Carpets are a type of soft flooring material, unlike hard flooring materials such as marble and tiles. They offer advantages such as slip resistance, dust absorption, and noise reduction. As the weather cools, laying a plush carpet in your home can bring warmth to the living space. With improved living standards, many people are now using carpets in their homes. Everyone knows that carpets need to be cleaned regularly. So, what are the methods for cleaning carpeted floors, and how should carpets be maintained?
Daily Carpet Maintenance
1. Vacuuming
Vacuuming is the most basic part of carpet maintenance and must be done daily. It's best to vacuum each area twice. The first pass should be against the carpet pile, which requires more effort but ensures thorough cleaning. The second pass should be in the direction of the carpet pile to restore the original pile direction and prevent pile disarray, which can cause color differences. It's important to emphasize that regardless of how many times you vacuum, the last pass must always be in the direction of the pile. For public areas, vacuuming should be done using a vacuum cleaner with a rotating brush and pile vibrator for daily cleaning. This vibrator usually includes one or more brush strips, which are more effective in removing dust from the surface or deep within the carpet. From the day the carpet is installed, it's crucial to vacuum thoroughly every day. Never think that you can do a thorough cleaning tomorrow; once dust settles and accumulates, it becomes difficult to remove with daily vacuuming. Regularly washing carpets in different areas can restore their original appearance and extend their lifespan. There are two basic methods for carpet cleaning: dry cleaning and wet cleaning.
2. Dry Cleaning
There are two methods for dry cleaning carpets:
(1). Foam Dry Cleaning
This is the most common method of surface foam cleaning for carpets. A foam dry cleaning machine uses a rotating brush and an integrated wet vacuum head to spray a large amount of detergent onto the carpet pile. Under the action of the rotating brush, the detergent cleans the pile, and then a vacuum cleaner removes the cleaning foam and suspended dust. (2) Dry Extraction Cleaning Method
This method involves spraying a mixture of solvents, emulsifiers, water, and detergents onto the carpet surface using manual or automated dispensing equipment. The mixture is then brushed into the carpet pile using cleaning equipment, followed by 30 minutes of rotary cleaning, after which the cleaning solution and dirt are vacuumed away. Dry cleaning is a surface cleaning method that effectively restores the cleanliness of the carpet surface, but it does not remove deeply embedded dirt. For thorough cleaning, wet cleaning (water washing) is necessary.
3. Wet Cleaning
When oil stains and other sticky substances accumulate significantly on the carpet, and dust and dirt buildup affect the carpet's color and pile resilience, and dry cleaning is insufficient, wet cleaning, or thorough cleaning, should be performed. There are two methods for wet cleaning carpets:
(1) Spray Extraction Cleaning Method
This method involves spraying hot water and detergent onto the carpet under pressure. Under the action of water and detergent, a carpet cleaning machine equipped with rotating or oscillating brushes is used to separate the dirt from the fibers, which is then vacuumed away.
(2) Steam Cleaning Method
This is a highly effective and thorough carpet cleaning method for removing embedded dirt from the carpet pile and surface. It is also known as the extraction cleaning method. A special steam dry cleaning machine releases a steam solvent composed of a mixture of water and cleaning solution onto the carpet. Mechanical oscillating brushes then agitate the carpet, causing the dirt to detach from the carpet fibers and become suspended in the solvent, which is then removed by an integrated vacuum head.
Carpet Maintenance Tips
1. Clean promptly. Vacuum daily and don't wait until a large amount of stains and dirt have penetrated the carpet fibers. Frequent cleaning makes it easier to clean. When cleaning the carpet, be sure to clean the floor underneath as well.
2. Use evenly. After a few years of use, it's best to rotate the carpet's position to ensure even wear. If some areas become uneven, gently pat them or lightly iron them with a steam iron.
3. Stain removal methods. Ink stains can be wiped with citric acid; the wiped area should be rinsed with water, and then dried with a dry towel. Coffee, cocoa, and tea stains can be removed with glycerin. Fruit juice stains can be removed with cold water and a small amount of diluted ammonia solution. Paint stains can be treated by mixing gasoline and laundry detergent into a paste, applying it to the paint stain at night, and then washing it with warm water the next morning, followed by drying with a dry towel.
