How to Prepare Your Home for Carpet Cleaning

Carpet Cleaning El Dorado Hills CA are necessary to keep the high-traffic areas of your home clean. Standard cleaning involves a single pass with a vacuum cleaner that suckers dirt and other grime from the surface of your carpets.

Quick cleaning of new stains and spots with white absorbent cloths or paper towels (no prints) helps prevent dirt from becoming ground in. Periodic deep cleaning of your carpets keeps them healthy and looking great.

There are many different ways to clean carpet, depending on the type of cleaning products and equipment you use. Some are designed for removing specific types of stains, such as blood or wine. Others are intended to provide a deep cleaning of the entire carpet. Most methods involve using some sort of detergent or chemical solvent to loosen dirt and soil trapped within the carpet fibers, which is then either removed with a vacuum cleaner or by hand brushing. Most people recommend having their carpets cleaned professionally on a regular basis to remove deep-seated dirt and stains.

Most experts agree that your carpet should be deep cleaned every 3–6 months to remove the buildup of dirt and other contaminants. This will keep your carpet looking newer and also help to prevent mold and mildew growth under your carpet, which can be a health hazard for those with respiratory problems such as asthma.

When choosing a carpet cleaning method, it’s important to consider the needs of your family and how often you need your carpets cleaned. A quality carpet cleaning service should be able to help you choose the best method for your particular needs.

One common type of cleaning is hot water extraction, also known as steam cleaning. This process uses a special shampoo that is applied to the carpeting and then agitated with a brush or rotating machine. The cleaning solution is then sucked up by the machine along with all of the dirt, dust, and other debris. This is a very effective way to remove oil and other sticky substances, as well as most chemical stains.

Another type of cleaning is dry powder cleaning, which uses a cleaning product that is sprinkled over the carpet and then brushed into the rug. The powder forms clumps that look like sawdust and are then vacuumed away, leaving the carpeting clean. This is a good choice for those who have pets or small children since it is less harsh than other types of cleaning.

A third type of cleaning is foaming, which uses a similar process to powder cleaning but with less moisture. The cleaning solution is whipped into a foam and then worked into the carpeting with a brush or rotating machine. This method is useful for those who have water-sensitive carpeting or who want their carpets to dry quickly.

Nationwide Consumer Testing found that the “steam” (actually hot water extraction) cleaning methods tested in their study only provided surface cleaning, while the shampoo and shampoo plus steam methods had poor soil removal. The high levels of detergent residue left behind caused the carpets to resoil quickly. The powder and rotary brush, or chemical dry, cleaning methods had better soil removal but still left significant amounts of residue behind. If you’re interested in trying one of these cleaning methods, it is a good idea to test a small area first. Also, be aware that the residue left behind by these types of cleaning methods can attract more dirt and cause spots in your carpeting, so regular vacuuming is a must.

Preparation

Before you hire a professional carpet cleaner, it’s helpful to do a few things to prepare your home. This will save time and money, as well as ensure your carpets are properly cleaned.

Vacuum the carpet regularly to remove dirt and soil. It’s also a good idea to use doormats and machine-washable area rugs at the entrances of your home to reduce the amount of dirt brought indoors.

Before the cleaning begins, make sure to remove any fragile or delicate items from the room being cleaned. Fine china, heirlooms, and porcelain knick-knacks should all be placed in a safe location to avoid breakage. If a piece of furniture is particularly heavy, it may be best to have someone else move it for you. Otherwise, you might have to move it yourself or risk damaging the item while trying to lift it out of the way.

If you have pets, it’s a good idea to keep them in a separate room during the cleaning process. Some cleaning solutions can be toxic to animals, so keeping them away from the area will be safer for them and your family members.

It’s also a good idea to make a list of any spots or stains on the carpet that you want the carpet cleaner to address. This will help the professional know what to look for, and it’ll give you a chance to ask any questions that you might have.

Lastly, it’s a good idea to prepare for the arrival of the carpet cleaner by clearing a space in which they can park their vehicle. This will save them time and effort, as they’ll have more of a chance to get to work right away.

Vacuum the carpet thoroughly before having it cleaned, using a powerhead attachment if possible. This will help remove loose dirt and hair that can be difficult to vacuum with a conventional vacuum. It’s a good idea to vacuum the entire room, including corners and hard-to-reach spaces.

Before the cleaner arrives, blot any liquid spills with dry, white absorbent cloths or plain paper towels (not printed or colored ones, which can transfer dye or ink to the damp carpet). Then blot with the cleaning solution, following the recommendations on the label for your specific type of carpet.

Once the carpet has been cleaned, it will take some time to dry completely. You can help speed up the drying process by opening windows, putting a dehumidifier in operation, and running fans. It’s also a good idea for everyone in the household to stay off the newly cleaned carpet until it’s fully dry. This will protect the fresh carpet from scuff marks, stains, and mold and mildew growth. It is a good idea to cover the carpet with plastic sheeting or cardboard, if necessary, to prevent damage while it’s still wet. By taking these precautions, you can enjoy your beautiful new carpet knowing that it’s been treated to the most thorough cleaning possible. With proper care, it should last for years to come.