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Carpet Maintenance Tips

Carpet Maintenance Tip#1 Vacuum more often

Carpet maintenance tip #1, you should definitely be to vacuum more.  Keeping your carpets from deteriorating too fast means to keep the dirt and debris out of it as much as possible. Therefore, vacuum at least two times a week and more if the room gets a lot of traffic. The more your vacuum the less often you would have to hire a professional carpet cleaner.

Although, we could not emphasize enough how important it is to stay on a regular cleaning schedule. Vacuuming is the best defense against early premature degradation of carpet fibers. Dirt and debris left inside your carpet act as an abrasive cutting compound as you walk over it. Of course, the pressure applied by walking over it makes the debris cut into the carpet fibers. In turn, this contributes to the forming of traffic wear patterns throughout your home.

Keep your vacuum running optimally. Change the bag or empty the canister before it gets full. Check for debris like hair, string, and fibers getting caught up in the rotating brushes.  Likewise, check the hose to see if anything is blocking the airflow. If you have ever had new carpet installed, you’ll find that when vacuuming more carpet fibers than usual are vacuumed up, than that of older carpets.

Tip #2 Take off your shoes

It’s always best to take off shoes before coming into the house. Most days when we are out and about, we are walking over dirt, asphalt parking lots, and a host of other debris. All these places leave oil, dirt, who know what else on the bottom of our shoes. Naturally, if we get in the habit of removing shoes at the door we won’t bring that stuff in the house onto our clean floors. Invest in a pair of house shoes that stays inside.

Tip #3 Prepare a carpet cleaning kit

Prepare a spot carpet maintenance kit that you can access everything you need quickly. This should include your favorite carpet cleaning spot remover. Perhaps, something eco-friendly with little no harsh chemicals.  Include white rags that can be used to blot spills. Colored rags can possibly transfer color onto the carpet if you are using chemicals.  It goes without saying that you should always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for any store bought spot remover.

Tip #4 Clean carpet before it’s too dirty

This tip is a must. Of course, how often you get your carpets cleaned depends on how much traffic they get. A household with kid or pets, or even both will have to be cleaned more those a home that doesn’t. If your carpeting is a lighter color then, you may want to clean more frequently due to the fact these light color show dirt more easily. Call Ruggeek at (770)466-8600 and schedule and carpet cleaning appointment. You can read more information on our website at www.ruggeek.com

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Carpet Maintenance Tips

Carpet Maintenance Tip#1 Vacuum more often

Carpet maintenance tip #1, you should definitely be to vacuum more.  Keeping your carpets from deteriorating too fast means to keep the dirt and debris out of it as much as possible. Therefore, vacuum at least two times a week and more if the room gets a lot of traffic. The more your vacuum the less often you would have to hire a professional carpet cleaner.

Although, we could not emphasize enough how important it is to stay on a regular cleaning schedule. Vacuuming is the best defense against early premature degradation of carpet fibers. Dirt and debris left inside your carpet act as an abrasive cutting compound as you walk over it. Of course, the pressure applied by walking over it makes the debris cut into the carpet fibers. In turn, this contributes to the forming of traffic wear patterns throughout your home.

Keep your vacuum running optimally. Change the bag or empty the canister before it gets full. Check for debris like hair, string, and fibers getting caught up in the rotating brushes.  Likewise, check the hose to see if anything is blocking the airflow. If you have ever had new carpet installed, you’ll find that when vacuuming more carpet fibers than usual are vacuumed up, than that of older carpets.

Tip #2 Take off your shoes

It’s always best to take off shoes before coming into the house. Most days when we are out and about, we are walking over dirt, asphalt parking lots, and a host of other debris. All these places leave oil, dirt, who know what else on the bottom of our shoes. Naturally, if we get in the habit of removing shoes at the door we won’t bring that stuff in the house onto our clean floors. Invest in a pair of house shoes that stays inside.

Tip #3 Prepare a carpet cleaning kit

Prepare a spot carpet maintenance kit that you can access everything you need quickly. This should include your favorite carpet cleaning spot remover. Perhaps, something eco-friendly with little no harsh chemicals.  Include white rags that can be used to blot spills. Colored rags can possibly transfer color onto the carpet if you are using chemicals.  It goes without saying that you should always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for any store bought spot remover.

