Carpets collect dirt, dust, pet hair, dander, and other allergens. Vacuuming removes some of it, but deep cleaning with hot water and extractors is the best way to clean your carpet.
Carpet Cleaning Northern Suburbs Perth uses powerful machines that do the job quickly and effectively. They also prevent stains, move furniture, and reapply protectors to help your carpets last longer.
Dirt is one of the main reasons carpets need to be cleaned regularly. Walking on dirt-laden carpet grinds sharp, abrasive particles against the fibers, cutting and scratching them. This creates dull spots on your carpet and wears down the fibers, causing them to break down faster and make your carpet look worn and dingy. Dirt also clogs the carpet pores and stops air from flowing freely through your home, making your room stuffy and unpleasant.
Regular vacuuming can remove much of the surface dirt, but deeper layers need more intensive cleaning. Professional cleaners have heavy-duty equipment that uses hot water and high pressure to dissolve thick dirt, mud and dust in your carpeting. They may pre-condition the carpet with a special solution to loosen stubborn stains and then scrub the carpet with brushes or a power-scrubber, removing the soiling and abrasive debris. They can also use UV light to spot pet stains and treat them with special stain-removal solutions.
You can do a few things to prevent dirt build-up on your own, starting with a no-shoes-in-the-house rule that requires everyone in the household to remove their shoes at the front door. Stow a pair of slippers or flip-flops near the door to encourage family members to change into them before entering the house. It’s also a good idea to trim your pets’ nails, not only to keep them looking nice but to reduce the amount of dirt they track inside the house.
Stains on your carpet can be caused by many different things, including food and beverage spills, coffee and tea stains, candle wax drips, blood and urine. The first step in treating most stains is to blot the spot with a clean cloth to soak up as much of the liquid or solid as possible. This should be done before attempting to clean the stain, as rubbing will only cause it to sink into the carpet and be more difficult to remove.
Next, you should rinse the spot with warm, clean water to remove any residue that could re-attract the dirt. This will also help return the carpet to a neutral pH and help prevent mildew and bacteria growth. If you need to speed up the drying process, open windows if it’s a sunny day or turn on fans.
Stains are one of the biggest concerns that can affect the look and life span of your carpet. Fortunately, most can be easily removed with the right products and techniques. The key to removing stains is acting quickly and not rubbing the spot. Rubbing can spread the stain deeper into the carpet fibers and make it more difficult to remove. Instead, blot the stain with paper towels or another color-fast cloth. If possible, use cold water to clean the spot, as it will minimize the amount of moisture that is absorbed into the carpet.
There are two general types of stains: those that dissolve in water and those that don’t. Water soluble stains include washable ink, milk, latex paint, berries and mud. Non-soluble stains are more challenging to remove, and can include wine, pet stains, blood and chocolate. It is important to pretreat these stains with a dry cleaning agent before vacuuming to help prevent them from soaking into the carpet.
If a new stain is caused by food or drink, blot it with a paper towel to absorb as much of the liquid as possible. Then, apply a solution of equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water to the spot. Then, work the solution into the carpet using a scrub brush or bristle brush. Allow the solution to sit for at least an hour before blotting it away with a dry cloth.
Repeat this process if necessary to completely remove the stain. You can also try a natural cleaner that is safe for most carpets, such as Puracy or Mrs. Meyers Cleaners, which uses biodegradable ingredients. Another option is oxygen bleach, which is a mild form of bleach that can be used on most carpets but may discolor dark-colored carpet. If you are unsure whether or not a product is safe for your carpet, always test it in a hidden area first.
Reappearing stains are most often caused by soiling or wicking. Soiling occurs when the residue left behind from the last time you cleaned a spot reappears, drawing dirt and other grime to that same area. To avoid this, it is best to use a natural cleaning solution that is easy to rinse from your carpet.
Carpets act as a magnet for allergens like pollen, dust mite droppings, skin flakes and pet dander. When these substances become airborne they can trigger allergic reactions such as hayfever, runny nose and watery eyes. Carpets also can trap mildew and mold spores that can cause breathing problems for those with allergies or asthma. Regular vacuuming will remove some of these allergens, but it is difficult to get rid of them all without a professional steam cleaning.
Allergens are protein-based particles that stimulate an immune response in those sensitive to them. The immune system sees these as a threat and reacts with irritation to protect the body by attacking them. Some of these allergens are harmful in and of themselves (like dust mite feces) while others are not (like dander or pollen).
Getting rid of allergens is easier than one might think. While it is a good idea to have wall-to-wall carpeting professionally cleaned on a regular basis to keep it looking and smelling its best, there are many DIY things you can do at home to reduce the number of times you need a professional to help you avoid allergens.
The most important step is to vacuum regularly and use a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. This will prevent the majority of allergens from escaping back into the air as you vacuum. You can also minimize the amount of allergens trapped in your carpet by using an enzymatic cleaner that destroys the proteins that create the allergy.
Other steps include limiting your exposure to allergens by staying outdoors during peak pollen season, promptly addressing spills, and using dehumidifiers in areas prone to moisture or mold. Also, consider switching to area rugs that can be washed rather than wall-to-wall carpeting in places where allergies are a problem.
If your allergies still persist despite a regular deep carpet cleaning, it may be wise to consider allergy testing. This can determine which specific allergens are triggering your symptoms so you can target them specifically with pre-emptive measures. Allergies can strike at any time and are usually temporary, but they can make life miserable for anyone with them.
The dirt and allergens in your carpet not only affect your indoor air quality, they can also impact your health. The tiny particles that get trapped in carpet fibers can mingle with other toxins, sticking together and becoming airborne when someone walks over them. These small particles can then be inhaled, causing symptoms such as nasal congestion and irritation of the throat, nose or eyes.
Dirty carpets are also a source of bacteria and viruses. They can harbor bacteria such as Campylobacter, which causes diarrhea, abdominal cramps and fever. They can also contain the virus that causes Norovirus, which leads to vomiting and nausea. Both of these can make you very sick. Regular carpet cleaning will help to reduce the number of these organisms in your home.
In addition to promoting a healthy home, regular carpet cleaning can extend the life of your carpet. It can reduce the amount of wear and tear by removing embedded dirt, which helps keep it looking newer longer. It can also prevent mold and mildew from growing in your carpet.
One of the most important things to do for your carpet is to vacuum regularly with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. However, vacuuming only removes some of the pollution that has settled into your carpet. It is essential to have wall-to-wall carpeting professionally cleaned with a hot water extractor every 12 to 18 months. This will remove most of the embedded dirt, pet dander and other pollutants, and it can often be required by manufacturers to maintain your warranty.
When selecting a carpet cleaner, look for a professional who is CRI (Carpet and Rug Institute) certified. This certification ensures that your carpet is cleaned using the best equipment and cleaning products, which will extend the life of your carpet. Also, ask your professional about their sanitizing methods. A reputable cleaner will use a preconditioning agent to loosen the soil in your carpet, followed by a rinse with hot water and a pH neutralizing solution to remove both the dirt and the chemical residue. This will leave your carpets clean and hygienic without the use of harsh chemicals that can be harmful to you, your children and pets.