4. Removing foreign objects. For light materials like lint and paper scraps on the carpet, a vacuum cleaner will suffice. If you accidentally break a glass on the carpet, you can use wide adhesive tape to pick up the broken glass. If the broken glass is in powder form, you can use cotton dipped in water to pick it up, and then vacuum.
5. For burn marks on the carpet, if not severe, use a stiff brush or a nickel coin to brush away the burnt fibers. For severe burn marks, place a book on top, wait until it dries, and then comb the fibers.
6. Carpet dust removal. Soak a broom in soapy water and sweep the carpet, keeping the broom wet. Then sprinkle fine salt on the carpet and sweep again. Finally, wipe with a dry cloth. If possible, synthetic fiber carpets can be washed with water and air-dried. Pure wool carpets should be placed in the sun for a while periodically, making sure to turn the carpet over to sun both sides. Hang it on a rope and beat it with a thin stick to remove as much dust as possible. This can also effectively kill mites on the carpet.
7. Use vinegar to eliminate pet odors from carpets. Add 4 cups of vinegar to 4 liters of warm water, soak a towel in the solution, wring it out, and then wipe the carpet. Vinegar can not only prevent carpets from discoloring or fading, but also eliminate pet odors (baking soda also has deodorizing properties). After cleaning, simply let it air dry in a well-ventilated area. Carpet Dust Removal Method: When cleaning carpets, you can sprinkle some salt first, which helps to suppress dust from flying around. Because salt can absorb dust, even the smallest dust particles can be cleaned thoroughly. At the same time, it can also make the carpet more durable and maintain its vibrant color.
8. How to remove coffee stains from carpets. If you accidentally spill coffee on the carpet, first use a dry cloth or tissue to absorb the moisture, then mix equal parts of white wine and alcohol and sprinkle it on the stain, and wipe it clean with a dry cloth. If you don't have white wine, vinegar has the same effect. Therefore, if you have leftover white wine at home, you can make good use of it to maintain home cleanliness. In addition to coffee, food stains that easily leave colors, such as black tea, can also be removed using the same method.
9. How to remove chewing gum stuck to the carpet. First, put ice cubes in a plastic bag and press it on top of the chewing gum to solidify it. Then, press it with your hand to test it. Once the chewing gum is completely hardened, remove it with a brush or toothbrush, and finally brush it thoroughly. Do not use any chemical diluents, as this will damage the carpet and be counterproductive.
Common Misconceptions about Carpet Maintenance
1. Mistaking loose fibers for shedding
Many people notice a thin layer of loose fibers on the surface of their carpet, or that the fibers are of uneven length, and mistakenly believe the carpet is shedding. However, the presence of loose fibers is common in short-fiber wool carpets. Don't mistakenly think it's shedding and replace the carpet unnecessarily.
Tip: If you notice uneven fiber lengths, simply smooth the fibers in the same direction with your hand.
2. Believing frequent washing is necessary for maintenance
Many people think that to keep their carpet clean, they need to wash it frequently. However, frequent washing affects the carpet's softness, color, and luster, and shortens its lifespan.
Tip: Vacuuming is sufficient for daily maintenance. Thorough cleaning should only be done periodically, unless there are specific stains.
3. Using strong bleach for cleaning
Strong bleach can effectively clean stains on carpets, but contact with strong bleach can cause chemical stains or discoloration. More seriously, it can lead to corrosion and even holes in the carpet.
Tip: When using strong bleach to clean carpet stains, dilute it with water before use.
4. Drying carpets in direct sunlight
Many people put washed carpets in direct sunlight to dry them faster, or to sterilize them. This is incorrect. While 1-2 hours of sunlight is generally fine, prolonged exposure to sunlight will cause the carpet to lose its original softness and color, ultimately doing more harm than good.
Tip: The best way to dry a carpet is to air dry it in a well-ventilated area. This minimizes damage to the carpet.
In conclusion, proper carpet maintenance is crucial for preserving its appearance, extending its lifespan, and ensuring a healthy indoor environment. By following the right cleaning methods, adhering to practical maintenance tips, and avoiding common misconceptions, you can keep your carpets looking their best and functioning effectively for years to come. Remember, a well-maintained carpet not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your home but also contributes to a more comfortable and hygienic living space.
