WHICH CARPET TYPES ARE EASIEST TO CLEAN?

Choosing a new carpet is a big decision so you need to make sure that you make a good one. Obviously you are going to want one that looks good in your house but that can’t be the only factor in your choice. You are also going to want to think about things like how resilient is the carpet and how hard it is to clean. A carpet that is easy to clean will make your life a lot easier.

The big thing that you are going to want to look at when you are trying to determine how easy it will be to clean is what material it is made out of. The easiest to clean by a pretty substantial margin is nylon. This is why you almost always see nylon carpet in high traffic areas. In most cases you will be able to keep in clean with just a good vacuuming and an occasional cleaning. Nylon is also pretty good at standing up to stains, the area where it does suffer a little bit is with moisture, it is not great in areas where it might get wet.

In areas where water is present like the bathroom you will probably want to go with a different material like olefin or polyester. These are both much more resistant to water than nylon however they are not all that easy to clean. The challenge is that when you do clean these types of carpets they have a tendency to wick the dirt to the surface. That means that after you clean the carpet as it drys more dirt will come to the surface. This usually requires a second cleaning.

The other big thing that will affect how easy it is to clean your carpet will be the loop pile. This is what determines how plush a carpet is. All carpets are made with loops however in most cases these loops are cut which makes the carpet a lot easier to clean. The ones with closed loops are very plush and very soft but they are a real hassle to clean. Therefore in most areas where you get a lot of traffic you are going to want to go with a cut loop carpet.

Obviously how easy the carpet is to clean is just one of the many decisions that you have to make (today, a lot of people even buy carpet based on how eco-friendly it is. There is a huge variation in carpet flooring prices and for most people the cost will be the biggest factor in the carpet they choose. The good news is that the carpets that are easy to clean also tend to be at the lower end of the price spectrum. You are also going to need to think about things like how the carpet looks and feels. If you want a really plush wool carpet there is really no reason to be afraid to buy one just because it can be a bit more difficult to clean.

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Carpet cleaning was my obsession…

Once upon a time carpets ruled my home. Only the kitchen and the bathroom escaped my carpet frenzy.

I loved the way they the carpet felt under my bare feet…

…I loved the way they looked (when they were stain free and freshly vacuumed).

Now my love has waned. Maybe I just need a change…

…or maybe I’m tired of being nervous when someone is over for coffee…

…or maybe I just need new carpets.

Whatever the reason, the feeling is made worst with the carpet cleaning tasks that I have to perform regularly.

“Cleaning this carpet should be a part time job all on its own”, I would say loudly in the hopes that a certain person would take a hint and maybe hire someone to do the dreaded task for me.

Alas, my wailing has fallen on deaf ears. So I continue my carpet maintenance regime to keep my carpet looking presentable and help it to last longer.

Maybe you’re not like me.

Maybe you still totally love your carpets.

Or maybe you are like me and your love has waned.

Either way, as long as you have carpets adorning the floors of your home there are some cleaning duties that you can do on a regular basis to keep your carpet looking good.

* Vacuuming

* Cleaning up spills immediately

* Using dust mats at entrances to carpeted rooms

These are just some of the things you can do.

More Tips:

1. Rearrange Your Furniture

It is good to move your furniture from time to time to change the traffic pattern in your house. Your carpet is worn down faster where people walk.

2. Vacuum Regularly

Dirt helps wear down the fibers in your carpet. Vacuum regularly and place a welcome mat at your home’s entrances. Also consider a “no shoes” policy. High traffic areas can often use vacuuming once a day while low traffic areas can be vacuumed a couple of times a week.

3. Area Rugs

Depending on how your house is laid out you may have some areas that will have high traffic regardless of how your furniture is arranged. Consider a area rugs in these locations.

4. Don’t Let Dirt In

Keep the walk ways leading to your house clean. This will cut down on the amount of dirt that is tracked into your house.

5. Shampoo Rugs

Shampoo rugs at least once a year. Consult your manufacturer sspecifications for what type of cleaning equipment and/or detergents are appropriate for your type of carpet.

6. Spill Awareness

Treat spills quickly for the best chance of avoiding a stain. If you have kids, make sure they know that they need to tell you about spills immediately so they do not have time to set.

