Hiring a carpet cleaning service or rug washing is one house hold chore that often gets put on the back burner. But if you have kids and pets, it’s essential to keep your carpets clean for their health and yours. Here are some money-saving tips for moms who want to keep their carpets clean without spending a fortune.
1. Vacuum regularly
This is the number one way to keep your carpets clean. Vacuuming not only picks up dirt and dust but also helps to remove pet hair and other debris that can get trapped in the fibers of your carpet. Vacuuming also prolongs the life of your carpet by preventing dirt and dust from being ground into the fabric.
2. Spot clean spills immediately
It’s always best to clean up spills as soon as they happen. If you wait too long, the fall can set into the carpet and be much harder to remove. Always have a good quality spot cleaner on hand so you can quickly and easily clean up any accidents. Spills can be tough on the carpet because they tend to get ground in and become matted over time. Use drop cloths and place furniture away from walls to avoid spilling on the floor. A mattress protector can also help protect against spills from becoming absorbed into the mattress.
3. Use doormats
Placing doormats at all of your exterior doors will help to keep dirt and debris from being tracked into your home in the first place. Be sure to put them on both sides of the door so that people can wipe their feet before coming inside.
4. Avoid professional cleaning products
If you hire a professional carpet cleaning company to come in and clean your carpets, be sure to ask if any harsh chemicals will be used during their cleaning process. In some cases, professional carpet cleaners use harsh chemicals to remove dirt and solvent-soaked stains such as vomit. If you have pets or children in your house, ask your house cleaning company if it is ok to keep the carpets clean with a mixture of hot water and dish detergent.
5. Steam clean your carpet
Using a steam cleaner on your carpet is one of the easiest ways to keep it looking clean and new. When you vacuum, the attachments and brushes push dirt and dust down into the fibers of your carpet and can even leave it looking dirtier than before. A steam cleaner uses a high-pressure cleaning process that safely lifts dirt and grime out of the carpet fibers, leaving them looking clean and fresh. A steam cleaner can also help remove stains left behind by spills or pets accidents.
6. Use a medium-grade rug doctor shampoo
It’s best to clean your carpets at least once a year. If you have other people in your household with allergies, this is even more important as house dust mites (a primary source of indoor allergies) thrive in dark and warm environments. If you’re on a tight budget, consider buying an economy-size bottle of rug doctor shampoo instead of using expensive single-use packs.
7. Use a carpet rake
After you’ve shampooed your carpet, dry it with a steam vacuum cleaner or carpet rake. Make sure to shake out or vacuum up any excess water on the surface before using the carpet rake, though. It works best when used on damp carpets but can also dry ones. Don’t use it on shag carpets, though – you’ll end up causing damage to them.
8. Invest in a pair of rubber gloves for cleaning your floors
Rubber gloves are suitable for keeping germs from spreading from person to person (especially if you have young children). A pair of rubber gloves can also help you protect your hands from drywall splinters and other rough surfaces.
9. Use vinegar and warm water for tough spots on your carpet
Mix 1 cup of vinegar with 2 cups of warm water, and pour this solution on the spot. Let it sit for a few minutes before you scrub the area with an old toothbrush or something similar that has soft bristles. This should remove any stains or tough spots on your carpets. If it doesn’t, try adding a drop or two of vanilla extract to the mix before scrubbing the stubborn area again.
10. Invest in dry cleaning instead of dry cleaning machine
If you want to save money and extend the life span for your carpets, consider using a dry cleaning machine instead. It’s the best way to help keep carpets clean and sanitized. By following these money-saving tips for moms, you can do more than clean your carpets – you can help save money and make your home a healthier place to live.
Also read: Essential Tips for Spring Home Maintenance