Tip #4 Clean carpet before it’s too dirty

This tip is a must. Of course, how often you get your carpets cleaned depends on how much traffic they get. A household with kid or pets, or even both will have to be cleaned more those a home that doesn’t. If your carpeting is a lighter color then, you may want to clean more frequently due to the fact these light color show dirt more easily. Call Ruggeek at (770)466-8600 and schedule and carpet cleaning appointment. You can read more information on our website at www.ruggeek.com

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How to Remove Carpet Stains

Carpet stains are frustrating. You are so careful no to spill a glass of red wine on the carpet, or try and prevent kids from tracking in with muddy shoes. All to protect you beautiful hardwoods, carpets, and and area rugs. Likewise, trying to prevent the family pet not to have accidents on the carpet. We stay busy all day and for that split second we are not paying attention and boom, it happens, Sparky just can’t hold it any longer. There goes the nice clean rug you just bought for the family room.

When these accidents happen, what do you do? We usually run for the closest paper towel rack or hand towels then, we commence to spray some random spot remover and try to scrub out the spot. But Wait! Believe it or not this can do more harm than good.  It’s always best to take a moment before you treat the stain. There are so many ways that you can remove carpet stains. Furthermore, the way you should do it depends more on what kind of  stain you are removing.

How to Remove Carpet Stains the Right Way

In this blog, we are going to educate you. Moreover, you will be armed with the easiest and safest methods to remove unsightly spots that will not do any further damage to your carpets. These are tried and true techniques and methods to remove to most common of carpet stains. Also, as you read will will cover a host of common carpet stains and a step by step process on how to remove them. Therefore, take a deep breath. Help is on the way!

Removing Kool-Aid Stains

This is probably to most horrific stain to remove from carpet. Likewise, this is true for almost any sort of colored drink spill. Some times these spots seem impossible to get out but, here are a few steps to follow to help increase the chances that it will. In the event that you do have a permanent stain on your carpet, Ruggeek offers a low cost method to fix this other than expensive carpet replacement.

To begin, gently blot the stain with a dry white towel. Moreover, never use a colored towel. You could have issue with that colored towel bleeding into your carpet. Also, it’s never a good idea rub the stain in a up and down, or side to side motion. This can make it more difficult to remove the carpet stain altogether. No to mention, this will fray the carpet fibers and push the liquid further down.

Use a mixture of white vinegar, Dawn dish soap, and water in a spray bottle. Use 1/4 cup of white vinegar, 1 tbsp. of Dawn dish soap, and fill with water. Spray the stained area liberally and have it soak for 5-10 minutes. Use your white cloth and blot up the spot as much as possible then repeat. When rubbing out a spot it’s always best to rub in circular motions; not side to side, or up and down. Rub clockwise then, counter clockwise.

There are many carpet stain removal products on the market. Also, you can prepare your own homemade spot remover with just basic household ingredients. If you buy one from the store it’s always best to read labels and preferably one that is “green” or eco-friendly. There is no need to use anything harmful to yourself, kids, and or pets. Furthermore, always test a small inconspicuous area before using any carpet stain remover.

Remove Coffee Stains

Coffee stain removal can be a bit tricky. Due to the fact that in most cases the coffee will be going on the carpet hot. In-turn this will melt any Scotchgard TM protection that may be on the carpet. All the while opening up the small microscopic dye site within the carpet fiber. Therefore, allowing for the brown color of the coffee to set in deep.

First thing is first, always use a dry white towel and blot up as much as you can. Also consider the fact that coffee is a brownish color. Furthermore, if there a excessive spillage you could easily spread the coffee in other areas. This is why is so important to blot up the stain first.

Use a mix of vinegar, water, and a non-bleach detergent in a spray bottle. See if this works before trying anything more significant in terms of chemicals

There are several products design for this type of carpet stain. You can call your local professional carpet cleaning company and ask for advice. This would be advisable before, putting anything down that will only make the stain worse. If you are in the Atlanta, GA area feel free to call Ruggeek at (770) 466-8600 and we’ll be happy to advise you on what to do to save your carpet.  Of course, it’s best to perform a patch test to assure no damage from chemicals, and to check for color fastness.

Polypropylene is a type of carpet that is OK to use a water and bleach solution to treat carpet stains  You can prepare a mixture of 1/4 cup of bleach to 1 cup and a 1/4 of water in a spray bottle. Let mixture sit a minute or two then, blot up and rinse with warm water. Repeat process until spot is out. Always check with your manufacturer so you now exactly what kind of carpet material you have. If you use bleach on carpet that is not bleach safe then, you will have a nice big bleach spot.

