Carpets and rugs create a special atmosphere of cosiness at home. They make the interior complete, they are pleasant to walk on barefoot, and they keep you warm in winter. However, dirt is trapped in their pile, and it is important to know how to clean a carpet properly to get rid of dust and crumbs completely.

Most cleaning products discolour carpets over time, which shortens their lifespan. In addition, they can damage the pile. But OBOZREVATEL has found out that there is a four-step cleaning procedure that will provide results at the level of professional care and will not harm the carpet.

Preparing for cleaning

If possible, it is better to clean the carpet not in living quarters, but where it can be properly washed and dried. For example, on a terrace or in a paved yard.

Before working, you need to put something under the item so that it does not get dirty from the inside and is not damaged. Old towels or bedding are ideal for this.

Also, read the label to know exactly how to clean your carpet. And be sure to test all the products you plan to use for cleaning in an inconspicuous area.

First step: remove dust and solid dirt

If you wash a carpet that has not been thoroughly vacuumed, dry dirt will turn into liquid dirt, spread over it and may leave stains. Therefore, thoroughly vacuum the fleecy surface of the object, or better yet, beat it out.

It is quite possible that this step will be enough to care for your home carpet, because it does not collect much dirt. However, you can still freshen it up with baking soda, which neutralises unpleasant odours. Just sprinkle it on top of the carpet and leave it overnight, and vacuum it up in the morning.

Step two: remove stains

If you have a visible stain on your carpet, determine what type of contaminant it is. It could be food and drink stains, cosmetic, paint or marker residue, pet marks, etc.

It is better to remove stains when they are fresh. Use a spoon to scrape off all the dirt you can, whether it is dry or wet. Then blot the stain with a clean cloth or paper towel. Repeat until all possible liquid is absorbed. Do not rub the fibres to avoid rubbing dirt into them. Then treat the stain with a detergent suitable for the type of stain, such as dishwashing liquid, carpet shampoo, special stain remover, vinegar, etc. Don't use liquid cosmetic soap or laundry detergent - they leave marks on carpets. And avoid excessive foaming - it is difficult to remove the foam from the pile completely. Clean the stain from the edges to the centre. Do not rub it, but rather treat it several times until it disappears completely.

Step three: washing

If conditions permit, rinse the carpet with clean water. Water it until the water runs clear. Then blot the item with a dry cloth to absorb all the excess liquid and proceed to the last step.

Step four: drying

Leave the carpet to dry outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. The main thing is that no one should walk on it while it is drying. This will crush the villi and the thing will not be soft and fluffy.

If possible, dry the carpet on a rope or hanging on the wall. And do not put it back until it is completely dry. Even a small amount of moisture can cause mould in the carpet.

Earlier, OBOZREVATEL told how to get rid of unpleasant odours in the kitchen.

Subscribe to OBOZREVATEL's Telegram and Viber channels to keep up with the latest news.