How and with what to clean and wash a carpet at home without a long or short pile vacuum cleaner

There are many ways to clean a carpet at home. Professional formulations, folk remedies, and various devices are suitable for this. The cleaning method must be selected individually, taking into account the composition of the carpet product, the length of the pile, and any existing contaminants. Only with the right technology will an excellent result be obtained.

Cleaning nuances depending on the carpet

Before starting work, you should carefully examine the pile and determine the composition of the carpet product. It is clear that you should not clean a brightly colored carpet with caustic agents that remove the pigment along with the dirt. Methods for cleaning products with synthetic and natural bristles will also differ. The length of the villi should also be taken into account.

Pile type

Carpet products are made using different technologies. Carpet, carpet runners, and carpets with long or short pile are used as flooring.

Cleaning options depending on the type of pile:

1. For natural carpet, only dry cleaning is suitable. With its help, it is possible to get rid of 90% of contaminants. The role of an adsorbent is performed by a special powder or ordinary soda. You can also use carpet cleaning foam sprayed from a can. The cleaning composition is allowed to absorb the dirt and then vacuumed up. Artificial carpet is cleaned with a washing vacuum cleaner or using a soap mixture manually. First, vacuum the coating, ridding it of dust. In any case, it is better not to wet the carpet too much.
2. The first time after purchase, carpets are cleaned of dust using a broom. After 2 months from the start of operation, you can begin to clean the coating with a vacuum cleaner, moving forward and backward (but not across). The nozzle must match the length of the pile. To begin with, it is better to vacuum it from the reverse side. Products can be dry cleaned. If the carpets are heavily soiled, they can be washed in the bathroom by wetting the pile with warm water. Then the product must be thoroughly dried. Washing is not suitable for natural paths and adhesive-based coatings.
3. Long pile carpets are the most difficult to clean at home. Its fibers absorb more dirt than short ones, but at the same time they require delicate handling. The carpet must be vacuumed every 7 days using the medium power mode. If you wish, you can knock it out on the street. The stain removing cleaner is always applied in the direction of the pile. The product should not be rubbed with a hard brush. Cleaning can be carried out using industrial and folk remedies; they are chosen depending on the type of contamination.
4. Short-pile carpets should be cleaned regularly using a vacuum cleaner. More thorough cleaning is carried out 2-3 times a year using chemical cleaners. After application, the product is removed with a washing vacuum cleaner or a soft brush. The skin of your hands must be protected while working with gloves. Since the pile is short, there is no need to leave the chemical composition on the coating for a long time. After cleaning, be sure to ventilate the room. Periodically, the carpet is treated with a solution of ammonia (2 tablespoons per 1 liter of water) to update the color. Then the coating is wiped with a dry cloth.

Regardless of the length of the pile, it is necessary to remove stains from the carpet while they are fresh. Before using a professional cleaning product, you should read the instructions for its use.

Color and shade

Light-colored carpet needs more frequent cleaning. To lighten the pile, use bleach with chlorine and hydrogen peroxide. Optical brighteners are more gentle. First, stand-out stains are removed from the carpet, and then a general cleaning of the entire coating is carried out.

Dark carpets are more convenient to use, since dirt is less noticeable on them.Do not use bleaching compounds to clean them, otherwise stains will remain or the color will suffer. The covering can be washed without removing it from the floor, using a mild soap solution and a soft-bristled brush. At the last stage of cleaning, go over the carpet with a broom dipped in clean water.

Material

Carpets can be made from various materials. The composition must be taken into account when choosing a cleaning method:

