Carpets are a sizable investment and maintaining them at home can be a tough task. Following carpet cleaning hacks can make this task easier for a homeowner:

1. Vacuuming Strategically

Vacuuming all the areas of a carpet can lead to wearing down of the carpet fibers and degrade its quality. Instead, using a vacuum on only the highly soiled areas of the rug, once a week or more, can yield better results without any adverse effects on the fibers. Further, the method of vacuuming also determines the health of the carpet. Slow, overlapping strokes, back and forth over the carpet are useful in this regard.

2. Choosing the Right Vacuum Cleaner

Vacuum cleaners should not be bought keeping the price as the determinant for the quality. If the stairs of the house are carpeted as well, then a vacuum cleaner with a detachable container is more comfortable to carry. For homeowners with pets, a vacuum with a hose and multiple attachments is more useful in getting the hair out of the carpet.

Further, a good vacuum cleaner, no matter how much its price is, should last for ten years at least. To maintain it, empty the canister or bag frequently, check hoses for clogs regularly and change the filter when it starts to turn grey.

3. Getting Carpets Cleaned Professionally

Thoroughly cleaning a living room carpet, due to its size and material, can be a time consuming and tedious chore. Choosing a professional carpet cleaning company to do the job can ease this burden. It will also make the carpet look as if it is new again. It also ensures the warranty of the rug, neglecting which may render any warranty on the carpet void. Therefore, it is highly advisable to get the carpet cleaned professionally at least once or twice a year. Nowadays, there are many Stanley Steamer alternative in the market that offers you the top quality cleaning services at low prices.

4. Steam Cleaning

When professional cleaning is not feasible, using a steam cleaner can come in handy. They are usually kept in the same aisle as vacuum cleaners in stores and can also be rented at certain home stores. While using a steam cleaner, the instruction manual for mixing the cleaning solution and directions for use should be followed carefully. Walking across the room from wall to wall in long lines is the most potent method to steam clean the carpet. After completing, make sure to not step over the area cleaned till it is scorched. Leave the area open for proper ventilation.

5. Removing Stains and Odors in Time

Scrapping of excess or blotting away the excess liquid with a clean, white, absorbent cloth can save time and money. Work from the outside edge of the stain toward the center to prevent spreading of the liquid. After this, use a carpet cleaning solution according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Different materials require different solutions to be used in the specified method. Lastly, blot the stain away with a thick cloth or paper. 

Baking Soda can be quite useful to remove odors from the carpet. Shake the baking soda lightly on the mat. Let it sit on the rug for approximately fifteen minutes. Finally, vacuum the carpet to remove the baking soda and the odors it has absorbed.

6. Specifically Treating Stains

Instead of using expensive general carpet cleaning solutions, which may also have many harmful chemicals, many common staining materials can be removed from the carpet by using kitchen remedies.

For example, to remove coffee stains, blot the stain first. Then, mix two tablespoons hydrogen peroxide with one tablespoon dish soap and apply this solution to the stained region. Let it sit for a few seconds and then use your fingers to remove the stain. Rinse with cold water and repeat the process till the stain is gone

For blood or wine stains, club soda can be used after blotting. For fat-based stains, using baking soda in the same manner as used for removing odors and subsequently applying rubbing alcohol or dry solvent can remove the stain. Urine stains can be removed by enzymatic cleaners. Gum can be removed by hardening it using ice, chipping it away with a knife and using a dry solvent to finish off.

The methods mentioned above and techniques can ensure a long and healthy life of a living room carpet. It, in turn, makes your home a safe and clean environment for children and pets, and of course, clean and beautiful homes are a matter of pride and fill us with a sense of achievement.