Carpet Cleaning removes trapped dirt and odors. Odors, from wet dogs to garlic sauces, settle into the base of carpet fibers where regular vacuuming can’t reach. Learn more by clicking here.
Techs spray a special solution that loosens stains and dirt and agitates with a brush. Then hot water extraction, or steam cleaning, rinses away all pre-conditioner, dirt and residue.
Cleaner Carpets
Carpets are a beautiful and functional part of your home, but they trap dirt, dust, and debris. While frequent vacuuming does help, it is important to also have your carpets deep cleaned by a professional carpet cleaner at least twice a year.
Regular cleaning can remove the deep-down dirt and grit that damages carpet fibers, increasing its lifetime and keeping it looking newer. It can also help to reduce allergens and unpleasant odors.
Baking soda is a natural absorbent and can help deodorize your carpets. To use this, sprinkle a generous amount onto the carpet. Let sit for an hour or so, then vacuum the area.
If you want to use a commercial stain removal product, be sure to pretest it on a scrap of carpet and a hidden part of your floor to make sure it will not cause color or fabric damage. Alternatively, you can try mixing your own homemade cleaner using vinegar and salt (found on the Thriving Home blog). Make sure to use gloves to minimize skin contact with borax and avoid spilling water over the stain, which may re-wet it and increase its visibility.
Fresher Smells
From food and drink spills to pet accidents, carpeting can attract odor-causing bacteria that can be difficult to remove. Even after the stain dries or the dirt is wiped, these odors can linger deep in the fibers, despite deodorizing sprays and other household cleaners.
To eliminate stubborn odors from your carpet, try mixing half a cup of borax with one cup of baking soda and applying it to the affected area. Let it sit for an hour and then vacuum the mixture thoroughly. The borax kills mold and the baking soda neutralizes odors for a fresh, pleasant smell.
Another simple way to keep odors at bay is to vacuum regularly and open windows in the home. These steps foster proper airflow and ventilation, helping to minimize the humidity levels that lead to fungi like mildew and mold, which can cause musty odors on the carpet. Running a dehumidifier in areas prone to high moisture levels further helps reduce these unwanted contaminants.
Reduced Soil
Soiling is caused by dust, airborne pollutants, and food or beverage spills. It can also damage the carpet, leaving it dull and discolored. Carpet acts like a filter and traps many of these pollutants in your facility. It’s important to vacuum daily and perform frequent carpet cleaning to extend the life of your carpets.
Regularly performed deep cleanings can also help reduce stains and maintain carpet appearance. When soils build up, they may cause the fibers to twist or bend causing a condition called matting or fiber distortion. These conditions make the carpet look dirty, even when all soil has been removed.
Another cleaning method that is gaining popularity in the industry is low moisture cleaning or “bonnet” cleaning. This process uses up to 90% less water than traditional hot water extraction and helps reduce the amount of wastewater that goes down the drain. It’s an eco-friendly option that many facility managers appreciate. When a bonnet is used, it’s essential to regularly clean and inspect the machine for proper function. It’s also important to replace absorbent pads that are clogged and to ensure spray nozzles aren’t blocked.
Better Health
Dirty carpets often house pollutants and grime that are a health hazard. Research shows that neglected carpets can have up to 200,000 bacteria per square inch, including coliforms, yeasts, and molds. Regular professional cleaning helps to remove these and sanitize the carpet.
If your family suffers from allergies or asthma, these contaminants can cause serious problems. When they are deeply trapped in the carpet, they may get into the respiratory system and cause breathing difficulties and coughing. When these pollutants are removed by professional carpet cleaners, the health of those in your household will improve.
Having dirty carpets can also cause other problems in your home or office. When dirt is not cleaned up quickly, it can cause the fabric to become weakened and worn. It can also result in the formation of dark “traffic lanes” on the carpet that can be difficult to remove and that look unsightly. Professional carpet cleaning prevents these issues and extends the life of your carpet. Browse the next article.