7. Snip Loose Threads

To remove a loose thread that sticks up above the fiber use scissors to snip it instead of pulling on it which can pull out more than just the thread.

8. Designate Eating Areas

Many spills can introduce oils into your carpet which attract dirt and help lead to a dingy looking carpet. The less you eat in carpeted areas the better your chances are of avoiding these types of spills.

The cleaner you can keep your carpet the longer it will last. Hopefully these tips help you get more life out of your carpet.

Below are some links which make up a carpet guide to help you maintain and care for your carpet.

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Getting your home’s carpets cleaned is a great way to freshen up the appeal of your home and preserve a floor covering’s life span.

While part of the joy of hiring a professional is having someone else do the dirty work, taking these pro-active steps can help make sure you get the cleanest carpet possible:

1. Vacuum, if needed – Removing as much debris and dirt from the carpet fiber prior to a cleaning can help ensure your carpet cleaner is focusing on the deep down soiled in dirt. Some carpet cleaning services vacuum the carpet prior to beginning their work. Others rely on you, the homeowner, to do so. Ask your carpet cleaning professional whether or not you need to vacuum prior to their arrival.

2. Dust and clean baseboards and HVAC registers – Clearing these areas of dirt and debris can help ensure the carpet isn’t’ dirtied quickly following a cleaning.

3. Remove fragile items – Porcelain knick-knacks, Ming dynasty vases, collectibles and any other potentially fragile or breakable items should be removed from the cleaning area and placed in a safe area.

4. Remove valuable items – While many carpet cleaning companies thoroughly screen and vet their employees, it’s still a good idea to remove any items of value from rooms with carpeting that will be cleaned. Store them behind a locked door or in your car’s trunk.

5. Move furniture, if necessary – Your carpet cleaner may offer a discount for cleaning a room that’s empty or just focusing on high foot traffic areas. On the other hand, you may want to ensure your carpet is totally clean from wall to wall. Some companies charge a fee for moving furniture, others don’t, so ask about moving furniture when making an appointment.

6. Remove smaller items from the floor – Floor lamps, waste baskets, toys, and clothing or shoes should all be moved out of the area to be cleaned. It’s also a good idea to lift up and secure things like bedspreads, drapes or dust ruffles with a clothespin to prevent them from getting in the way of a carpet cleaner’s tools.

7. Free up a parking spot – If your carpet cleaner uses truck-mounted equipment, they’ll need to park their vehicle as close as possible to an entry door to run hoses for their cleaning equipment. Make sure your family’s vehicles aren’t obstructing them.

8. Point out areas of concern – Showing a professional carpet cleaner the stains, spots or high traffic areas you’re most concerned with will help make sure they’re not missed during the cleaning process.

Keep your carpet clean using these easy-to-follow steps.

Always take off your shoes at the door.
Be sure to keep a rug at all the entrances of the home or business.
Vacuum at least three times a week.
Never use soap or any type of bleaching agent to clean a spot. Just blot and call a professional.They know which cleaning agents to use for the appropriate spot or stain. By cleaning yourself, you might set the stain.
Get your carpet stretched if it’s showing signs of being loose. A loose carpet will wear faster because the fibers overlap and rub together with the dirt buried in them, which acts like sand paper.

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Happy Cleaning.

Today’s modern home is loaded with toxic and polluting substances designed to make domestic life easier.

The cost of these commercial, chemical-based products can be high — long term health concerns for the family, and environmental pollution caused by their manufacture and disposal. In the US, for example, 1 in 3 people suffer from allergies, asthma, sinusitis or bronchitis (US National Center for Health Statistics). Treatment for these conditions should include reducing synthetic chemicals in the home environment.

For many home-cleaning chores, you can make your own cleaning products using the formulas listed below.

A growing number of commercial non-toxic home cleaning products are also available, as healthier and environmentally responsible alternatives. Your use of these products helps promote the growth of green businesses which are contributing to a sustainable economy.

