Cleaning your carpets and area rugs in Calgary is an important part of caring for them. Not only will they last longer as a result, but they will also look better, and you can reduce any smells or mustiness associated with older rugs.
Still, cleaning your carpets and rugs in Calgary is no simple procedure. They require a diligent eye, a gentle hand and a solid strategy. One component of that strategy is choosing the right location to clean your carpet. Moving it to an open area free from the influence of natural elements is the best bet, but what if you have to clean it on your hardwood floors?
Hardwood Floor Considerations for Cleaning Area Rugs
When cleaning area rugs on hardwood floors, the most important step is protecting the floor. This should be the first thing you do and usually involves laying a sheet of plastic between the carpet and the floor to prevent staining, water damage or chemical contamination. Additionally, take the time to clear a wide workspace if possible, as this will help prevent incidents during the cleaning process.
How to Clean Area Rugs and Carpets
1. Vacuum the Carpet
The first step in cleaning your carpet is to vacuum it. This will help remove any loose dirt or grit from the surface, reducing the likelihood of compaction or scratching of the surface below. It is best to flip the carpet and vacuum the opposite side, if possible.
2. Spot Clean Stains
Dishwashing liquid and water in a suitably concentrated solution (1 teaspoon of soap, 2 cups of water) is the best method of spot cleaning stains. Take a small and delicate scrub brush to the area and work the solution into the fibres. Leave it to soak for ten minutes or so before leaving it to dry.
3. Remove Odours with Baking Soda
Next, sprinkle baking soda over the whole of the carpet and leave it to work its magic. Ideally, you should leave the carpet overnight, but three to four hours will be more effective than not doing it at all for those in a rush. Vacuum the rug again afterwards to remove the baking soda and any trapped dirt.
4. Apply Carpet Shampoo
Next is the application of a carpet shampoo, which will help to restore the colour and vibrancy of the material. Remember not to over or under soak the carpet, leaving it damp enough that it is cleaned but not so damp that it takes forever to dry or starts to mildew.
5. Rinse and Let Dry
Using a carpet steamer is the best way to rinse out the shampoo, leaving it to dry completely afterwards. This may take up to two days or more depending on the carpet, but it is very important to ensure that it is entirely dry.