Blood Stains out of Carpet

Most people would naturally be concerned about blood stain appearing in there carpet. It’s usually not a good sign if there is blood in the carpet in the first place. However, don’t fret over this kind of stain. Although, the appearance of red blood looks like it will be next to impossible to get out, it is actually one of the easiest. For this stain it is best to treat is as soon as possible. As with any stains, the quicker you get to it the more effective it will be to remove it. There are numerous ways to remove blood carpet stains.

Always use cold water instead of warm or hot water. The reason for this is because blood coagulates with heat. Therefore, cold water will prevent the blood from permeating into the carpet fibers.

Get a all purpose spray bottle and add  2 tbs. of a liquid dish detergent such as Dawn and cold water, then spray on the stain. Next, you want to moisten the carpet stain is entirely. Give it a good soaking. Then use a paper towel or a dry white cloth to blot the spot so that the blood is transferred to the cloth. Rinse with cold water and repeat until stain is out.

Peroxide is another method that we have used for decades. With its abilities to oxygenate most carpet stains, it is perfect for removing blood stains. Pour a little peroxide onto the blood stained area and bot up with a dry white towel or paper cloth. You’ll notice once the peroxide hits the blood spot it will start oxygenating and bubbles up to the surface. At this time start blotting the blood up and let it transfer over to the white towel. Keep repeat until blood stain is out of the carpet.

Pet Urine Stains

As soon as you see a urine spot , act as quick as possible. Absorb as much as possible with paper towels or white cloth towels. Next, spray or blot with a solution of one part white vinegar to one part water. Finally, apply a solution of 1/2 teaspoon of clear, mild, nonbleach detergent mixed with 32 ounces of water, rinse, and blot dry.

If the urine stain has already dried on the carpet fibers, your next move should be to re-moisten the stain. Then use a carpet stain cleaning product specifically formulated for pet stains. However, if you don’t have such a product handy, you can use the above solution mix with water and vinegar to get the stain out.

The vinegar and water solution will also help with neutralizing the odor itself.

Remove Ink Stains from Carpet

Ink stains can be one of the hardest stains to remove if are not a professional carpet cleaner. However, that’s OK we can guide you with a few simple steps and have that ink stain out of your carpet in no time. These methods also work for grease stains as well. With a few household items we’ll show you how to prepare your very own ink removing solution.

Use a clean white moistened cloth with isopropyl alcohol 91%; the higher the alcohol content the better it will work. Next commence dabbing the wet cloth on the ink stained carpet; do not scrub! Scrubbing could actually make the ink spot to spread. Let it stand for a few minutes and then use a wet-dry vacuum to remove the excess moisture.

You may need to treat the carpet stain with the alcohol again. Also hairspray, white wine, vinegar, and nail polish removers are effective ink removers.

When using chemicals, rinse with water, and use wet vac if you have one to extract solutions out of the carpet fiber. The dryer the area the better when you are done.

Always perform a test on an inconspicuous area of the carpet to make sure these cleaning solutions won’t cause damage.

Lipstick

Use alcohol or paint remover

Eyeliner

Use warm water and dish detergent. Agitate gently and this should remove the stain

Nail Polish Stain

Nail polish remover on a white dry cloth. Agitate gently in a circular motion clockwise then, in reverse counter clockwise. Never scrub side to side.

Oils and Waxes

Moisten and white towel with water. Lay cloth over the stain and put a iron on top at a warm setting. The will heat the oil or wax and transfer it to the towel. Repeat process on a clean area of the cloth until stain has completely transferred. Don’t leave iron sitting on cloth for to long as to burn through and cause further damage.

Words of Wisdom

You’ll notice most of these methods and processes use household chemicals, cleaners and supplies to remove carpet stains. The market has many different solution to address most all carpet stains. Solution that a formulated to remove specific stains. If the methods above do not seem to work for you always consult a professional. It’s better to ask for help than to cause yourself unnecessary expense replacement cost.

When stains get to a point where it seems to be more than you can handle, it’s always best at that point to hire a professional carpet cleaning service in your area. Go with someone reputable and experienced. It’s always best to stay on a regular maintenance cleaning schedule and this will assure your carpet has a long life. Regular cleanings are best for a germ free healthy home. Check out our website below on the homepage for the EPA recommended guidelines for carpet cleaning frequency schedule.

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Area Rug Maintenance

An area rug is a great way to tie a room together and make the room have style. However, they won’t do you any favors if they are looking tattered and dirty. Area rugs can get expensive, so its best to stay on top of them and not let the dirt get out of control. If there are specific recommendations for cleaning, stick to those. However, you can use the following tidbit of information and maintain them quite easily.

