Carpets can harbor dirt, dust mites, pet dander, pollen, and other allergens that can aggravate allergies and asthma. Carpets can also become breeding grounds for germs and bacteria over time. That’s why it’s important to clean carpets regularly and disinfect them when necessary.
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How often should you clean carpets?
In general, carpets should be thoroughly cleaned every 12 to 18 months. High-traffic areas may need cleaning more frequently, while low-traffic areas may only need cleaning every 2 to 3 years. Here are some guidelines for how often to clean carpets based on use:
- Heavy use/traffic areas – Clean every 6-12 months
- Moderate use/traffic areas – Clean every 12-18 months
- Low use/traffic areas – Clean every 18-24 months
More frequent cleanings may be needed if you have pets, small children, or allergy sufferers in the home. Watch for visible dirt buildup, matting, stains, or odors, which are signs it’s time for a cleaning.
Should you hire a professional?
Professional carpet cleaners have powerful equipment, strong cleaning solutions, and the expertise to deep clean carpets more thoroughly than you can at home. Professional hot water extraction cleaning can remove up to 97% of common household allergens from carpets and provide a deeper clean.
However, professional carpet cleaning can be expensive. Expect to pay an average of 20 cents per sq. ft. for standard carpet cleaning from a pro. Here are some pros and cons of professional vs. DIY carpet cleaning:
| Professional Cleaning | DIY Cleaning |
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Consider hiring a pro for periodic deep cleaning, but you can save money by doing routine light cleanings yourself at home.
How to clean carpets yourself
Here is a step-by-step guide to cleaning carpets in your home:
- Vacuum thoroughly. Use a vacuum cleaner with a rotating brush head to lift and remove surface dirt, debris, dust, and pet hair. Vacuum high-traffic areas daily and the entire carpet 1-2 times per week.
- Pretreat stains. Apply a carpet stain pretreatment spray or solution to any stained areas. Allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes to penetrate stains before cleaning.
- Clean with a carpet cleaner. Use a carpet shampoo machine, portable steam cleaner, or cleaner attachment on a vacuum to clean carpets. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions. Clean high-traffic areas first, then the rest of the carpet.
- Rinse with water. For carpet shampooers, repeat a clear water rinse cycle to remove excess soap residue from carpets after cleaning. Extract as much water as possible.
- Allow to fully dry. Keep windows open, run portable fans, and avoid walking on damp carpets while drying. It may take 6-12 hours for carpets to fully dry before replacing furniture.
- Vacuum again. Once carpets are fully dry, vacuum again to lift up leftover dirt brought up by the deep cleaning.
Tips for DIY carpet cleaning
- Always spot test cleaners in an inconspicuous area first to check for staining or damage.
- Work in sections and fully extract rinse water before moving on.
- Rinse with clear water often to prevent soap or dirt buildup.
- Check equipment instructions and don’t overwet carpets.
- Open windows and use fans to speed drying.
- Vacuum again once dry to further lift dirt and fibers.
How to sanitize and disinfect carpets
In addition to routine cleaning, carpets should occasionally be sanitized and disinfected, especially after illness or when deep cleaning. Here are some tips:
Steam cleaning
Portable carpet steam cleaners heat water to high temperatures that sanitize and kill bacteria, viruses, and dust mites without chemicals. Look for one that reaches at least 200°F.
Disinfectant products
Mix an EPA-registered disinfectant like lysol into the cleaning solution of a carpet shampoo machine. Or spray carpets with a disinfectant product after routine cleaning and allow it to fully dry.
DIY disinfectants
Household items like hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils can also sanitize carpets. Research proper recipes and methods before use.
UV light
UV-C light kills viruses, bacteria, and fungi by damaging their DNA and RNA. UV carpet sanitizers and vacuum attachments are available to irradiate and kill germs.
Steam without chemicals
For a non-toxic option, heat steam can naturally sanitize carpets. Use a steam mop or handheld steamer to expose germs to very hot steam.
How to clean different types of carpets
Cleaning methods and products should be matched to your specific carpet material. Here are some tips:
Polyester carpets
- Clean with warm water extraction machines
- Avoid rubbing or brushing forcefully
- Blot spills immediately
- Use solvent-free spot removers
Nylon carpets
- Shampoo cleaning works well
- Preventative cleaning is key
- Apply stain-resistant treatments
- Blot spills right away
Olefin carpets
- Clean with diluted all-purpose cleaner
- Rinse thoroughly
- Dry quickly to prevent mold
- Do not overwet
Wool carpets
- Vacuum gently with brush off
- Clean wool-safe detergents
- Blot spills immediately
- Allow to dry thoroughly
Natural fiber carpets
- Use wool-safe or natural cleaners
- Blot spills right away
- Gently scrub stains
- Rinse with care to prevent shrinkage
How to remove carpet stains
Carpet stains happen! But many can be removed with prompt treatment and cleaning. Here are tips for common carpet stains:
Food/drink stains
Mix dish soap and warm water and scrub gently into the stain with a soft brush. Blot with paper towels until removed. Rinse the area with clean water and allow to dry.
Oil/grease stains
Sprinkle cornstarch or baking soda over the grease stain and let sit for 10-15 minutes before vacuuming. Repeat as needed. For tougher stains, use a solvent-based cleaner.
Wine stains
Blot immediately with paper towels. Mix warm water and dish soap or detergent and gently scrub into the stain. Rinse with clean water and blot dry.
Ink/dye stains
Apply isopropyl alcohol to ink stains using a cloth, scrubbing gently. For dye stains, make a paste with vinegar and cornstarch and let sit before rinsing.
Pet stains
Mix 1 part vinegar with 1 part water and spray onto the stain. Blot with paper towels. Sprinkle baking soda over the area and let sit for 15 minutes before vacuuming.
Mud/dirt stains
Let the mud stain dry completely before vacuuming. Make a baking soda and water paste and gently scrub into the stain. Rinse the paste out with clean water and blot dry.
Conclusion
By regularly deep cleaning and disinfecting your carpets, you can keep them looking fresh and extend their life. For routine maintenance, vacuum frequently and clean carpet high-traffic areas every 6-12 months. Pretreat stains immediately and clean with carpet shampoo machines, steam cleaners, or carpet cleaner solutions. Disinfect periodically with steam, UV light, or disinfecting products. Always check carpet material care instructions and test any new cleaners in inconspicuous spots first. Professional deep cleaning every 1-2 years can revitalize carpets.