Read also: How to Clean a Wool Rug

Oriental rugs require specific care, even for a task as simple as dusting and vacuuming.

How to Remove Dust and Dirt from Your Oriental Rug?

Whether you own a vintage Persian rug or a contemporary Turkish kilim, keeping them free from dirt and dust is important. Trapped dirt can cause permanent damage to the natural fibres of these handmade pieces and, over time, make your carpet look dingy and grimy. So, here are some tips that can help you keep your Oriental rug dust and dirt-free:

• Vacuum regularly: We recommend hoovering your Oriental rug at least once a week, even more often if it’s placed in a high-traffic area. Regular vacuuming is necessary for every carpet, but this is especially important for Oriental rugs. 
• Move the vacuum in the direction of the fibres: Run the vacuum head slowly toward the rug’s nap (the direction in which the fibres lie). 
• Clean the rug’s fringe: When cleaning an Oriental carpet, paying particular attention to the fringe tassels is essential. These tassels are the most delicate part of the rug and can quickly become undone, torn, or worn out. Over time, this can cause the rug’s knots to pull away and unravel. If you want to vacuum the fringe of your Oriental rug, it’s best to use the upholstery brush attachment. This attachment is gentle and won’t suck or pull the tassels as hard as the floor head attachment, which can cause damage to the tassels.
• Avoid using the retractable brush on the vacuum head: These attachments are usually coarse, and running them over the carpet can damage the fibres. When vacuuming, use only the floor head.
• Get a soft-bristle brush: If there is some debris ingrained in the pile, use a soft bristle brush to loosen it before vacuuming your rug.
• Clean the back of the rug: Flip the carpet over to expose its backside and vacuum it. You can also use a brush to loosen the dirt on the back.
• Beating vs. Vacuuming: If you have a powerful vacuum cleaner and are concerned that it might pull and warp the fibres of your carpet, you can try the old-school method of cleaning your rug. Remove the carpet from the floor and take it outside. Then, shake and beat it gently to remove dirt and dust manually. This method is especially recommended for braided or hand-hooked rugs rather than flat weave types.

Check also: How to Choose the Best Rug for Your Living Room

If your space receives a lot of direct sunlight during the day, the colours of your Oriental rug will fade faster.

How to Preserve the Colours of Your Oriental Rug?

The beautiful colours of handmade carpets often originate from natural and plant-based dyes. For instance, ancient Persian rugs were dyed using dried, ground madder root for reds, cochineal for reds (although this was less common), indigo for blues, weld for yellow, sequential dyeing in indigo and weld for green, walnut husks for brown and camel, and other vegetal substances for other colours. Even today, many Oriental rugs are still dyed with natural materials. Compared to chemical dyes, natural dyes give the wool a shine that is hard to surpass. Moreover, the natural dyestuffs are harmless and are becoming popular again. However, these dyes are less stable than contemporary fabric dyes, so you must take certain steps to prevent the colours from fading.

You might also like: How to clean the 3 most common types of carpets

• Keep away from direct sunlight:
  • Natural dyes, such as those found in oriental rugs, are susceptible to fading when exposed to direct sunlight. UV rays take out red colours first, as well as other strong saturated colours.
  • Keep your oriental rug away from windows to prevent colour fading.
  • Consider using thick drapes to shield the rug from sunlight exposure.
• Rotate Regularly:
  • Rotate your oriental rug periodically to ensure even wear and prevent colours from fading unevenly.
• Get UV Blocking Window Film:
  • Covering windows with UV-blocking film provides another layer of protection against UV rays, which are a primary cause of discolouration in oriental rugs.
  • The film effectively blocks harmful UV rays while still allowing natural light into the room, preserving the rug’s vibrancy and longevity.

Read also: How to Care for a Synthetic Rug

Natural dyes give your Oriental rug luscious hues but are unstable, so stain cleaning is better left to a professional.

How to Remove a Stain From Your Oriental Rug?

Accidents happen, but when you spill something into your Moroccan, Persian, or Tabriz rug, we don’t recommend trying to remove the stain yourself. There are a few reasons why DIY spot treatment is a bad idea for Oriental rugs:

• People tend to oversoak their rugs during DIY cleanings; however, natural fibres absorb a lot of water, leading to warping or shrinkage of the carpet when it gets dry.
• Soaking the carpet may also cause colour bleeding.
• If you fail to dry the carpet properly, this can lead to deterioration of the fibres and mildew.
• Store-bought stain removal products often contain ingredients that can cause colour bleeding; for example, alkaline cleaning products dissolve unstable natural dyes.
• Soap leaves a residue that attracts more dirt if not well-rinsed.

Still, if you DO have to spill something, here’s what to do before the cleaner arrives: 

• Carefully scrape off any solid bits with a spoon without rubbing the carpet, as this can push the dirt deeper into the fibres.
• Blot up excess liquid immediately with a clean, white absorbent cloth. You can also use thick paper towels.
• Never rub, as this can spread the stain.
• Schedule stain removal and deep cleaning service with an experienced carpet cleaner.

You might also like: What Are the Best Ways to Remove Pet Hair Off of Furniture and Carpets   

Remember:

• • If you DO decide to use stain removal products, always test it on an inconspicuous area of the rug before applying it to the entire surface.
  • Never use harsh chemicals, bleach, or steam cleaners on any handmade rug.
  • Consult a professional rug cleaner if you’re unsure about any cleaning method.

Check also: Stain Removal Is a Matter of Chemical Reactions

Handmade wollen and silk rugs are an ideal source of food for pests’ larvae.

How to Protect Your Oriental Rug From Pests?

Oriental rugs, particularly those made of wool and silk, can be prone to pest infestations. These types of fibres are rich in protein, making them an excellent food source for carpet beetles and carpet moths. Both species are widespread pests and can cause significant damage to rugs, carpets, kilims, and other natural fibre furnishings. They typically lay their eggs in dark, hard-to-reach corners of the house, such as behind furniture. Once the larvae hatch, they begin consuming any natural textile items nearby. Unfortunately, it’s often too late when you spot them, and the damage is done. Once Oriental rugs have been damaged, they lose their value even if repaired by professionals. Here are some tips to follow to protect your valuable Oriental carpet:

• Vacuum regularly around the house to prevent infestations. 
• Every now and then, check hard-to-reach spaces and the furniture around to clean and inspect for larvae.
• Store items susceptible to pest infestation, such as food, woollens, and furs, in insect-proof containers.