As we mentioned before purchasing an area rug can be a costly investment so chances are you won’t want to replace it very often. However, a neglected rug can make your whole home look unappealing. So let’s look at what it takes. From weekly vacuuming maintenance on basic area rugs to deep cleaning antique rugs. Here are some tips on how to keep your rugs in great shape and keep your home feeling inviting and warm.

Basic Area Rug Care

First thing is the most obvious….vacuum your area rugs just as often as you vacuum your carpet. Also, its important to sweep your hardwoods as often as you vacuum the rugs.  This eliminates dirt and grime that can very well ruin the rugs before you know it. Careful not to suck up any rug fringe. This could be costly to have fixed.  Also, note that some vacuum cleaners will have a rug setting. Basically, this stops the rollers from spinning and just uses the suction of the vacuum to remove the dirt.

Be sure to rotate the area rug a couple of times per year. We’ve all seen how one part of the rug can get a ton of wear while another part is safely out of reach from everyday foot traffic. This  heavy traffic and sunlight can add more stress on them which can wear out one side quicker than the other.

If you have smaller rugs, take them out back and beat them with a broom or handle to remove the dirt and grime. Or just give them a good shake.

Another thing is hair. Whether it’s hair on a bathroom rug or pet hair on the living room area rug it’s more than likely that the vacuum wont get out all of the hair; even after several passes. Simply brush the hair off with a carpet rake (brush).

Specialized Care for the Natural Fiber Area Rug

Not all rugs are made the same. Some area rugs require specialized care.  Always follow the cleaning instructions on the tag of the rug for best practices. If there are no instructions  just follow these basic steps. One of the best ways to take care of your wool, sheep skins, silk area rug is to make sure it stays clean in the first place. Although, we understand accidents happen to the best of us. This should be a simple as a cleaning schedule that you can maintain.

For an area rug made of wool, silk, fur, or sheepskin; shake talcum powder onto the rug. Let it sit for a few hours. Gently brush it through the fur or hair and then take it outside and shake it out. Depending on how long the fur is, you may need to repeat the process until you feel it is thoroughly cleaned.

If you have a handmade or antique area rug, use a little more caution. A little tip to add an extra layer of protection is to place a nylon screen over the rug. If you have an attachment  to your vacuum is this and brush over your rug gently. Remember, if you’re at all hesitant about cleaning your rug, talk with an antique dealer or the rug manufacturer (if possible).  If you need additional help and tips on how to care for your antique rug refer to a professional carpet cleaning service

For a braided area rug, put a blanket or towels down on on the floor. Put the rug on top of the blanket. Using a commercial carpet cleaning solution, sponge it onto the rug and rub it in. Rinse the rug with water and leave it on a dry blanket or hang until dry.

Deep Cleaning Time

Word of caution, if you’re using a store-bought rug shampoo, follow the instructions precisely before cleaning your rugs. Sometimes these cleaners can leave a soapy residue behind if not use and rinse correctly. I personally recommend making your own cleaner. A few squirts of liquid dish mixed with some rubbing alcohol into a bucket of warm water. Don’t use hot water as it could shrink and fade the rug. Test the solution in a small, inconspicuous area of the rug to make sure it’s colorfast. If the colors don’t run, it’s time to start cleaning

Using a sponge or a soft-bristled cleaning brush, apply the cleaning solution to the area rug and work it into a lather. Do not over saturate the rug. Allow the cleaner to sit on the rug for a few minutes to break any soil loose. Use a garden hose to rinse the rug off. Then use a wet/dry vacuum to remove as much water as possible from the rug. Leave the rug outside until it’s completely dry. Also, when your rug is ready to come back inside, be sure to sweep up the area where the rug will be put. It is best to make sure everything is cleaned before putting it back.

Using cleaning product specific for the material your area rug is made of, test a small inconspicuous area of the rug for colorfastness

Remember slightly dampen the rug and with a sponge or soft bristle brush work in the soapy solution gently as to not tear the rug fiber.

Rinse the rug as thoroughly as possible to get all of the soapy residue out. If this step isn’t done correctly you’ll find later on a tacky residue left behind. This in turn will cause dust, dirt, and debris to stick the the rug much easier. This means your rug will get dirtier quicker in the future.

Let the run dry out is the open air.

Then vacuum rug once you are certain it is complete dry. Job well done, Your rug is now clean!