1. Homemade Substitutions

There are many inexpensive, easy-to-use natural alternatives which can safely be used in place of commercial household products. Here is a list of common, environmentally safe products which can be used alone or in combination for a wealth of household applications.
Baking Soda – cleans, deodorizes, softens water, scours.
Soap – unscented soap in liquid form, flakes, powders or bars is biodegradable and will clean just about anything. Avoid using soaps which contain petroleum distillates.
Lemon – one of the strongest food-acids, effective against most household bacteria.
Borax – (sodium borate) cleans, deodorizes, disinfects, softens water, cleans wallpaper, painted walls and floors.
White Vinegar – cuts grease, removes mildew, odors, some stains and wax build-up.
Washing Soda – or SAL Soda is sodium carbonate decahydrate, a mineral. Washing soda cuts grease, removes stains, softens water, cleans wall, tiles, sinks and tubs. Use care, as washing soda can irritate mucous membranes. Do not use on aluminum.
Isopropyl Alcohol – is an excellent disinfectant. (It has been suggested to replace this with ethanol or 100 proof alcohol in solution with water. There is some indication that isopropyl alcohol buildup contributes to illness in the body. See http://drclark.ch/g)
Cornstarch – can be used to clean windows, polish furniture, shampoo carpets and rugs.
Citrus Solvent – cleans paint brushes, oil and grease, some stains. (Citrus solvent may cause skin, lung or eye irritations for people with multiple chemical sensitivities.)

2. Formulas

Combinations of the above basic products can provide less harmful substitutions for many commercial home products. In most cases, they’re also less expensive. Here are some formulas for safe, alternative home care products:

Note: These formulas and substitutions are offered to help minimize the use of toxic substances in your home, and reduce the environmental harm caused by the manufacture, use and disposal of toxics. Results may vary and cannot be guaranteed to be 100% safe and effective. Before applying any cleaning formulations, test in small hidden areas if possible. Always use caution with any new product in your home.

Make sure to keep all home-made formulas well-labeled, and out of the reach of children.
All-Purpose Cleaner: Mix 1/2 cup vinegar and 1/4 cup baking soda (or 2 teaspoons borax) into 1/2 gallon (2 liters) water. Store and keep. Use for removal of water deposit stains on shower stall panels, bathroom chrome fixtures, windows, bathroom mirrors, etc.

Another alternative are microfiber cloths which lift off dirt, grease and dust without the need for cleaning chemicals, because they are formulated to penetrate and trap dirt. There are a number of different brands. A good quality cloth can last for several years.

Air Freshener: Commercial air fresheners mask smells and coat nasal passages to diminish the sense of smell. 
• Baking soda or vinegar with lemon juice in small dishes absorbs odors around the house. 
• Having houseplants helps reduce odors in the home. 
• Prevent cooking odors by simmering vinegar (1 tbsp in 1 cup water) on the stove while cooking. To get such smells as fish and onion off utensils and cutting boards, wipe them with vinegar and wash in soapy water.
• Keep fresh coffee grounds on the counter.
• Grind up a slice of lemon in the garbage disposal.
• Simmer water and cinnamon or other spices on stove. 
• Place bowls of fragrant dried herbs and flowers in room.

Bathroom mold: Mold in bathroom tile grout is a common problem and can be a health concern. Mix one part hydrogen peroxide (3%) with two parts water in a spray bottle and spray on areas with mold. Wait at least one hour before rinsing or using shower.

Carpet stains: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray directly on stain, let sit for several minutes, and clean with a brush or sponge using warm soapy water.
For fresh grease spots, sprinkle corn starch onto spot and wait 15 – 30 minutes before vacuuming.
For a heavy duty carpet cleaner, mix 1/4 cup each of salt, borax and vinegar. Rub paste into carpet and leave for a few hours. Vacuum.

Chopping block cleaner: Rub a slice of lemon across a chopping block to disinfect the surface. For tougher stains, squeeze some of the lemon juice onto the spot and let sit for 10 minutes, then wipe.

Coffee and tea stains: Stains in cups can be removed by applying vinegar to a sponge and wiping. To clean a teakettle or coffee maker, add 2 cups water and 1/4 cup vinegar; bring to a boil. Let cool, wipe with a clean cloth and rinse thoroughly with water.

Deodorize:
• Plastic food storage containers – soak overnight in warm water and baking soda
• In-sink garbage disposal units – grind up lemon or orange peel in the unit
• Carpets – sprinkle baking soda several hours before vacuuming
• Garage, basements – set a sliced onion on a plate in center of room for 12 – 24 hours

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