Read also: Things You Can Do to Keep Your Carpets Clean

A rug care specialist can help you prolong your Oriental carpet’s life and turn it into a family heirloom.

Deep Cleaning Your Oriental Rug

Oriental rugs need deep cleaning to maintain their value. We recommend professional carpet cleaning at least once every two years, more frequently if the rug is placed in a high-traffic area. Certified rug cleaners have the expertise and equipment to handle deep cleaning, stain removal, and fringe care, ensuring your carpet retains its vibrancy. So, don’t hesitate to contact us if you need deep cleaning or stain removal for your Oriental rug. 

By following these simple tips, you can ensure your treasured Persian, Moroccan, or Tabriz rug continues to bring you joy for years.

Check out also: How to Choose Carpets for Your New Home. 

How to Choose a Rug for Your Living Room by Textile

First off, let us look at how to choose a rug for your living room by material. The textile you choose can depend on what you are looking for. Keep in mind that if you have pets or children, you will want something more durable and stain-resistant.

1. Viscose Tencel:

If you are looking to design your home interior in a luxurious style, you could opt for viscose Tencel, also known as art silk. Viscose is a versatile fibre that provides the same comfort properties as natural fibres. It is considered semi-synthetic as it also uses natural cellulose. You will find that art silk is breathable, cool to the touch, and takes colour very easily.

You might also like: Pros and Cons of Getting a Viscose Rug

2. Polypropylene:

Having children and pets doesn’t really allow for the luxurious materials in the living room. Your best option in this case is a nice polypropylene rug. They are cheap to buy and have a long lifespan (10-15 years if well cared for). From a carpet cleaner’s perspective, this is the best choice as it is natural, durable and easy to clean and maintain.

Check also: How to Choose a Comfortable Sofa That Will Last You For Years

3. Wool:

Wool rugs are another optimal choice for your living room. Due to the lanolin in wool, this type of textile is naturally stain-resistant and much easier to clean than synthetic rugs. With a good, short pile wool rug, you won’t have any issues with spillages. If you get there in time, they are easy to blot up. Also, regular vacuuming helps keep them in tip-top condition. You can expect a lifespan of 15-20 years if you care for your wool rug properly. One thing to keep in mind, however, is that some wool rugs with strong colours can rub transfer their colour. If your rug is going over a wall-to-wall fitted carpet, this colour transfer is impossible to remove.

Read also: How to Clean and Maintain Handmade Oriental Rugs

Of course, these are just our guidelines for the best choice. Our selections are made from a professional cleaner’s point of view. This means that these are your best options regarding maintenance and cleaning. Another quick pointer, we would also recommend getting a short-pile or loop-pile rug. They are more stain-resistant and easier to clean than a long-pile one. 

How to Choose a Rug for Your Living Room by Size

Another thing you will want to consider when choosing your rug is the size you will be getting. This will depend on many things, such as the size of the room or the placement of your furniture.

A common mistake that people make is buying a floor covering that is far too small. Your standard, in-store sizes tend to be 6 x 9 feet, 8 x 10 feet or 9 x 12 feet. However, if this doesn’t suit your room type, you could always have a custom rug made. Generally, having a custom one made won’t end up being all that more expensive than buying the in-store sizes.

One thing to keep in mind if you are going for 1 big rug to cover your floor, you should keep about 4 to 8 inches of bare floor around all sides. You also have the option of sectioning your room using more than one rug. This is a good idea if you have a larger, oblong living room. You can define the sections of the space or even try layering rugs on top of the other. This would add a nice touch to the interior and work well as seasonal decorating.

You might also like: How to Choose Upholstery Fabric for Easy Care of Your Furniture

How to Choose a Rug for Your Living Room by Colour and Pattern

Now, for the final factor when decorating – how to choose a rug for your living room by colour and pattern. Of course, everyone should customize according to their own taste and style. However, here are some pointers to get a stylish, good-looking rug for your room type.

If you have bright, colourful furniture and want to have a colourful rug, you should go with patterns that compliment your soft furnishings. As for the colours, you should either go for complementing or contrasting colours. You don’t want anything that looks out of place or too in your face.

For a modern, stylish look, a single-colour rug will achieve this perfectly. You could also try a contrasting colour with patterns that match the lower colour. For example, if your lower layer is dark, try a contrasting single-colour rug or a bright colour with ornaments matching the dark shade of your floor.

You should also consider the room’s lighting before making a commitment. Cold tones suit well-lit rooms perfectly, while warm tones will complement a darker room nicely.

Check also: Decode Upholstery Labels and Choose the Best Sofa for Your Needs

There was so much to get done. Shopping, cleaning, setting the table, getting the children ready, cooking, and getting ourselves ready. By the time the guests arrived we were so exhausted, all we wanted to do was curl up in bed and call it a night.

And as if that wasn’t enough, when the guests had left, we discovered a large wine stain on the carpet. My wife let out a heavy sigh and exclaimed, “Not again!”.

Read also: Carpet Stain Removal – Even the most terrible stains can be removed

Keeping your home clean isn’t easy. The carpeted floors make it even worse. Not to mention having two daughters and a dog that are always traipsing in dirt, sand, and whatever else manages to cling to the bottoms of their shoes and paws.

However, the comfort, warmth, and aesthetic appeal that carpets bring to a room makes it worthwhile. The only downside is that they need constant care and attention.

And you can’t just ignore them either. Neglected carpets look worn, ugly, and dishevelled. Imagine the impression that would make on your guests!

As we all know, carpets can become dusty and grimy if not maintained properly. This creates the perfect environment for harmful microbes and foul smells to cultivate. Not only that, but dirty carpets also attract bacteria and insects that break down carpet fibres and breed nasty germs. These germs can be harmful to your health, comfort and air quality in your home.

That is why we have put together this guide to carpet cleaning and carpet maintenance. Here, you will find all you need to know about dealing with common and persistent stains. We will also cover the best, cost-effective products that will help you with that.

