subject: Carpet Cleaning Tricks And Tips [print this page] Carpet cleaning is a chore that needs lots of attention and concentration. This is especially true for items which are old or vintage and those that are quite expensive. Homeowners know the value of their things, which is why they try to be careful when trying to clean the more expensive ones. For the most part, it is best to consult a specialist when it comes to a big, expensive rug and the ordinary carpeting of a big house or office space.
There are different tips and tricks to carpet cleaning. Some of these are dependent on what kind of item one is dealing with. Expensive oriental rugs should be handled with care, and many suggest that this should be left to the professionals. If the owner does wish to try his or her hand at maintaining these kinds of rugs, it is best to start slowly with the use of the average vacuum cleaner. The use of ordinary water and a mild soap or shampoo may follow if the item has notable dirt and stains which do not come off with the vacuum. Take note that most of the more expensive area rugs are well cared for and may just need to be vacuumed. It is best to vacuum both the top and the underside to make sure that the dust and dirt are removed. Markings and stains which are not removed by the vacuum can be removed by using a mild soap or shampoo. It is best to do a spot test first on a discreet corner of the rug to make sure the color will not bleed or run. Once satisfied with the test, carpet cleaning can proceed.
Using a long haired brush or a firm sponge is advisable in maintaining the rugs. The long haired brush should not be too hard or firm, while sponge should not easily come apart when brushed on the surface. A linear motion is also advisable when trying to clean the entire piece, or even just a small area of it. Circular motions might be too rough. The project should be done in a big space with water on hand. When removing the shampoo or soap, it should be rinsed thoroughly in clean, clear water. A squeegee is also handy in draining or squeezing the excess water out. Lay it out on a relatively flat surface and run the squeegee in the direction of the nap in order to keep the natural lay of the pile. Do not apply too much pressure when using the squeegee because it might pull out some of the pile.
When drying the rug after carpet cleaning, it is best to lay it on a flat surface under the sun. It is not a good idea to lay it under the sun for too long (several days) because it may cause the color to fade. When the upper side feels dry to touch, the underside should be turned to dry as well. Do not hang expensive carpeting on a line because this may cause it to develop lines or cracks.
