How to clean your carpets
If your carpet’s are looking like they have seen better days, here’s the kit and know-how you need to freshen them up again
Start by vacuuming
Before you whip out the stain removers, you need to rid your carpet of any loose dirt, dust and hair (and fur, too, if you have pets). Don’t just vacuum around furniture, try get right under sofas, armchairs and beds- ask for help with moving them if necessary- and clear your dining room of chairs so you can move around easily. Remember to wipe windowsills, blinds and skirtings as the falling dust can be vacuumed up too. Use the various nozzles or heads that come with your vacuum cleaner for a really thorough clean right up to the skirting boards.
Tackle the stains
Now that your carpet is (superficially) clean, it’ll be easier to locate any marks, scuffs or stains. Apply a stain remover, and rub using medium pressure for a few minutes. Don’t use too much force, as you could damage the fibres. Wait around an hour for the patch to dry and try again if the stain hasn’t completely vanished. For future stains, always tackle them as soon as they happen. Blot them repeatedly with a cold, damp cloth until they disappear- don’t rub or use hot water as bath will seal the stain.
Freshen it up
Skipped shampoo? Finish the job by deodorising your carpet. Available in spray, foam or powder form, apply a carpet refresher and leave for a few hours before finishing off with a good vacuum. Keep your carpets clean by vacuuming three times a week.
Time for deep clean
If you have a pale or neutral-coloured carpet, it’ll really benefit from a deep clean. Either hire a carpet cleaner or invest in your own machine. Place plastic under the legs of the pieces of furniture left in the room to prevent water damage from the cleaning. When you’ve cleaned the entire floor, make the room a strictly foot traffic-free zone to allow it to fully dry- anything from two to 24 hours as required- ensuring that the room is well ventilated throughout. Before it dries, pour two cups of white vinegar into a spray bottle and lightly mist over the carpet to maximise your deep-cleaning efforts. The vinegar will help disinfect the carpet. Be careful not to clean yourself into a corner-start from the furthest area of the room and work your way to the door.
