14/01/2024
DIY vs. Professional Carpet Cleaning!
It's the weekend, a good time to do some housework, particularly cleaning.
When it comes to carpets and upholstery, it may not be an easy decision whether to try a DIY project that may save time and money or to get a professional carpet cleaner to deal with the problem.
The answer depends on a variety of factors. Condition of the carpet, type of fibres in the carpet, type of spots, dirt or spillage, how old it is, and other factors.
I will mention some general tips for cleaning that will help everyone follow a safe approach.
1- Hoovering
Hoover more often, especially if there are pets or heavy traffic areas. Invest in a good-quality hoover with good filters.
2. Identify the carpet type.
Identify the type of carpet if you can (natural fibres vs. synthetic). Woollen carpets can be damaged by certain chemicals. Always use wool-safe products (there is a list of safe consumer products on the wool-safe organisation website).
3 - No bleach
Do not use over-the-counter products that contain a bleaching agent; it may cause permanent damage to the colours.
4 - Test the cleaning solution before application.
Do a small patch test of the chemical or cleaning solution intended to be used on a hidden area of the carpet. Always apply the chemicals to a white towel rather than straight into the carpet. Check for colour changes or transfer.
5: Do not overwet the carpet.
Do not use an excessive amount of water. After the cleaning process, ensure the carpet is as dry as possible.
Overwetting could cause permanent damage or a bad smell.
Hiring some carpet cleaning machines may cause overwetting of the carpets, so be aware of that.
6: Dealing with fresh spots
Remove the excess with a blunt knife. Use a dry towel with pressure to absorb as much as possible (do not rub!).
Work from the edges towards the centre.
Use water mixed with white vinegar. Alternatively, you could use a gentle, wool-safe detergent. There are situations where you can use washing-up liquid or soda (details can be found on the NCCA website). From my experience, these may be difficult to rinse without a wet vacuum.
Rinse with water mixed with a small amount of white vinegar in a sprayer (don't overwet).
Dry with a towel or a cloth.
7: Hot vs. cold water
Hot water usually yields better results. However, there are situations where hot water shouldn't be used, like dealing with blood stains.
8: Dry, dry, and dry!
Ensure you leave the carpet as dry as possible at the end. For spots, you could use towels or a hair dryer. Fans and dehumidifiers can be helpful as well, especially for larger areas.
Finally, if you are not sure, please contact a professional carpet cleaner. Dealing with certain spots requires training, professional tools, and appropriate chemicals and processes
You may save time and money by not causing damage to the carpet!
Links for further information
https://ncca.co.uk/category/news
https://www.woolsafe.org/carpet-rug-care-guide/
At Somerset Fresh Carpet, we will be happy to help!
01823 778158
