How to Clean Carpets, Curtains & Upholstery
Carpets, upholstery and drapes are a comfortable and sophisticated addition to an interior area. While these popular decor items include colour, texture and visual interest, they also harbor dirt and dust. Appropriate cleaning techniques eliminate debris, stop the growth of mold and mildew, and vanquish ugly stains. Routine cleaning prevents excessive wear and tear while keeping the warm and welcoming look of carpets, upholstery and drapes.
Carpet Diem
While weekly vacuuming removes damaging dirt, grit and grime, more vigorous cleaning is in order every 12 to 18 months. High-traffic areas and light-colored cloths require more regular cleaning. Consult with the company’s guidelines for cleaning specifications; even if these are not available, perform a quick spot test to ascertain whether your rug is colorfast — meaning it won’t fade or bleed. Expand stain remover on a concealed area of the rug and let it set for a full hour before blotting using a clean, dry microfiber fabric. A stained fabric indicates that the cleaning product you are using isn’t right for your carpet; experiment with gentler formulas till you find one that doesn’t result in bleeding. Always start by vacuuming. Follow up with a professional excellent steam cleaner which can be bought at your regional home supply or hardware store or even leased from a bigger supermarket. Always follow the directions, making sure to allow the carpet ample drying time to avoid the growth of mildew and mold.
Curtains for You
Although most people routinely vacuum floors and carpets, curtains are frequently neglected. Unfortunately, these window treatments gather dirt and dust. Vacuum curtains weekly with a top to bottom motion on the bottom setting for your vacuum attachment. Debris accumulates at the hem, so pay careful attention to this area. Use a lint roller to get rid of pet hair and stubborn dust. Based on the material guidelines, many materials, including polyester and cotton, can be tossed in the washing machine. Other fabrics — such as silk, satin and linen — require more delicate handling. Consult the care label to ascertain the recommended cleaning way of your curtains. Machine-washable curtains can be spot cleaned using a small amount of water and washing detergent, while more delicate fabrics require a visit to the dry cleaner. In a pinch, smudges can be eliminated with baby powder along with a toothbrush.
Hope for Upholstery
Upholstered furniture requires a beating — especially in homes with small kids and pets. Begin by consulting furniture care labels. Remove and launder washable slipcovers as recommended. Lay cushions on a clean surface such as a drop cloth, or break them at sunlight for added defense against mold and mildew. Vacuum cushions in short top-to-bottom strokes, in addition to the cracks of the couch with your vacuum’s crevice attachment. For a burst of freshness, sprinkle odor-neutralizing baking powder to eliminate lingering odors prior to running. A lint roller fast captures dirt and dust, though a piece of tape is effective against pet hair. Stains and spots require immediate treatment. Consult the material guidelines: Spills on microfiber, for example, can be quickly wicked away, whilst silk requires professional treatment.
Go Guru
Routine cleaning of carpets, upholstery and drapes helps maintain a fresh look while prolonging the life span of the fabric. However, certain cleaning challenges benefit from the experience of an experienced professional with the tools and experience to get tough jobs.