Section 1: The Importance of Carpet Cleaning

Dirty carpets can be a threat to your health and that of your family and guests. Every time you enter your house, you are bringing in allergens, such as pollen and dust with you.

These allergens can cause respiratory problems, such as wheezing, sneezing, and coughing. Dust and dirt particles are also an inviting home for bugs and insects that aren’t visible to the human eye. Not to mention the little mites that are gradually eating away at your carpet fibres.

When carpets get clogged with dust, dirt and debris at the edges, just between the carpet and the walls, it restricts the air circulation and creates a musty, unpleasant smell. The microbes also contribute to this smell and affect the air quality in your home.

Because this is something that you grow accustomed to, the smell will often go without detection to the occupants of the house. However, your guests are going to detect it immediately and wonder how you can stand it all day. Not really the impression you want to make on them, right?

Don’t get me started on pets, either. They bring in a number of harmful bacteria that cause illness every time you take them for a walk.

You might also like: Things You Can Do to Keep Your Carpets Clean

Another thing worth mentioning – if you are a tenant, you will want to be keeping your landlord’s carpet clean. Why? Your contract will more than likely contain a clause about leaving the house in tip-top condition. This has become a common point in all lease agreements these days. If you don’t comply, your landlord will pay for an end of tenancy cleaning service or a carpet cleaning service out of your deposit. And they aren’t going to choose a cheap one, are they?

What is the Average Carpet Lifespan?

The average lifespan of an inexpensive carpet in a family home is roughly 3-5 years. When we say family home, we would say 4 persons. Keep in mind that if you have a lot of guests coming in and out, you may only get 2-3 years out of your carpet.

A good, medium-grade carpet from nylon or triexta, however, could give you anywhere between 5 and 15 years. Top-of-the-range carpets should last 25 years if cared for properly.

It is good to keep in mind that if you have children or pets, your carpets are more likely to be subject to spillages, stains and friction. As you know, kids and animals don’t understand the importance of not having accidents on carpets. This means the fabric will degrade at a much faster rate.

Carpets exposed to sunlight are prone to discolouration and you will notice the fabric will become dull rather quickly. That is why you should have thick curtains or blinds in rooms that get a lot of light.

Another important factor to carpet lifespan is the length and quality of the fibre. These two things determine how much wear and tear the carpet can take.

Regular maintenance can extend the longevity of a carpet, regardless of your living conditions. Correct carpet cleaning techniques will also keep your floor coverings looking fresh and new for much longer. How you treat stains and spillages is key to the lifespan of your carpet.

Another few pointers to extending your carpets’ lifespan include removing stains as quickly as possible and vacuuming your carpet regularly. This is to make sure you keep your carpet free of dust, dirt, and insects that degrade the fabric.

Have your carpet professionally cleaned every 6-18 months to make sure you get the maximum lifespan out of it.

Check also: Pros and Cons of Getting a Viscose Rug

What Lives in Your Carpet?

Studies show that a horrifying 200,000 types of bacteria and fungi are lurking in every square inch of your carpet.

It is scary to know that your average carpet is 700x dirtier – and dangerous – than a toilet seat. It is estimated that the average UK household accumulates 20kg of grime yearly. Now imagine how much of those particles infest your carpet.

Dust and dirt also act as an abrasive against carpet fibres. Not only does it accelerate the wear-and-tear, affecting the appearance, but it can also lead to health issues.

An average of half a million dead skin cells daily are also working their way into the fibres. All together with dried saliva, hair, pet hair, and dander, all of which is fodder for microscopic insects. That would include fleas, ticks, mites, ants, flies, and spiders with their old cobwebs.

On top of that, you will typically bring in pollen, bits of dried leaves, as well as other organic matter from outside.

Carpets also absorb moisture. You know what that means – the perfect breeding grounds for biological growth.

If you have pets, as we do, the vast array of organisms living in your carpet will be magnified.

Pets attract fleas which subsequently lay eggs in your carpet fibres. Not to mention that your pets are more likely to walk faeces into the house after a walk in the park. The resulting bacteria could contain germs that cause E.coli, salmonella and Staphylococcus aureus (staph).

How Often Should I Clean My Carpets?

Vacuuming every 2-3 days is the recommended amount for removing dust, dirt and food particles that will harm your carpet fabric. Hoovering removes the majority of dust and other debris.

If you have a lot of people coming through your house, you should vacuum every day. You should also pay attention to areas subject to more traffic (entrance hall, living room) every 3-6 weeks using carpet cleaning products.

Any spillages must be treated as soon as possible. This will prevent stains and lasting damage.

How Often Should I Steam Clean My Carpets?

The best way to keep your carpets fresh and protected is by getting them steam-cleaned professionally. Steam, unlike other methods, penetrates carpet fibres, thus extracting much more dirt than a vacuum. For the majority of synthetic fibre carpets, this is the most effective cleaning method.

Natural fibre carpets, on the other hand, should be cleaned using a dry compound. Wool carpets can be cleaned using water, but you must be careful when doing it. 

If you have children, pets, or smokers living with you, it is recommended you professional steam-clean your carpets every 6 months to a year.

Households that don’t have a great deal of foot traffic or soiling won’t need to get a professional clean so often. Once a year to 18 months should suffice.

These guidelines are exactly that, however. When you notice a build-up of dirt around the doorway, you know it is time for a proper clean.

As a rule of thumb, you should clean your carpets more frequently if you:

• live with someone that has allergies;
• have young children and/or pets;
• live in a dusty region or get a lot of smog;
• have a habit of treading mud or oil into the house;
• host high-pollinating plants inside or near the house;
• live with smokers.

Now that you know the importance of carpet cleaning and how often you should do it, let us get to the main part. In the next section, you will find some of the best methods to deal with common stains on your carpet.

Section 2: How to Clean Common Carpet Stains?

Soiling your carpet is inevitable. No matter the precautions you take, your carpet is going to end up dirty.

The good news is that there are easy-to-follow, effective methods you can use for just about every type of stain. And the best part is that you can use typical household agents for most cases.

Here are some of the methods you will most likely end up needing:

How to Clean Vomit from a Carpet?

