How To Clean A Rug Or Carpet
Man’s best friends are also an expensive area rug or carpet’s worst enemies. It’s a bitter rivalry as old as carpeting itself. For as long as men and women have decorated their homes with rugs, pets have been staining them.
If a new puppy or kitten has been targeting your carpet or rug for their potty training experiments, then knowing how to clean a rug is essential, especially if you just purchased an expensive area rug or paid a pet deposit on an apartment.
Since getting rid of your beloved new puppy (or its chief rival, your cat) isn’t an option, it’s time to learn how to remove pet stains from carpets in a hurry. So in case of emergency, here’s a simple lifehack for treating those ugly stains with everyday products around the house.
Baking Soda And Vinegar, Not Just For Science Fairs Anymore
When professional carpet cleaning experts need to treat a stain on the fly without their equipment, this is their go to home remedy. First, be sure to blot and clear as much of the stain as you can. However, this natural remedy also works for older stains that may have slipped past you. You will need:
- Two cups white distilled vinegar
- Two cups water
- Four tablespoons baking soda
You can mix all the ingredients in an empty spray bottle or bowl (watch out for the fizz!) and then apply to the stained carpet or area rug. Let the solution soak into the stain for five minutes at least, and then apply elbow grease as necessary. The baking soda will help treat any lingering odors, and the white vinegar will break down the stain.
How Often Should I Clean My Carpets?
The answer can vary depending on the carpet, but a general rule of thumb is to have your carpets professionally cleaned at least once every 12 to 18 months. However, heavily trafficked carpets and rugs might require cleaning three or four times every year. And if you live with children in addition to your pets, then quarterly carpet cleanings are doubly important.
That might seem excessive, but an estimated 2,000 dust mites hide in every ounce of carpet dust in your home.
Until you book residential carpet cleaning services, make sure you vacuum high-traffic areas of your home at least once a week to prevent your floors from getting worn out before their time.