1. As for a wool carpet, it is better to take it to a dry cleaner, where the degree of contamination and the type of stains will be assessed. Experts will also take into account the structure of the product, determine the type of base and select a cleaning agent. Caring for the product in an apartment involves cleaning it with a vacuum cleaner 2 times a week. In this case, the carpet will remain clean and bright longer. Heavily contaminated areas can be gently washed with detergent, a solution of table vinegar or citric acid. It is allowed to use special cleaning products for wool carpets. In any case, cleaning must be done very carefully.
2. Carpets made of synthetic materials have a dense base, which makes it possible to safely knock out and shake out dust from them. But you shouldn’t scrub contaminated areas with a brush. With mechanical impact of this kind, the pile may fall out of the base. To clean synthetics, do not use solvent, gasoline or acetone, otherwise the coating will be damaged. Dirt from such carpets is removed using washing powder, shampoo and other detergents. Wet cleaning is suitable for synthetic carpet, but do not use too hot water - the base may warp. After wetting, the carpet must be thoroughly dried.
3. Clean silk carpets using a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner with a smooth attachment. The power of the device should be minimal. You cannot wash such a carpet with a vacuum cleaner or use a steam cleaner to clean it. The use of aggressive chemicals is also unacceptable. Stains should be removed without waiting for them to be absorbed into the fibers. The stain is removed using a soft sponge soaked in a solution of shampoo or soap with a neutral alkaline reaction. Dirt is removed using blotting movements. You can't rub the lint. Then the surface is washed again with clean water. A silk carpet should dry naturally.
4. Jute carpets have a porous structure, so stains must be removed immediately. It will be very difficult to remove the contamination later. To ensure that the coating always looks fresh, it is vacuumed 2 times a week. You need to clean the rug with a vacuum cleaner on both sides, while simultaneously removing dust from the floor. The industry produces a special powder for cleaning jute. It is spread over the surface with a stiff brush, then the coating is vacuumed. Spilled liquid should not be rubbed, but removed by blotting with a soft cloth. Liquids with acids can be neutralized with mineral water. After treating the spill area, dry it immediately with a hairdryer. Household chemicals departments sell a special protective coating for jute that reduces the absorbency of the fibers. Its application will make carpet care easier.
5. Jacquard products are produced using a special weaving method. The fibers of such a carpet are very tightly intertwined. The material may include synthetics, wool, and viscose. When caring, take into account what the fibers are made of.The high density of the weave allows these carpets to be washed. Washing should be done by hand using mild detergent and warm water. Then the product is rinsed with clean water and dried thoroughly.

No matter what kind of carpet we are talking about, it is important to prevent old stains from appearing. It will be much more difficult to clean such contaminants, and in some cases it will not be possible to do it at home.

Professional cleaning products and special methods

Industrial products are considered the most reliable and effective if they are used correctly. Professional cleaning equipment also guards cleanliness.

"Vanish"

A special carpet shampoo can remove even stubborn stains. The composition is applied manually. First, 1 part of the product is diluted with 9 parts of water and whipped into a fluffy foam. Vanish is then applied to the carpet using a sponge. After drying, the remaining foam is removed with a vacuum cleaner.

"Domestos"

Domestos removes difficult stains and at the same time destroys bacteria. It is better not to use the gel on dark or bright carpets, as the colors may suffer. Before use 1 tbsp. l. The product is dissolved in 1 liter of water. Add 1 tbsp to the composition. l. liquid soap and apply it to the contaminated area with a cleaning cloth. After wiping off the dirt, rinse the area with clean water. You can replace the product with “Whiteness”.

"Mystic"

Cleansing powder "Mystic" can become an indispensable assistant in the household. It cleans glass and metal objects, carpets, furniture, and removes old stains from linen. The product will quickly refresh soiled carpets. It is enough to wipe the carpet with a solution prepared from 3 liters of water and 30 g of powder.After using the cleaner, wipe the surface with a cloth soaked in clean water.

Extractor

Extractor cleaning involves processing the carpet using a machine method. First, a soap solution is sprayed over the surface and left for several minutes so that the composition is absorbed into the fibers. The contaminated foam is then sucked up by the extractor's powerful vacuum pump. This type of cleaning is suitable for wool and synthetic carpets. Delicate coatings may be damaged by extractor cleaning.

Steam cleaner

First you need to clean the carpet with a vacuum cleaner. After this, they are treated with a steam cleaner, which cleans the carpet of old dirt using hot steam. This method will remove even stubborn dirt. For heavily soiled areas, additionally apply carpet cleaner. A special pad makes the steam cleaner easier to slide.

Steam Mop

Pre-dirty carpet is cleaned with a vacuum cleaner or broom to remove animal hair, hair, and sand. Then turn on the steam mop and move it over the pile in different directions. Do not keep the device in one place for a long time to avoid waterlogging.

Dry cleaning

Dry cleaning is necessary for handmade items that cannot be washed. This method is also used for silk and wool carpets that require careful handling. Our specialists will thoroughly clean your carpet and remove all kinds of stains and unpleasant odors.

Car wash, mini wash

A car wash and mini-wash will help you wash the carpet by taking it outside the house. The device supplies water under high pressure. It is better to spread the rug on an area with a slight slope, then the dirty water will drain faster.If cleaning takes place on the grass, polyethylene is first laid under the carpet. This method is not suitable for wool carpets, adhesive-based products, or loose-weave coverings. First, the carpet is soaked in water, then treated with detergent, and after 15-20 minutes the final rinsing is carried out.

Traditional methods at home

You can clean the carpet at home using traditional methods. To do this, use baking soda, some food products, laundry soap, ammonia, etc. Home remedies can quickly remove fresh stains when professional solutions are not available.

