Carpets add warmth and softness to a room but can trap dirt, dust, bacteria, and odors. Routine carpet cleaning helps remove these elements and extends the life of the fibers.
To get the most out of carpet cleaning, always vacuum before applying cleaner and spot treat as needed. Dab rather than rub stains, and never over-scrub—too much scrubbing can force the stain deeper into the fibers. Contact Carpet Cleaning Orem now!
Most people know their carpets need regular cleaning to look and feel their best. This usually means vacuuming on a weekly basis and the occasional spot treatment of spills or pet accidents using an appropriate commercial stain remover.
The main reason for this is the level of dirt that accumulates in carpeting. Most dirt isn’t visible to the naked eye but it can actually be abrasive and wear down the fibers of the carpet leading to premature deterioration and costly replacement.
Most carpet manufacturers recommend having the carpet professionally cleaned at least once a year, especially in high-traffic areas or if you have pets. This will reduce the amount of dirt that builds up in the carpet and help it retain its lustre and texture.
Standard cleaning only lifts the dirt enough to make it go into the vacuum cleaner bag and it doesn’t address insoluble soiling like oils, tar or gum. These soils need a lot of moisture, chemicals and agitation to break down and be removed from the carpet fibers.
Oily residues from household cleaning products, cooking, frying foods and automobile emissions bond, cure or dry on the surface of carpet fibers making them very difficult to remove with vacuuming or spot treatments. These residues also cause rapid re-soiling, leaving the carpet with a dingy appearance even though it may be clean.
The most common type of insoluble soil is sand and dry particulate matter tracked into the home on shoes and furniture. This abrasive soil cuts and scratches the fibers of the carpet which leads to premature wear and a dull, worn out appearance. The remainder of the insoluble soiling is composed of greases and oils which are acidic in nature. Mild alkaline cleaners are required to break down these acids and enhance removal of the soil.
Pet Hair
Pet hair is one of the biggest challenges when it comes to keeping carpets clean. Even with regular vacuuming, hair will get trapped in the fibers of the carpet and can be difficult to remove. This is especially true if you have a breed of pet that sheds a lot, such as a husky or German shepherd dog.
The good news is that there are several tricks and tools to help you keep your carpets looking and smelling their best. For example, rubbing the carpet with wet hands can help to loosen and gather the hair into piles that can then be easily swept or vacuumed away. Another option is to use a special carpet rake that has rubber bristles or nylon that can be run over the carpet to make it easier for the vacuum cleaner to pick up the hair.
Of course, it’s important to regularly vacuum and have the carpets professionally cleaned as well. Professionals will be able to reach into the deepest fibers of the carpet and remove any dirt, debris, or odors that may be stuck there. In addition, regular carpet cleanings can also help prevent allergens such as pet dander from building up in the home.
Another great trick for removing pet hair is to mix together water and fabric softener in a spray bottle and then apply it to the carpet. This will help to break down the proteins in the hair and make it more easily brushed or vacuumed away.
It’s also a good idea to have a few pet-safe stain removal solutions on hand in case your pet has an accident. For example, you can try using baking soda to tackle urine stains, or a mixture of equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water (always test any homemade cleaning solution on a small section of the carpet first to ensure that it doesn’t discolor the fibers). In addition, you can try a natural deodorizer by sprinkling on some baking soda and letting it sit for a few minutes before vacuuming up the odor. The more you can do to prevent stains, allergens, and odors from building up in your carpets, the healthier and happier your pets will be — and the more time you’ll have to spend cuddling with them!
Dust
Carpets absorb soil and dust particles, which get trapped in the fibers. This is especially true of high traffic areas which may require more frequent cleaning to maintain appearance and contribute to good indoor air quality. Dirty carpets can contain oily residue from rooms in your home, greasy dirt tracked in from outside, pet dander and hair, asphalt, sand, smoke particles, fungus, bacteria and more. These pollutants are then re-distributed into the air every time you walk across the carpet. Over time, this makes your visually clean carpet look full of goop and can actually change the color of the carpet fibers.
Using a vacuum cleaner with a strong suction is the best way to remove surface level grime from your carpet. It is a good idea to use a vacuum with a HEPA filter, especially in high traffic areas. Vacuuming is essential to keeping your carpet looking great and promoting healthy living.
Dirty carpets can also pose health concerns for your family. Dust mites, a common problem in dirty homes, live in carpet and release feces that are known to trigger asthma, eczema and rhinitis. Regular professional carpet cleaning eliminates these pests and their droppings as well as other harmful debris from your carpet fibers to improve your family’s overall health.
The accumulated dirt and dust that gets embedded in your carpet can cause permanent damage to the pile as well as resoil your carpet quickly if not removed properly. To prevent this, you must vacuum regularly, use doormats at all entrances, and clean up spills as soon as they occur. In addition, a hot water extraction (steam cleaning) should be used every 6 to 12 months to remove deeply embedded dirt and grime. This method involves injecting hot water and a cleaning solution into your carpet at high pressure then extracting the loosened contaminants along with the cleaning solution. This type of deep cleaning is recommended or even required by the carpet manufacturer to maintain the warranty on your carpet. It is also recommended that you use only Seal of Approval (SOA) carpet cleaning solutions to ensure proper results and maintain the longevity of your carpet.
Allergens
Carpets can be reservoirs for allergens like dust mites, pet dander, mold spores and pollen. When exposed to air, these can trigger allergic reactions that lead to watery eyes and a runny nose. While daily vacuuming removes some of these particles, they often remain deep within the fibers. Regular professional cleaning eliminates them and keeps your allergy-prone family members more comfortable in their home environment.
In addition to regularly scheduled cleaning, a comprehensive allergy-prevention routine can help keep the allergies at bay. Regularly washing bedding and curtains, having guests wipe their feet or remove shoes upon entering the home, and utilizing entryway mats can significantly reduce the introduction of new allergens into the home. Regularly washing pets with a brush designed for their size and keeping them on leashes can also minimize pet dander. Addressing spills and stains promptly can also prevent them from soaking into the carpet, which can cause it to become a breeding ground for allergens.
Allergens are more than just a nuisance, especially for people with sensitive immune systems and chronic respiratory conditions. They can also lead to more serious medical problems in some cases, making them a health hazard for the whole household.
For these reasons, it is important to use a natural and environmentally friendly carpet treatment such as Fiber-Shield, which provides long-lasting beauty while helping you create a healthier living environment. Fiber-Shield’s protective barrier can repel a variety of common allergens including pet dander, food particles, dust mites, mud and mold spores.
Carpets are a great addition to any interior design, but they can also contribute to poor indoor air quality, especially in homes with allergy-prone families. Using a professional cleaning service that utilizes high-temperature steam can significantly improve the condition of your carpeting and eliminate many allergens. For additional protection against allergy-causing particles, choose cleaning products that are labeled as asthma-friendly and have undergone thorough allergen testing. Taking these precautions can reduce the need for frequent professional carpet cleaning and prevent allergy symptoms for your entire family.