When placed on the ground, the white carpet looks fresh and clean, but over time it can become soiled and dirty that it loses its beauty. However, some experts say that lighter rugs show less dirt than darker rugs, as long as you take action immediately as soon as a stain or mark forms. Of course, dust residues are more visible on dark carpets. So, since cleaning doesn't have to be a nightmare, do regular maintenance and remove stains right away.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Remove Stains Effectively
Step 1. Blot the carpet immediately when you spill a liquid
Get a white terry towel and press it lightly to absorb the stain. Avoid rubbing it, otherwise you could make the situation worse: the spilled substance risks penetrating deeper into the fibers.
- Blot from the outside of the stain. To prevent it from spreading, wipe inwards using a clean cloth.
- Rinse the area with more water, then dry again. Do not wet the cloth excessively.
Step 2. Eliminate water-soluble stains with white vinegar
They include sodas, alcoholic beverages, berries, droppings, milk, mud, dairy products, fresh or acrylic paint, gravy and jam.
- Mix 1.2ml white vinegar or bleach-free cleanser with 1L of water.
- Pour the solution into a spray bottle and spray it on the dry spot.
- Scrub the area with a sponge and dry it with paper towels.
- Alternatively, to remove the stain, you can combine 240ml of water and a few drops of dish soap. Once you have removed it, rinse off the soap residue.
Step 3. Use an ammonia-based solution to remove other water-soluble stains
They include blood, chocolate, coffee, wine, tea, vomit and mustard.
- Mix 15ml of ammonia with 240ml of water. If the rug is made of wool or a wool blend, use a mild detergent instead of ammonia.
- Pour the solution into a spray bottle and spray it on the dry spot.
- Scrub the area with a sponge and dry it with paper towels.
- Pay attention to light stains, such as white wine stains. In the long run, the sugars remain encrusted, fading the fibers.
- Treat blood stains immediately with cold water. Then use hydrogen peroxide to absorb them.
Step 4. Remove the grease, wax and oil with the iron
Spread the blotting paper over the stain and iron it at a high temperature. The heat should lift the spilled substance, making it stick to the paper.
If the carpet has been pre-treated, you can use water and a mild dish soap. If not, you will need to clean it more thoroughly
Step 5. Remove the glue with denatured alcohol
Swipe a cotton ball moistened with denatured alcohol over the glue spot. Gently scrape off the residue and continue scrubbing until the glue disappears.
Step 6. Remove the wax and gum with the cold
Apply an ice cube or cold pack to the gum or wax stain for about 20 minutes.
- If the encrustation is large enough, cool it and use a blunt object to break it up. Vacuum the residue off and dry the area with a cloth.
- If it's a small piece of gum, cool it and use a spoon to lift it. Then remove it from the carpet with a knife. Bring it as close to the gum as possible from an angle.
- If you still see wax residues, use an iron to remove them.
Step 7. Remove urine stains with white vinegar and detergent
- Mix equal parts water and white vinegar. Pour the solution into a spray bottle or use it to moisten a cloth. Spray or dab it on the stained area.
- Combine 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) of bleach-free detergent and 1 liter of water. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and spray it on the dry spot.
- Remove the solution with a sponge, then rinse with more water and dry with absorbent paper.
Step 8. Consider buying a portable carpet cleaner
It costs between € 50 and € 200 and is equipped with a vacuum system that removes dirt and stains. Use it with a neutral detergent specific for wool.
Method 2 of 3: Caring for a White Carpet
Step 1. Vacuum often
This is especially important if the carpet is located in a very busy area of the house, where it could wear out. The vacuum cleaner removes the dirt that settles on the surface before it penetrates the fibers.
- Do this at least once or twice a week, although it would be best every day, especially if you have children or pets.
- Use a good vacuum cleaner. Experts recommend choosing a vertical one with a HEPA filter to capture as much dirt as possible. Remember to change or clean the filter often. Make sure it is completely dry before putting it back in its place.
- Adjust the height of the head so that the vacuum cleaner makes a slight resistance when you push it on the carpet. Cleaning will be more effective.
- Change the bag often or empty the container. If it reaches halfway, the appliance becomes less efficient.
Step 2. Remove your shoes before walking on the carpet
Take them off when you enter the house and ask your guests to do the same. This is the secret to keeping a white carpet pristine and clean.
- However, leave your socks on because bare feet produce sebum that can attract dirt when it comes into contact with the carpet.
- Place a shoe cabinet near the front door to remind you to remove your shoes when you enter.
- Use slippers only at home. Avoid wearing them on your feet when you go to the porch or look out on the balcony. You could also buy a spare pair to offer to guests so they don't feel uncomfortable taking off their shoes.
- If you don't want to invite your guests to walk barefoot, place a mat at the entrance to collect the dirt from shoes.
Step 3. Dry your pets' paws when they enter the house
Keep a towel by the door to remove mud and grime from your furry friends' paws as soon as they enter the house. This way, you will prevent them from soiling the carpet.
While many pets don't like it, some may learn not to sneak into the house unless their paws are clean first
Method 3 of 3: Thoroughly Clean the Carpet
Step 1. Clean it with warm water
While you will use a number of preventative measures against dirt, it is advisable to have it professionally cleaned every 12 to 18 months.
- This method (which has the same effect as steam cleaning) consists of treating the carpet with detergent: spray it and remove it by applying a little hot water. Finally, remove any remaining water to prevent a sticky layer from remaining on the carpet.
- It is also a useful method for health because high temperatures kill molds, bacteria and pollutants trapped on the soft surface of the carpet. The presence of pollutants in the home is a hundred times higher than that present outside.
Step 2. Choose a washing service carried out by professionals in this sector
There are many companies that clean carpets, but be sure to choose one that is insured (in case something goes wrong during the cleaning process) and qualified.
- Make sure the company specializes in restoration, washing and maintenance. You can find more information on its website.
- Ask more than one company for various quotes and pay attention to who offers discounts.
Step 3. Rent a steam cleaner and wash your carpet yourself
Surely a specialized firm will do a more complete job, but it could be expensive. Alternatively, try hiring a steam cleaner from a cleaning equipment rental company and get to work.
- Vacuum clean the surface debris because steam cleaners are designed to wash and remove dirt in depth.
- Remove the furniture and collect all the objects from the floor.
- Use the appliance according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Typically, the carpet steam cleaner releases the water as you push the machine forward and draws it out when you pull it back.
- In this case, be sure to slowly pull the machine onto the carpet so that it can adequately remove the water.
- The residual water could be absorbed by the fibers favoring the formation of mold.
- Use this machine in the summer months when you can keep the windows open to circulate the air and speed up the drying process.