Baking soda

Using baking soda, you can clean the carpet using dry or wet methods. Dry cleaning removes a third of visible dirt. By carrying out wet cleaning with soda, you can get a more effective result - 70-90% of stains will disappear. With the dry method, the product is scattered over the carpet in a thin layer, after an hour the powder is collected with a vacuum cleaner. For wet cleaning, prepare a solution of 5 liters of water and 100 g of soda. The composition is applied to the pile using a spray bottle, then passed over the carpet with a brush.

Sauerkraut

Sauerkraut will help revive the colors and make the carpet look like new. The brine must first be drained. The cabbage is scattered evenly over the carpet, after which you need to scrub the product with a brush. During the cleaning process, the cabbage will change color, turning dark gray. Then the coating should dry. At the end of cleaning, the carpet is vacuumed.

Lemon juice

Lemon juice will freshen a white carpet. The same remedy will help get rid of stubborn stains from ink, felt-tip pen, etc. For local use, you will need the juice of one lemon. Apply it undiluted to the stain and leave for 1.5-2 hours.The cleaned area is then washed with water. You can bleach a light-colored carpet by wiping it with a mixture of the juice of 3-4 lemons and 1 liter of water.

Salt

You can clean a carpet with salt without a vacuum cleaner. First, the carpet product is beaten out on the street. Then table salt is scattered in an even layer on the floor of the house over the surface of the pile and after a few minutes it is collected using a not very stiff brush. After this, the carpet is knocked out again.

Ammonia

The cleaning composition is prepared from 15-20 ml of ammonia, 1 liter of water and 2 tbsp. spoons of washing powder. The resulting mixture successfully removes stubborn stains. The composition is applied to the stains and swept away with a brush. After the carpet has dried, it is vacuumed. The smell of ammonia is removed from the room by ventilation.

Laundry soap

Laundry soap effectively removes both ordinary dirt and greasy stains. The soap is first grated. Then 50 g of soap shavings are mixed with 3 liters of water. The prepared solution is poured into a spray bottle and the surface of the rug is treated. After an hour, final cleaning is carried out with a vacuum cleaner.

Acetic acid

The carpet is first vacuumed. After this, the surface of the pile is wiped with a solution of 1 tbsp. spoons of vinegar and 1 liter of cold water. Clean with a soft bristle brush. The vinegar should have a 9 percent concentration. The composition removes grease stains well and refreshes the color. Vinegar should not be used to clean synthetic products. The method is ideal for thin carpets with short pile.

Tea brewing

For processing, use used tea leaves, which must be wet. Tea particles are scattered over the surface of the carpet and then removed with a vacuum cleaner or broom. The method is used to remove dust, wool, hair and small dirt. This technique is not suitable for light-colored products.

Sawdust and gasoline

Sawdust is pre-impregnated with gasoline and then scattered over contaminated areas. This method helps remove stains from chocolate, wine, cosmetics, and paints from the carpet. After application, the sawdust is allowed to dry and swept away from the surface along with particles of dirt.

Kerosene and gasoline

Gasoline and kerosene will enhance the effect of the cleaning solution. The composition is prepared from 250 ml of water, 20 g of washing powder, 3 drops of gasoline and 3 drops of kerosene. The product is used on local stains, applying it with a sponge. The dirt should be carefully rubbed, then rinsed with clean water, and then ventilated.

Toothpaste

The carpet is first vacuumed, after which a paste of water and toothpaste is applied to visible stains using an old toothbrush. The composition is first whipped until foam is obtained. After the paste has dried on the carpet, rub the stain again with a dry brush and then vacuum again.

Starch

Starch is scattered over the carpet, previously cleaned with a vacuum cleaner. Then the substance is rubbed into the pile using a dry brush and left for 10 minutes, after which the product is vacuumed again. The method is not suitable for colored and dark carpets, as a white coating may remain on the surface.

Shaving foam

Apply shaving foam to the fresh stain by hand and rub in. After 10 minutes, the remaining product is removed with a damp sponge, after which the cleaning is completed with a vacuum cleaner. For old stains, the foam exposure time is increased to 2 hours.

Washing powder

Washing powder is suitable for natural and artificial products. The product can cope with the most common stains. The solution is prepared from 5 liters of water and 2 tbsp. l. washing powder. The granules should completely dissolve.The detergent composition is applied to the contaminated pile with a sponge.

Hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide will cope with organic contaminants in the form of blood, urine, and traces left by pets. The product is mixed half and half with water, after which it is applied from a spray bottle to the stain and the contaminated area is wiped with a sponge. Use with caution on dark areas as discoloration may occur.