1. Use absorbent paper or an old towel to soak up most vomit and scrape away chunks of solid matter;
2. Sprinkle the contaminated area with salt or baking powder and leave the substance for 10 to 15 minutes. This will lift any residue from the carpet fibres;
3. Vacuum over the area to remove the absorbent, then treat the area with a commercial stain remover that can be used on carpets;
4. Blot the stain with a clean, damp cloth. Do not scrub the wet patch as this will push vomit into the carpet fibres;
5. Allow the afflicted area to dry overnight and, if possible, open a window to ventilate the room and get rid of the smell. If you have a steam cleaner, use it on the stained area to deep clean the fibres. A steam cleaner eliminates germs and bacteria that create foul odours.

How to Clean Human Urine from a Carpet?

1. Use an absorbent towel to blot up as much of the urine as possible. Be careful not to rub it in;
2. Mix a solution of water and vinegar; 1/2 a cup of warm water and 1/2 a cup of vinegar;
3. Saturate the afflicted area and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to absorb the residue. Now blot it dry;
4. Sprinkle baking powder or salt over the area;
5. Mix 3/4 cup of peroxide with 1tsp of dish soap. Stir the solution and gently pour it over the dry solution;
6. Put on some protective gloves and massage the solution into the carpet with your fingers;
7. Leave the area to dry out completely. You may want to lay some newspaper over the area so nobody walks through it;
8. Once the area is dry, vacuum up the salt/baking powder.

Check also: How to Remove Urine From Your Carpet and Get Rid of the Urine Smell

How to Clean Milk from a Carpet?

1. Use absorbent paper, cloth or towel to soak up as much milk as possible;
2. Take a small bowl and mix two cups of warm water with one tablespoon of liquid hand-washing detergent;
3. Lightly dampen a cloth with water and moisten it with the mixture;
4. Use the cloth to blot up the milk until the stain has disappeared;
5. Sprinkle cornstarch or ammonia over the affected area and leave it to rest for about 30-60 minutes, or however long it takes for the dry compound to soak up the remaining residue;
6. Once the area is dry, take out the hoover and vacuum the affected area of the carpet.

Check also: How to Remove Milk From Your Carpet

How to Clean Wine from a Carpet?

1. Take a dry cloth and blot up as much spilt wine as possible. The more you are able to soak up, the easier the stain is to remove;
2. Once you have soaked up the wine, pour cold water directly on to the stain. This will help to dilute whatever wine is left in the carpet fibre;
3. Continue blotting the stain with the cloth until you can’t get any more out;
4. Make a paste mix by adding baking soda to some water, one part soda and three parts water;
5. Apply the mixture to the tainted area and leave the paste to dry;
6. Hoover up the dry paste;
7. If there is still a visible stain, apply a carpet stain remover.

How to Clean Dried Blood from a Carpet?

1. Brush the affected area with a steel brush to loosen the blood particles and remove the mass of the stain from the surface;
2. Then mix one teaspoon of ammonia or dishwashing detergent with two cups of cold water;
3. Soak a dry, clean cloth or a sponge with the mixture and blot it onto the bloodstain until the stain disappears;
4. Leave the area to dry out. If the bloodstain persists, add hydrogen peroxide directly to the stain and cover it with a paper kitchen towel;
5. Then put something heavy on top of the paper towels to weigh it down so the substance is soaked up.

Read also: How to Remove Blood Stains from Carpet and Upholstery?

How to Remove Fresh Blood Stains from a Carpet?

1. Always wear gloves as handling blood is a health hazard;
2. Add some water to the bloodstain to dilute the stain and dab at it with a wet cloth. Rinse the area with cold water;
3. Dry the area with a towel or cloth, then lay some paper towels over the carpet to soak up any excess moisture;
4. Leave the area to dry out, then run the vacuum cleaner over it to plump up the carpet fibres;
5. Dispose of contaminated materials responsibly.

How to Clean Cooking Oil Stains from a Carpet?

1. Use paper towels to blot up as much oil as possible. Keep doing this until no more oil appears in the towel;
2. Apply a small amount of alcohol onto a clean washcloth and dab it onto the oil stain. Make sure to blot, and not wipe as this will spread oil across a wider surface;
3. Concoct a mixture made of 1/4 cup of water and a 1/4 teaspoon of dishwashing liquid. Ideally, the dishwashing liquid should be a well-known brand that is effective at fighting grease and does not contain any lanolin or bleach that could fade the colour of your carpet;
4. Apply the dishwashing mix to the oil stain using a clean sponge and work it into the affected area until the stain is no longer visible;
5. Wash the soap suds out with a small amount of water and blot it up with a clean towel;
6. Add a paper towel to the affected area to soak up the remaining drops of moisture;
7. Leave the area to dry.

Check also: How to Remove Grease Stains From Your Carpets?

How to Clean Motor Oil Stains from a Carpet?

1. Scrape the excess oil away with a butter knife. Be careful not to press down too hard as you could damage the carpet fibres;
2. Sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch directly onto the oil stain and leave it to sit for 10-15 minutes;
3. Hoover the powder up;
4. Take a clean cloth and apply several drops of dry-cleaning solvent and dab it into the motor oil stain;
5. If the stain is still visible, mix two cups of warm water with a tablespoon of white vinegar and a tablespoon of dishwashing detergent and work the solution into the stain using a clean sponge;
6. Continue until the stain disappears;
7. Rinse the affected area with cold water and leave it to dry.

How to Clean Ink from a Carpet?

1. Take a can of hairspray and moisten the ink stain;
2. With a towel, dab the affected area gently. You should see the ink transferring to the towel;
3. Continue dabbing until the ink stain disappears;
4. Dampen a towel with lukewarm water and blot the area gently to clean up any remaining traces of hairspray and leave to dry.

How to Clean Acrylic Paint from a Carpet?

• Scrape away as much wet paint as possible with a putty knife;
• When the paint starts to dry out, scrape away the flakes with a steel brush;
• Vacuum the area then remove the pieces of paint and continue scraping until you can’t get any more flakes loose;
• Soak the area with Isopropyl alcohol concentrate and dab it with a dry cloth;
• Leave the patch for 15-20 minutes to allow the solution to loosen the particles;
• Now, blot the stain using a clean cloth to remove as much paint as possible. Be careful to use dabbing motions rather than scrubbing otherwise you could damage the carpet fibres;
• A steam cleaner is also useful at this point to deeply moisten the carpet fibres and break up the remaining particles of paint;
• Now, apply glycerin to a clean cloth and dab it into the paint stain;
• Repeat the blotting process until the stain is completely lifted;
• Leave the area to dry for a couple of hours then vacuum the carpet.

