Carpets and rugs alike are unfortunately a magnet for dirt, grime, dust, and all sorts of other unwanted things! Within a matter of days, they can go from being tidy and clean, to shockingly dirty. This is no surprise though, as your carpets and rugs are walked on every day!
Carpet is one of the most significant investments in your home, along with rugs, which can be fairly pricey. So, it’s important to maintain them as much as possible to prolong their lifespan. Here are 6 simple hacks to keep your carpets and rugs clean, as well as an all-natural carpet cleaner that you can make right at home.
Use Doormats
To keep your carpets and rugs as clean as possible, it’s best to try to take proactive measures to stop the dirt and grime from even getting in the door. Using a doormat is a great way to do this. Though it won’t keep all the dirt and grime from entering your home, it’s certainly effective at keeping a decent amount inside.
Place a doormat on the inside and outside of every entrance to your home to minimize dirt from being tracked throughout your home. Always thoroughly wipe your shoes off before entering your home, and encourage your family and friends to do the same.
Take Your Shoes Off at the Door
Keeping your shoes on within your home is a sure way to spread dirt, grime, bacteria, and even fecal matter everywhere you step. Think about it; do you want all the dirt and bacteria from the grocery store, park, or even sidewalk in your home? Plus, shoes cause much more wear and tear on your carpets and rugs than your feet, and can even compact dirt further into them, resulting in damage and matting.
So, once you wipe down your shoes on the doormat, the first thing you should do is take them off at the door. Once they’re off, you can transfer them to their proper storage space by hand. If you really want your carpets or rugs to stay clean, really enforce this rule in your home. After all, you have the right to protect your investments!
Vacuum Regularly (With Baking Soda)
By vacuuming your carpets and rugs just once a week, this can enhance the cleanliness of your home tremendously. In high-traffic areas or pet areas, you might need to increase the frequency a little. Doing so will prevent dirt buildup that results in matting, damage, and discoloration. Fortunately, this doesn’t just benefit your carpets alone, but also your overall air quality, as unnecessary dust and dirt is removed from the air. So, create a vacuum schedule and really try to stick to it!
For extra cleanliness and to deodorize your carpets or rugs, sprinkle some baking soda over them before you vacuum. Let it sit for a few minutes, then vacuum like normal!
Change Your Air Filters Regularly
Your air filters are responsible for minimizing the dust and particles that can circulate through your home. However, if your air filters are dirty, they can’t do their job as effectively, resulting in more dust and particles being allowed to fall on your carpets and rugs and more stress on your HVAC system. So, be sure to change your air filters regularly. Professionals suggest changing them every 90 days if you don’t have a furry animal in the home and every 60 days if you do.
Clean Up Stains Right When They Happen
Stains are inevitable when it comes to carpets and rugs, especially if there are children or pets in the home. However, whenever that “oops” moment happens, be sure to clean up the stain as quickly as possible. The longer the stain is allowed to sit, the more difficult it will be to remove.
When removing a stain, try to avoid using a colored-cloth, as the dye could transfer to your carpet. Also, though this may seem counterintuitive, avoid aggressive scrubbing; stick with blotting! Keep reading till the end for an effective natural carpet cleaner you can make right at home.
Get an Annual Professional Cleaning
It’s always a good idea to get a professional deep cleaning at least once a year, not just for your carpet and rugs, but your entire home! Just one, professional cleaning a year will ensure that any dirt, dust, grime, and other unwanted things are removed from your home. A good green cleaning will also ensure that your air quality is stellar and safe for you and your family.
If you’re looking for a reputable green cleaning company, our team at Kauai Green Cleaning Services offers exceptional deep cleaning services for homes, rental properties, and businesses! We will ensure that your carpets, rugs, and overall property are thoroughly cleaned. Call us today at (808) 652-5391 to schedule your deep cleaning.
Easy & Natural DIY Carpet Cleaner
When the stains happen, here’s an easy and natural solution that’ll get the mess right up! Best part is, you probably already have all of these ingredients!
You’ll need:
- 1 tablespoon of white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon of dish soap
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1 cup of warm water
- Small spray bottle
- Clean, absorbent towel
- Clean sponge
Directions:
- Place the dish soap and white vinegar into the spray bottle, then top with warm water. Add the baking soda, then quickly screw the top of the spray bottle on. Work over a sink to avoid any messes.
- Thoroughly vacuum over the affected area, then gently wipe it down with the tough side of a sponge.
- Generously soak the affected area with your natural carpet cleaner and let sit for a few minutes. Then, gently blot and rub with the towel. Continue this process until the stain is completely gone.