Potato juice

Juice is squeezed out of grated potato tubers and mixed half and half with water. The mixture is then applied to the stain using a paint brush. After drying, particles of starch will be noticeable in this place; they are removed from the pile with a stiff brush.

Snow

If you beat a carpet in the snow, it will look clean and smell fresh. The product is spread with the pile down. Snow is swept onto the base with a broom. After a few minutes, the dirt is knocked out of the carpet with a dust beater. Cleaning will need to be done on both sides. For a heavily soiled product, repeat the procedure several times.

Dry cleaning

The dry cleaning method is relevant for products that are afraid of moisture. This option is suitable even for delicate carpets made of silk, wool, fur, viscose, and synthetics. The procedure is considered gentle, but at the same time very effective. Cleaning is done quickly. After cleaning, the carpet does not require long-term drying or ventilation.

For this method, a special powder is used, consisting of porous microparticles impregnated with a special composition that dissolves any dirt. With long pile, the powder penetrates only 1/3 deep, so the method is not suitable for cleaning heavily soiled long-pile products.

The coating is first vacuumed to remove dust and dirt particles.The dry cleaner is applied to the entire area of ​​the carpet using a special device, the brushes of which rotate towards each other. After the microsponges absorb dirt, they are removed with a vacuum cleaner. The disadvantage of this method is the high cost of the dry cleaner.

How to properly remove specific contaminants yourself at home?

For each type of contamination, a different cleaning method is more suitable. The origin of the stains must be taken into account in order to say goodbye to them forever.

Smells

You can rid the carpet of odors using dry and wet cleaning, for example, by sprinkling with baking soda or wiping with a sponge soaked in a solution of hydrogen peroxide. These products will remove even the pungent odor left by pets. The fishy aroma can be removed with salt, rubbing it into the pile, and after half an hour removing it with a vacuum cleaner.

Beverages

Any stain left should be blotted off with a paper towel as quickly as possible. Traces of coffee are removed with a solution of table vinegar mixed half and half with water. If the composition of the product allows, ammonia is used for the same purpose. Red wine stains can be removed with a solution based on liquid soap and hydrogen peroxide. You can remove tea stains from the surface using a paste of salt and glycerin.

Honey and jam

The sweet sticky substance needs to be sprinkled with flour. After a few minutes, the formed lumps are removed and the surface is wiped with a damp sponge or napkin.

Chocolate

The stain is first scraped off with a knife, moving from the edges to the center. When most of the chocolate has been removed, wipe the contaminated area with a solution of ammonia or washing powder. For light-colored carpets, a hydrogen peroxide solution is suitable.

Chewing gum, slime and plasticine

The easiest way to remove traces of plasticine, chewing gum, and slime is to freeze the stain by placing a piece of ice in a plastic bag on it. It is first necessary to manually collect the bulk of the contamination. Do not rub the stain, otherwise the sticky substance will penetrate even deeper into the fibers. It is necessary to keep the ice on the site of contamination for several minutes. Exfoliated remains of chewing gum or plasticine are immediately removed before they thaw.

Cream, lipstick, paint

Makeup stains need to be removed while they are fresh. First, traces of lipstick or cream are scraped off with the blunt side of a knife. Then place a piece of white cloth soaked in a weak solution of vinegar on the stain and wait about 10 minutes (to dissolve the fat base). After this, the cosmetics are removed, making blotting movements and changing the napkin as necessary.

Inks and varnishes

Water-based ink can be removed with any detergent. Persistent ink stains can be removed using solvents (alcohol, acetone). First, the contaminated area is blotted with a paper towel to remove the bulk of the ink. You can also clean spilled nail polish from your carpet using acetone or a special nail polish remover. The solvent is applied to the stain, and after 2 minutes the liquid contamination is collected with a napkin.

Iodine, brilliant green, fucorcin

Each of these antiseptics leaves bright and permanent stains on the carpet. The brilliant green stain is removed from the carpet by wetting the stain with a solution of hydrogen peroxide and then blotting it with a clean, dry cloth. A solution of ammonia is suitable for removing iodine. It is applied to the contaminated area, and after 2-3 hours it is washed off with a sponge and water. Such stains can also be neutralized with table vinegar.The product is applied to the dirt and the remaining traces are erased after 5 minutes. Fukortsin responds best to a soap solution with the addition of a few drops of ammonia.

Animal fur

How often carpets should be cleaned depends on the number of pets and how long the pile of their fur coat is. It is advisable to carry out light cleaning every 2 days, collecting hairs with a damp foam sponge. Wool sticks well to rubber gloves - this can also be used. For greater effectiveness, gloves should be moistened with water. The fastest way is to use a clothes roller.