Read also: How to Prevent Carpets Stains When Painting and Decorating the House

How to Clean Makeup Products from a Carpet?

1. Nail Polish

Using a damp cloth, wet the stain. Make sure you use cold water;
Spray around 15 pumps of hairspray into the stain then rub five small splashes of concentrated alcohol onto the affected area;
Scrub the carpet with a small scrubbing brush;
Whilst your scrubbing, continue to add clean water to the area every minute or so until the stain is no longer visible.

2. Eyeshadow

1. If you have a light-coloured carpet, you can use hydrogen peroxide. Although it does have bleaching properties that can fade the colour of carpet fibres, a few drops on a light coloured carpet is safe;
2. Allow the solution to settle and work its way into the carpet fibres for a couple of minutes;
3. Take a dry microfiber cloth and blot the affected area with gentle dabs;
4. Once most of the moisture has been removed, take a new microfibre cloth and dampen it with water. Dab this cloth into the wet patch to remove traces of hydrogen peroxide;
5. Use a third cloth, or a new paper towel to soak up the water.

3. Eyeliner

1. Mix a small portion of water and white vinegar in equal measure;
2. Dab the mixture on to a clean cloth;
3. Working from the outside in so you don’t smudge the eyeliner into the carpet, blot the stain with the cloth until you lift as much as you can of the eyeliner;
4. Sprinkle the remaining vinegar solution on the affected area and lightly blot it with a clean microfibre cloth.

4. Foundation

1. It’s important to tackle foundation spillages asap otherwise it seeps into the carpet and creates a deeper stain.
2. First of all, scrape up any excess powder with a butter knife;
3. Mix some dish soap with cold water and lightly dampen it onto a clean cloth;
4. Working from the outside in, gently blot the stain until there is no more foundation on the carpet;
5. Remove the traces of soapy water by blotting a clean microfiber cloth on the wet patch of the carpet;
6. Leave the carpet to dry then give it a once over with a vacuum cleaner.

Section 3: Common House Remedies for Cleaning Carpets

Specially formulated carpet cleaning agents are by far the best option for removing stains. However, there are several household items, in most cases, that will do the job just as well.

Listed below, you will find several home remedies that will help you with carpet cleaning. And the best part is that you can concoct them with things you will probably have knocking around the house.

We have also included some alternatives you might want to consider if the stain removal doesn’t go to plan. However, only use the alternative as a last resort and be sure to take care.

1. Cleaning Carpets with Baking Soda

Baking soda is an all-time favourite for most people. This multifunctional little thing has numerous practical uses in your home – carpet cleaning being one of them.

Courtesy of its non-toxic, biodegradable properties, baking soda is an excellent home remedy you can use for cleaning and deodorizing carpets. Its pH-balanced properties fight odours, such as pet urine and smoke. And the best part is that it’s not abrasive, so it won’t wear down your carpet fibres.

Not only that, but baking soda works as an absorbent compound. This means that it absorbs excess moistures. It can be used for both oily and non-oily spillages and also helps dry out wet patches in your carpet quickly and efficiently.

To use baking soda for cleaning carpets, all you need to do is sprinkle a generous portion over the stain. The best option is to leave it to settle overnight, but you could also leave it for 5-6 hours during the day.

You will notice the baking soda is dry and crusty after a certain amount of time. This means it is time to vacuum up the residue.

2. Cleaning Carpets with Vinegar

White vinegar is arguably just as effective when carpet cleaning as baking soda. Its acidic properties mean that it is a natural antibacterial and antimicrobial agent.

Vinegar is a tough component for removing stains. Not only that though. It is also highly efficient in tackling mould and loosening dirt particles buried into your carpet fibres. You can mix it with deodorizing liquids to leave your carpets looking nice and fluffy, as well as smelling fresh.

An important reminder when using vinegar as a carpet cleaner, though. Always dilute it with equal amounts of water. Otherwise, it will discolour the fibres of your carpet.

To clean your carpets using vinegar, apply the mixture by either lightly sprinkling or spraying the solution over the stain. Alternatively, dab it into the stain with a white cloth.

Another important reminder – white vinegar may not always be effective on the first go. You may need to repeat the process a few times before it works.

3. Cleaning Carpets with Bleach

There is always a big question mark when it comes to carpet cleaning with bleach. Is it effective, is it a good idea? The short answer is yes, you can use bleach to clean only polypropylene carpets. Be careful to follow the procedure below exactly as instructed.

There are certain circumstances when bleach is not recommended.

Bleach contains strong chemicals. These chemicals can strip the colour out of carpet fibres. That is why you only use bleach on white to very light coloured floor coverings.

Bleach for cleaning wool carpets is a big no. It also isn’t the best option for cleaning synthetic carpets either.
Furthermore, bleach should always be diluted with water. Measure one tbsp of bleach to a gallon of water.

Another big no is mixing bleach with ammonia or vinegar.

To avoid children or pets suffering from chemical burns, always make sure they can’t reach the area that has been treated with bleach.

For the same reason, always wear rubber gloves when cleaning with bleach. Health and safety experts recommend wearing a mask. Overexposure to bleach can have negative effects on the respiratory system.

To clean carpets with bleach, apply your diluted solution and leave it for 30 minutes. Now, rinse out the area thoroughly using carpet shampoo. After which, give it another good rinse with clean water.

Household Products You Should Only Use as a Last Resort

Many household products can be used for carpet cleaning. However, many have been tried and tested, and have failed. There are also countless articles floating around the internet, some of which are credible, and some of which are not.

Below, we will list these products and the correct methods for using them if you must. Only ever try out these if all other options have failed.

The health risk is not worth the amount of money you’ll save from not buying a proper cleaning solution instead.

1. Borax

You may have heard of this one under its other name – sodium tetraborate. Borax is a natural ingredient that is used in several cleaning products. Among them, all-purpose cleaners and laundry detergent.

If you have some tough stains, adding borax to baking soda or vinegar helps give these home remedies an extra bit of strength. This will help to lift dirt and stains from your carpet.

