suffered pieces of the house. We step on them, and sometimes they tear, all kinds of objects and fluids fall on them…Here are some tricks to clean solid and liquid debris:
4- Grease stains
Oil, butter, creams, honey, or ballpoint ink, wipe dry. Apply a neutral carpet detergent with a sponge and dry with kitchen paper or a clean white cloth.
5- Coffee stains
Absorb the liquid with kitchen paper or vacuum. Apply a neutral detergent solution, mild vinegar, warm water with a sponge, rinse with a clean white cloth, and dry with absorbent paper. This method is also effective with milk, tea, cocoa, chocolate, ice cream, wine, spirits, soft drinks, blood stains…
6- Sauce stains
Remove stain residue with warm water and a clean white cloth. Apply neutral detergent dissolved in warm water with a sponge, rinse with a white cloth, and dry with paper. Follow the same steps with remains of eggs, fruit juices, vomit…
7- Mud stains
Once dry, brush and vacuum, then apply a solution of warm water with ammonia (three parts water and one part ammonia) with a sponge and rinse with warm water and a clean white cloth and let dry.
WHERE TO STORE THE RUG:
The change of season at home implies keeping the carpet free from dust and mites, but above all, you have to protect it from extreme changes in temperature and humidity. Store it in a plastic or cloth bag to insulate it even more from dust and moisture. Whenever you can, store the rug horizontally without placing anything on top of it. One more option, before rolling it up, you can spread some mothballs and some bay leaves on the rug’s surface.
8- Clean and disinfect carpet
The first thing is to clean and disinfect the carpet and then shake it. After washing and drying, it is advisable to put an old sheet on the floor, under the piece, to start rolling up the rugs, this way, and you will avoid permanent marks and wrinkles. Avoid bending them, so they have a longer life.
9- Large Rugs
To store large rugs, you will probably need two sheets. The rug should be in the center of the sheet and leave about 30 cm of the sheet around the rug’s perimeter. Next, make a roll with the rug and the sheet. The sheet that is left lengthwise, fold it inward. The sheet above and below ties it with a fine rope as if it were a candy wrapper. Finally, secure the roll by tying string or packing tape; you will need three, top, bottom, and middle if it is a large rug.
10- Rugs in summer
Before putting the rug away for the summer, check if any of the pile has sunk in because furniture legs often leave marks. Try a foolproof trick to get back to standard shape: place an ice cube on the area for a few minutes, and it will be as good as new.
