(Source: FreePik)
Stains, marks, color changes … The carpet suffers a lot of wear and we have to know how to clean it thoroughly, whether it is long hair or natural fibers. With proper care, you will extend your life. Here is a guide to infallible tricks. (See also: 6 Tips to Keep Your Home Clean During the Holiday Season)
Be careful with the furniture!!!
Your weight marks them. Turn it every so often so that it does not always wear on the same side.
Avoid dust
It spoils the fibers and cakes the carpets, so it is essential to vacuum it regularly.
Clean and rolled
When you want to store it, take it to the dry cleaner and store it rolled up in newspaper because it absorbs moisture.
Wear and tear and direct sunlight “eat” the color of the carpets. If your carpet has lost its original color, you can rekindle it with one of these three simple homemade tricks that will be very easy and effective. Take note:
- With fat salt. Mix in a bowl a handful of salt and water to make a paste. Spread it on the carpet and let it dry. Then, rub with a brush to act better and remove the remains with the vacuum cleaner.
- Alcohol vinegar, better hot, is another effective remedy. Rub the surface of the carpet with a cotton cloth impregnated with vinegar. Leave on for a few minutes and wipe with a dry cloth before vacuuming.
- If the carpet is dark, you can spread coffee grounds slightly moist. Remove them once they have dried.
If it has an unpleasant smell:
Neutralize it with baking soda. Sprinkle it on the surface, let it act and remove with the vacuum cleaner. Then aromatize the carpet with essential oils of lavender, cinnamon, geranium … To make it easier for you, help yourself with a spray.
If the carpet has furniture marks:
Then repair them with ice cubes. Apply them to the affected area and let them melt. The carpet will be hollowed out and the crack will eventually disappear. If the brand is resistant, use a dessert fork to lift the fibers carefully.
Ah! And rotate the position of your carpet at least once a year. Thus it wears out equally on both sides and the marks are less fixed.
The dust: The great enemy of carpets
The dust spoils the fibers and, if it is not removed, it can tear them, while caking the carpet. It is best to remove it with the vacuum cleaner. From KP Carpets recommend doing without brush, only with the vacuum tube, to prevent the carpet wear unnecessarily.
If the carpet has been stained:
Acts fast: it is the best stain remedy. The first thing you should do is remove the remains with absorbent paper. Clean from the edge to the center and never use a very wet sponge: you can make the stain expand. Before using any stain remover product, try it in a non-visible area. And for the most rebellious spots:
Of red wine
Eliminate it by rubbing the affected area with sparkling water and then spreading a cleansing foam.
Tea or coffee
They are cleaned by rubbing the stain with a mixture made with detergent and white vinegar.
Of chewing gum
Do not try to start it directly. Harden the gum with an ice cube and it will be easier to remove.
Ballpoint ink
It is removed by “pinching” the stain with a clean white cloth impregnated with milk.
If the carpet is somewhat worn:
It is best that you take it to a professional to have it repaired. You can improve the breaks, change the edges and even dye it and give it a new life. Although it is cheaper than buying a new carpet, consider it only if your carpet is of quality.
If your carpet frays:
You can place a border. They are very decorative and also prevent rugs from starting to fray. There are ribbons of edging with an adhesive part that is very easy to place and is very decorative.
If the edges of the carpet rise:
Apply a little moisture to the edges to lower the corners and recover the initial shape of the carpet. You can do it with a damp cloth or spray.
Idea! Once wet, put a weight on top to help flatten them again.
If the fringes of the carpet fray:
In Persian carpets, it is common for the fringes to come loose. Sometimes it is enough for an expert to knot the loose parts (from € 20 / m) to avoid deterioration. If this happened the restoration would be more expensive, always depending on the size of the carpet and its condition.
If the carpet is pure, you can repair the fringes yourself. Look for threads of color and thickness similar to the original ones to the base. Brush them with a solution of water and detergent.
If the carpet moves a lot:
Put an anti-slip. Change it every so often to avoid losing grip.
You have many options. You can use some rubber or rubber strips in the corners; a latex pad; or a plasticized mesh mat.
How to clean each carpet according to the material
How to clean wool carpets
Shake it to remove the dirt and then go over it with the vacuum cleaner. Wipe with a cloth impregnated in water and neutral soap and dry quickly.
How to clean cotton carpets
For necessary cleaning, the vacuum cleaner should pass both sides of the center outwards and backward. For deep cleaning, rub with white vinegar and warm water.
How to clean carpets made of synthetic fibers
With more static electricity than wool, they absorb hairs and threads. Aspirate often and clean with dry foam.
How to clean the carpet of natural fibers
Clean the sisal and jute with a cloth soaked in saltwater. Let them dry in a place without direct sun.
How to clean carpets made of ecological materials
We talk about the rugs of paper or bamboo. They are hygienic and antibacterial. Vacuum them but never shake them and treat the stains with water and neutral soap.
Keep it well and it will not deform
Before you store the carpet, it is best to take it to the dry cleaners (it will cost you around $11 / m2). Once clean, keep it rolled up with newspaper, absorb moisture and prevent the appearance of mites. Place it horizontally and do not put anything that crushes it. You can protect it with a cloth cover.
About The Author:
I’m Kathryn Robinson. I got a degree in Psychology from the University of Valencia in 2004. Master in Occupational Health and Safety in 2005 and Master in Mental System Management: neuro creativity, innovation, and sixth sense in 2016 (University of Valencia). College number CV14913. I completed the course Nutrition and obesity: control of overweight, offered by the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). Student of Social and Cultural Anthropology by the UNED.
I worked in the area of social psychology, selecting and training personnel. Starting in 2008, I work as a psychology and emotional intelligence trainer in secondary schools and offers psycho-pedagogical support to children with developmental and learning problems. Also, I am a writer and has several literary awards.