Although borax is a low-toxicity pesticide, there are some doubts that overexposure to it could pose health risks. That is why it is recommended that homemade cleaning solutions with borax should be used sparingly.

To use borax for carpet cleaning, add a cup of it to a mix of baking soda and water. Then, blot the solution onto the stain and leave it for several hours to dry.

Place paper towels over the wet patch to speed up the drying process. When fully dry, give it a once over with a hoover.

2. Ammonia

Many commercial cleaning agents for the kitchen and bathroom contain ammonia. It is highly toxic, thus excellent for killing microbes. However, its fumes can cause headaches and respiratory issues if you inhale too much of it.

Ammonia is highly alkaline, making it corrosive. It can cause discolouration and should never be used on wool or other natural fibre carpets.

You can use ammonia to clean carpets. Use it sparingly and follow the health and safety precautions you will find below. Only ever use ammonia if you have tried and failed using other carpet cleaning options.

To use ammonia for cleaning stains, mix 2 tbsp of it with a cup of water. Use a sponge or a clean cloth to apply the solution to the affected area.

Immediately afterwards, blot the area with warm, soapy water (use dishwashing detergent). Be careful to only dab the area, never scrub. Allow the carpet to dry and give it a good vacuuming.

Read also: Ammonia As a Carpet Cleaning Solution

3. Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a natural chemical that is becoming increasingly popular as a carpet cleaning agent. This is because it is more environmentally friendly than commercial cleaning agents that you can find in supermarkets.

Although you can use hydrogen peroxide to clean carpets, it has chemical properties that will slightly discolour carpet fibres. To make it doesn’t damage your carpet, test it on a small area to determine the effect it will have.

Never use hydrogen peroxide that is more than 3% concentrate. Always dilute it with water.

To use hydrogen peroxide for carpet cleaning, mix 1 part to 5 parts hot water and add 1tsp of biodegradable dishwashing detergent. Use a soft brush to scrub the mixture onto the area. After cleaning, open a window to ventilate the room.

Section 4: How to Maintain your Clean Carpets

One of the most important factors when it comes to carpet maintenance is knowing how to properly care for your floor coverings. This will help you prevent your floors from getting overly dirty and keeps them looking fresh and new for much longer.

To increase your carpet’s lifespan, you will need to clean it regularly. You need to remove dirt and grime that causes friction to get more wear out of it. Otherwise, you will be creating the perfect environment for millions of bugs to settle down and nibble away at your carpet fibres.

The main rule that everyone knows – regular vacuuming. How often you should hoover depends on how much foot traffic passes through your house:

In an average household of 2-4 people, you can get away with vacuuming every 2-3 days.
However, if you have pets or children, you should hoover every day.

Carpet manufacturers will typically recommend you steam clean your carpets every 6-12 months. However, natural fibre carpets will need an alternative professional cleaning service, such as encapsulation or dry compound cleaning.

All of the above services effectively penetrate carpet fibres, unlike regular hoovering and DIY treatments. This not only makes your carpet look plush and new but also protects them from microbes that degenerate carpet fibres. As a result, giving your carpet a longer lifespan. Another thing you can do to keep your carpets clean longer is to request stain protection during your next carpet cleaning appointment.

Read also: 9 Things You Need to Know About Stain Protection for Carpets and Upholstery

How to Protect Carpets from Getting Dirty Quickly

Every time you enter the house, your shoes are carrying in soil, oil, dirt, pollen, fertiliser, and all manner of bacteria. All of this is getting traipsed through your carpet. This is why shoes should be left at the front door.

Cooking oil is another devil for carpets. If you have carpeted areas near the kitchen, close the doors to prevent them from getting to them. You would be surprised by how fair cooking oil can travel once it starts spitting.

Environmental experts advise a professional carpet clean every 1-2 years.

You may be wondering when is the best time to get your carpet professionally cleaned. The best time to get it done is before it looks dirty and worn. If it gets to that point, it will be very hard to restore it to its initial new look. Did you know they can hold up to 10lbs of soil per square foot before they start looking dirty?

Carpet fibres develop a build-up of dirt if not deep cleaned at least once a year. When this goes too far, it will be much tougher to remove grime and harmful microbes, even with a professional clean.

Another important factor – using the correct detergent and applying the right technique. Always remember, there isn’t one universal method or solution. Each carpet is individual.

Read also: 6 Ways to Keep Furniture and Carpets Clean All Year Round

Section 5: Best Methods for Cleaning Carpets

For general carpet cleaning and regular maintenance – use your vacuum and simple cleaning products.

However, there are going to be days when cleaning your carpet isn’t going to be as easy as that. Sometimes vacuuming and scrubbing until your fingers are raw just isn’t enough to deal with blemishes and dirt.

At this point, you are going to have to suck it up and admit that your ordinary cleaning methods aren’t enough to get your carpet looking spick and span. The good news is that you have some alternative methods that will be more effective.

Check also: Which carpet cleaning method is the best?

1. Steam Cleaning or Hot Water Extraction

Steam cleaning is a process that uses water that is heated at 150°F-200°F. As a result, steam will be created. This steam will penetrate the fibres of your carpet much better than any scrubbing with various detergents. The steam dissolves the dirt, leaving you with a fresh, soft and bacteria-free carpet.

You will have to add a cleaning agent to your steam cleaner. The machine will then agitate the fibres with a soft brush. You then leave the agent to settle for a short while before washing through and leaving to dry at room temperature.

One of the benefits of steam cleaning is that the high temperatures effectively loosen dirt particles. The temperature also kills microbiological organisms, such as bacteria, fungus and dust mites. After which, the debris is sucked up using a hoover.

Furthermore, steam cleaning allows you to reach tight nooks and crannies that you can’t always get to with a vacuum or other cleaning methods. That is why vetted technicians always recommend a good steam cleaning over other methods.

Having said that, this method may not be ideal for all carpet types. It is good for wool blend and synthetic carpets. However, if you have a natural fibre carpet, such as viscose, tencel, seagrass, or just, your best option is to try dry compound cleaning.

Another downside to steam cleaning is that you will use quite a lot of water. This means that it will take a while for your carpet to dry out.