Paraffin and wax

You can remove wax and paraffin from carpet by freezing. Apply an ice pack to the contaminated surface for several minutes. After this, the brittle substance can be easily removed from the surface. There is also the opposite method - ironing the coating with a low-heated iron through a paper napkin. You will need to repeat the procedure several times. If remnants of the stain are still visible, wipe the contaminated area with alcohol.

Oil stains and rust

Any fat that gets on the coating is sprinkled with talcum powder, flour or baking soda. After 5-6 hours, the adsorbent is removed with a brush or vacuum cleaner. Remaining traces of dirt can be easily removed with alcohol and soap suds. Acids will help remove rust. You can use a vinegar solution or lemon juice. The product is applied to the stain, and after 30 minutes it is removed with a dry cloth.

Blood

The blood stain is first wiped with cold soapy water. After this, the area is treated with ammonia. If the stain is fresh, you can get rid of it with just cold water. Table salt will help remove blood.A paste of water and salt crystals is applied to the contaminated area. After 5-10 minutes, wipe the stain with a sponge. Then the carpet needs to be vacuumed.

Urine marks

The sooner you start cleaning urine from the carpet, the better the results will be. Blot the wet stain with a paper towel until the liquid stops being absorbed. Further treatment with a vinegar solution will help remove residual urine and eliminate the unpleasant odor. The stain is wiped with a cloth soaked in a solution of weak acetic acid. The procedure must be repeated several times.

A dark carpet can be wiped with a solution prepared from 1 liter of water and 15 drops of iodine. Old stains are washed with laundry soap, and after an hour they are washed clean with cool water. Traces of urine left by an adult are removed with a mixture of 2 parts vodka and 1 part ammonia. The processing is repeated until the desired result is obtained.

Vomiting and feces

To begin with, the pile is cleaned of large particles of vomit and feces. After this, a cold soda solution is applied to the stain, which after a minute is wiped with pressure with a rag, achieving maximum absorption. This procedure is repeated several times, after which the stain is treated with a stain remover. If an unpleasant odor remains, the washed area can be sprinkled with tea leaves or mustard powder and the adsorbent can be collected after 2-3 hours.

Mercury

The most convenient way to remove mercury from the pile is with a syringe. Small mercury balls can be connected together by pushing one towards the other. Microscopic particles are removed using adhesive tape. The work should be performed wearing a respirator and rubber gloves. If mercury gets on the carpet, immediately close the door to the room and open the window.The toxic substance must not be disposed of in a landfill or poured down the drain. The metal is handed over to special recycling services.

Soot

The soot stain is first degreased with gasoline. Then wipe the area with a cotton pad soaked in turpentine. At the last stage, the contamination is washed with a soap solution and then with clean water.

Polyurethane foam, glue

Foam and glue are removed from lint-free carpets by wiping the contaminated areas with solvent, acetone or Dimexide. After using chemicals, the coating is cleaned with detergent. Cover a long-pile carpet with a wet rag to soften the dirt, and then carefully remove the foam or glue with a spatula. You can cut off particles of the frozen substance if it has dried at the very tips of the fibers.

Mold and fungi

Mold can be easily removed from carpet using acetic and citric acid. Table vinegar is diluted half and half with water. Lemon juice can be used in its pure form. Destroys mold and natural tea tree essential oil. A few drops of oil are added to the water, then the solution is applied to the stain using a spray bottle. After 2-3 hours, the coating is washed with a damp sponge.

Bitumen

Bitumen stains can be removed by wiping the stained area with a cloth soaked in gasoline. Another method involves using butter. The product is rubbed into the stain. After the bitumen has softened, it is removed with a dry rag.

Fleas

If there are fleas in the carpet, you can get rid of them by treating the carpet with a solution of wormwood, tansy or spruce needles. Table vinegar is also used as a repellent. It is diluted half and half with water and applied to the carpet from a spray bottle.

How to dry a carpet

After washing the carpet, extract the maximum amount of moisture from it, collecting it with a dry rag. It is better to completely dry the product in the fresh air. This is done in dry and warm weather. Drying should take place in the shade. A clean sheet is first laid out on the grass.

The sun's rays should not fall on the carpet. Periodically, the carpet product is turned over with the other side up, and then the pile arrangement is changed again. This will make the carpet dry faster. It is not recommended to use the crossbar for drying carpets. A wet rug becomes too heavy; its base will stretch under its own weight.

Carpet care, which includes cleaning it, must be done in a timely manner. It is better to remove any stains while they are fresh. When choosing a cleaning method, take into account the composition of the product and the nature of the contamination. If stubborn stains appear, it is better not to risk it and have your carpet dry cleaned.