Steam cleaning is one of the most popular methods, however, it remains one of the more expensive ones.

2. Carpet Shampooing

Shampooing (or foaming) is another option, although not that popular nowadays. Many professional cleaning agencies offer a shampooing service, typically coupled with steam cleaning.

This method is fast and inexpensive, however, it is not the most effective way to draw out dirt and grime. Not only that, but because the foam is left to dry without being rinsed, it often leaves a sticky, unpleasant residue on your carpet.

You can try vacuuming your carpet to remove this residue, although not all hoovers have enough suction power to deal with all of the foam.

If you have a steam cleaner handy, this will loosen the hardened foam and allow you to completely remove it. Namely why shampooing and steam cleaning come as a coupled service.

3. Encapsulation

Foam encapsulation is a new technology that is more environmentally friendly than other methods. You could consider it the evolution of carpet shampooing. It is capable of tackling tough stains and deeply ingrained dirt.

Encapsulation uses synthetic detergents that crystallise into powder after drying. This then creates a base that loosens dirt particles in the carpet, making it easier to suck up carpet debris.

As a result, this method provides a deeper cleanse so that you needn’t clean your carpets as often – even in high foot traffic areas.

Another advantage of the encapsulation method – you don’t use as much water, meaning a quicker drying time.

The only downside to encapsulation is that you need a motorised rotary brush for the technique to be effective. Add that to the specially formulated cleaning solution and the method ends up being a bit more expensive than other options.

4. Bonnet Cleaning

Bonnet cleaning is the ideal routine maintenance for lightly soiled carpets. This method only really removes particles from the surface, but it is the best quick-fix solution. And what’s more, it doesn’t create a disturbance to your general day-to-day activities like some of the other options.

Before starting the bonnet cleaning process, you should always give the carpet a once over with a vacuum. This will remove surface dust, hairs and loose dirt particles. Then you spray the carpet with a chemical solution and leave it to rest.

After the solution has been given time to react with the fibres, cleaners would generally use a heavy-duty motorised floor machine. It is fitted with large absorbent pads, or better known as a bonnet, and spun over the carpet at 100-300 rpm.

This rotary action works the chemicals into the carpet fibres. The pads are then absorbing dirt from the carpet surface.

Bonnet cleaning doesn’t require much moisture. This means your carpets will dry quickly. That is what makes it one of the most popular methods in hotels with a lot of foot traffic that need to keep all areas open to avoid inconveniencing their guests.

However, although this method keeps your carpet looking bright and clean, it doesn’t deal with deeply set grime. Your clean appearance isn’t going to be very long-lasting. This is because it doesn’t penetrate the deeper parts of the pile.

Another disadvantage of bonnet cleaning is that your carpet fibres are going to retain a build-up of the chemical residue. This will eventually lead to your floor covering disintegrating at a faster rate.

5. Deep Cleaning or Dry Cleaning

This method of carpet cleaning came along in the 1980s and has become quite popular nowadays. The idea is that you use a dry compound formula to deal with the dirt.

Dry cleaning, also known as compound cleaning, uses a powdered solution that has the ability to deep clean without water. This method is considered an effective evolution of bonnet cleaning.

The methodology has more or less the same concept as bonnet cleaning. A powder compound is applied to the carpet and left to work its way into the fibres.

After which, a motorised rotary machine is used to work in the remaining compound into the deeper parts of the carpet. This allows the compound to settle and give the carpet a thorough clean.

The compound used for this method is biodegradable. It dissolves dirt and grime and can be later vacuumed up along with all the other particles.

However, this may not be the case with plush carpets. Long-pile floor coverings are much more difficult for cleaning solutions to successfully deep clean them. The powdered compound can end up getting trapped in it and will accumulate over time, along with all the dirt.

Section 6: Professional Carpet Cleaning Services

We all know that keeping your house clean is a time-consuming chore that sucks out all your energy. And that’s before we even get to deep-cleaning the carpets.

Sometimes you need a bit of professional help to take the weight off your shoulders. Not only do carpet cleaning agencies equip their technicians with specialised tools and products, but they also know how to care for your carpet correctly.

That alone can end up saving you hundreds and hundreds of pounds. The more you care for your carpet, the longer it will last.

Restoring your carpet’s shine with a deep cleanse not only helps with its appearance but also deals with nasty bacterias. You don’t want a health hazard in your home, especially if you have children that are still developing their immune system.

Professional carpet cleaners will take the hassle and stress of deep carpet cleansing. This is because they are vetted technicians with years of hands-on experience that know how to get the job done.

You should consider contacting the pros in the following situations:

• when you don’t have enough time on your hands;
• if you don’t have the correct equipment;
• your carpet is looking dirty even after you’ve tried vacuuming and commercial cleaning products;
• when your carpet has stubborn stains that won’t come out;
• if you are worried about attempting a home stain removal;
• you have an expensive carpet;
• you need to recover your security deposit at the end of your tenancy.

Courtesy of their professional equipment, professional carpet cleaning really does make a difference. You just can’t reach the same results with commercial products.

Another thing, using commercial steam cleaning apparatus is not as effective as industrial machines. And scrubbing your carpets by hand with a brush will end up damaging your carpet fibres over time.

Don’t risk wearing your carpet thin before its time.

You may also like: How to clean the 3 most common types of carpets

General Cleaning and How to Care for Synthetic Rugs

Maintainance is key to sustaining your rugs hygiene and appearance. If you put in a little effort frequently, it will save you having to buy a new rug prematurely. We recommend you incorporate the little tasks into your weekly and monthly routines to preserve your rug’s new-look. Here are a few tips on how to care for your synthetic rug:

1. The first and most vital of your tasks is vacuuming. If you hoover your rugs twice weekly, you will minimise the chance of dirt working its way so deep into the fibres that it ruins it. When you have children or pets, you may have to hoover 3-4 times a week, or get a robotic vacuum – these gadgets are very efficient in removing dust and pet hair. If possible, it may be a good idea to pick your rug up and give it a good shaking outside.
2. When you notice a spill on your carpet, tackle the issue immediately. If those nasty stains get the chance to dry, it is near impossible to remove them. Paper towels or absorbent cloths are a good thing to have handy for these kinds of disasters.
3. Call in professional cleaners to give your rugs a nice freshening up. No matter the amount of attention you give to your carpets, nothing can achieve the same results like a little bit of professional care. Your floor coverings will be grateful.

Read also: How to Clean Your Wool Rug.

How to Clean up Spills and Stains Synthetic Rugs

No matter the amount of care, sooner or later you are going to have to deal with a stain on your rug. Spills and accidents are unavoidable and that is why you need to be armed with the knowledge of how to deal with such mishaps. The best way to do this is to remove the stain as soon as it occurs. However, we are humans. Sometimes we miss the stains. Here is our advice on how to deal with general carpet stains:

1. Make sure there is no dry dirt on the spill. You don’t want any more dirt sneaking its way into the fibres. A vacuum could help with this task.
2. If the stain still holds moisture, blot it gently with a paper towel or an absorbent cloth. Never rub, you don’t want to end up damaging the fibres or rubbing the dirt in, causing a stain.
3. Now get your cleaning agent. You can use a shop-bought detergent or a DIY solution. The choice is yours.
4. Apply your cleaning solution to an absorbent towel. Start blotting the area gently. Use different parts of the towel so as not to reapply dirt that you have removed. Start from the outer edge of the stain inwards. You don’t want it to spread.
5. Leave the cleaning agent for 5 minutes to work its magic.
6. Now get a clean cloth and dampen it lightly with cool water. Use this to rinse out the suds from the cleaning solution.
7. Once you have removed all traces of the solution, get a dry, clean cloth or paper towels and use it to blot up any excess moisture.

Check out also: The Best Way to Clean your Carpets at Home.

Basic Knowledge on Wool Rugs

New wool rugs often shed fibres. So there is no need to worry about that. Hoovering twice a week will help with that. The majority of the shedding will last a few months. After that, it should die down a bit.

Read also: How to Clean and Maintain Handmade Oriental Rugs

One good thing for maintaining a wool carpets new-look is regular vacuuming. But not too regular. Over-hoovering can pull fibres out of the rug, which isn’t good. We recommend hoovering 2-4 times a month tops after the initial shedding has stopped.

We also advise vacuuming the underside once every 1-2 months. The underside of any rugs and carpets can get shockingly dirty without anyone noticing, seeing as no one looks at the bottom of a rug. Accumulated dust and dirt on the underside can cause faster deterioration.

Another thing that is not great for your wool carpet is a high-suction vacuum, so a Dyson hoover really isn’t the best choice. If your vacuum has high-suction, placing a nylon screen type nozzle over the end of your hoover can help protect your wool carpet.

Check also: Are Robotic Vacuums Cleaners Worth It

How to Clean your Wool Rug at Home

Here are the ingredients to the best carpet cleaning method for your wool rug:

• Vacuum
• A bucket of cold water
• Gentle laundry detergent
• A few microfibre cloths and/or a sponge
• White towels; If you don’t have white towels, towels that don’t run colours will do

Read also: How to clean the 3 most common types of carpets

How to clean your wool rug at home:

1. If possible, take your wool rug outside and shake out as much dirt as possible. If your wool rug is too large to do this, find a place to drape it, like a handrail. Now beat it with a flat side of a broom.
2. Now, vacuum the rug to remove any stubborn, leftover dirt.
3. Detergent time! Mix a capful of gentle washing detergent into a bucket of cold water.
4. Next on the list, get a sponge or a clean microfibre cloth – whichever you prefer – and dampen it using the water and detergent from your bucket.
5. Lightly dab the surface area of your wool rug. Be careful to not soak your rug. The colours and patterns may fade or run. Never use more than the bare minimum of moisture.
6. After you have completed step 5, throw away the soap water, rinse out the bucket, and fill it again with cool water. Now get a few microfibre cloths and use the clean water to blot the surface of your rug. Keep doing this until there are no soapy suds left.
7. Now get your dry towels and use them to soak up as much moisture as possible, and leave your wool rug to dry completely before stepping on it.

Read also: How to Care for Synthetic Rugs

A Few Tips on Wool Rug Care From the Professionals

Here are a few tips and tricks for wool rug care. We’ll let you know how to clean your wool rug like the professional cleaners do.

1. Often, pet hair will stick to your wool rug, even after you have vacuumed. We find that a stiff brush does the job. Always brush in the direction of the nap of the rug. Find more tips on removing pet hair from your rugs and furniture.
2. We said it before in the instructions on how to clean your wool rug at home, but it is an important rule, so we will say it again. Never use more water than needed when cleaning your rug at home. It can damage your wool rug. Too much water can ruin a viscose rug too.
3. If there are stains and spots on your wool rug, don’t clean the whole thing. Rather tackle the marks and stains individually. Use the same method as cleaning the entire rug, just on the affected area.
4. Use snow to clean your rug. This is an ancient technique. The idea is, that the snow freezes and kills any smelly bacteria. It is also supposed to loosen any grime stuck in the fibres.

Check also: Things You Can Do to Keep Your Carpets Clean

Weekly vacuuming with an adequate vacuum cleaner is better than nothing, but every now and again carpets need a wash. If you think of carpets as clothes, you can’t wear clothing for a year without washing, well you can, but you know that everyone will start noticing.

Private customers prefer to clean their carpets late autumn, or early spring. Nothing wrong with that, however carpets could be washed anytime, even in coldest and wettest days of the year. Nowadays modern equipment extracts up to 95% of the moisture after the domestic carpet cleaning, and carpets dry out naturally within hours regardless of the ambient weather.

Commercial carpet cleaning in offices and shops is usually done more often, every three months is the most common period, due to customer & staff traffic, and also due to fact the users of commercial carpets do not take their shoes off. Employers realise that by providing a clean environment, they actually provide a healthier and more productive environment for their employees.

Read also: Things You Can Do to Keep Your Carpets Clean

Medical clinics usually have their carpets cleaned on monthly basis, due to the nature of their business/activity. They are usually cleaned late evenings, as they stay open till 8pm, and most work 7 days a week. It is still a mission to get an appointment though.

So, if you are wondering what is the best time of the year to get your carpet cleaning done, you can get them done all year round, or alternatively you can give us a call and explain your circumstances, and one of our friendly customer service admins will be happy to assist and advise.

Check also: Which carpet cleaning method is the best?