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How do carpet cleaning machines work?
Carpet cleaners for home come in various shapes and sizes, ranging from portable models and canisters to uprights and even machines that resemble rental machines but are designed for professionals.
Many are equipped with hoses and mini nozzles for easier cleaning of small areas such as upholstery and stairs, and all have two tanks: one for clean water and detergent solution and one for the dirty water extracted from the carpet.
They dispense a mixture of cleaning solution and water onto the carpet, degrading stains, while a rotating brush works the solution into the carpet fibers.
The cleaner then suctions the cleaning solution and any grime extracted from the carpets into the filthy water reservoir. While carpet cleaners for home are commonly referred to as "steam cleaners," this is a misnomer; it can add hot water to the tank.
How often should you clean your carpet?
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Carpet manufacturers and the Carpet and Rug Institute recommend professional carpet cleaning every 12 to 18 months. Certain carpets even require it to maintain the warranty!
Professional cleaners have more powerful equipment than you can buy or rent. They also pre-treat stains and can refresh and reapply the stain repellent that your carpet probably came with when it was new.
However, if you own a carpet cleaner for home, even a portable one, you can clean your carpets more often and deal with stains immediately, making them look better for longer.
How to restore carpets soft and loft?
The best method to restore the softness and fluffiness of your carpets is to cleanse them with a full-size carpet cleaner with rug shampoo. If you do not wish to use a full-size carpet cleaner, you only need baking soda and a standard vacuum.
To revitalize the soiled carpet and eliminate odors, sprinkle baking soda sparingly on it and massage it with a gentle brush.
After 15 to 30 minutes, vacuum the powder from the carpet using a new bag or an empty dust cup.
The vacuum's suction will lift the matted fibers, while the baking powder will absorb odors, leaving your carpets looking and smelling clean.
In addition, if you have a pet, you need a pet carpet shampoo for specialized cleaning because dogs often shed hair and leave bacteria.
Considerations When Choosing a Carpet Cleaner
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Renting a carpet cleaner may seem like a good idea, but when you take into account the time it takes to pick up and drop off the machine, the extra cost of cleaning solution, and the fact that the rented machine is probably quite old and not as clean or effective as a new one, you may want to buy your own.
Self-cleaning your carpets will give them a new lease on life and provide you with the satisfaction of a clean home. Consider the following details prior to selecting a model:
Portable vs. Upright
If you intend to use a carpet cleaner frequently and the majority of your home is carpeted, an expensive and bulky upright cleaner will be your best option. As with vacuums, upright machines have larger tanks and more power.
However, they are noisier and more cumbersome to operate than smaller machines. A portable device will suffice if you only need to treat sporadic stains on rugs and furniture (or even in your car).
Weight and maneuverability
Carpet cleaners are significantly more cumbersome to operate than standard vacuum cleaners. Once water is added, their weight increases. If your home has multiple levels, keep in mind that carrying a 40-pound carpet cleaning machine up and down the stairs every time you clean the carpets is no easy task.
Special features
Most vacuum cleaners include attachments such as rotating brushes, a hose, a heater, attachments to clean upholstery and small areas, and small bottles of detergents to get you started.
Built-in heaters are particularly useful because hot or even warm water removes stains more quickly and effectively than cold water. It is essential to have a long nozzle for cleaning carpeted stairs and reaching under vehicle seats.
If you have sensitive rugs at home, you should look for a vacuum with rotating brushes that can be turned off to avoid damaging them.
Drying Time
Drying time will vary based on the thickness of your carpet or rug and the length of time you spent cleaning it. However, expect to wait several hours before the surface is dry enough to sit or walk on.
Accessories
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Most upright vacuum cleaners include additional tools, such as a brush and crevice attachment, which are useful for cleaning upholstery, cushions, and crevices.
Footprint
Portable or transportable variants require less storage space than upright models. A smaller model may suffice if you do not have a substantial amount of carpeting.
For models with numerous attachments and lengthy cords and hoses, onboard storage is advantageous, as these attachments are less likely to be misplaced if they are kept in a vacuum.
Warranty
Many manufacturers provide this information on their websites, but a one- to five-year warranty is typical for carpet cleaners. Importantly, using a different one may void your warranty if the manufacturer recommends a particular cleaning solution.
Check the deposit on your carpet to ensure you are not using a cleaning product that will void it.
Methods for Cleaning Carpet Naturally
These are some of the most straightforward solutions for naturally cleaning your carpet in terms of ingredients.
Baking Soda + Vinegar + Water
The classic combination of baking soda and vinegar has many uses beyond science fair volcanoes. First, apply baking soda alone to the stained area. Alternatively, add a few drops of an odorless essential oil for additional deodorizing power. Allow the baking soda to sit on the stain for at least one hour, preferably overnight.
In a spray bottle, combine equal parts of vinegar and water, then spray the mixture over the baking soda. There should be a pleasing fizzing effect. After the mixture has fizzled, wipe the area with a cleaning rag to remove any residue. For incredibly tenacious stains, you may need to repeat the procedure.
If you do not have a spray bottle, you can also use a cloth to apply the solution to a stain. Again: dab, not rub.
FAQs
Why is my cleaned carpet still filthy?
Wicking is the cause of carpets that still look dirty or have reappearing stains following cleaning. This occurs due to excessively wetting the carpet, backing, and pad, which causes them to return to the surface once dry.
Is it okay to use vinegar to clean the carpet?
On carpet fibers, vinegar eliminates odors and loosens many food stains. To clean and deodorize a stain, combine vinegar and water in equal parts, then spray the solution on the stain.
Are carpet steam cleaners worth?
Carpet extraction is likely the most effective method for deep cleaning carpets. Because it combines heated water and chemicals, it can remove grime and detritus from deep within the carpet instead of just the surface.
Conclusion
You could hire a professional cleaning service, but a carpet cleaner will save you money in the long run if you have a lot of carpeting and upholstery in your home. Plus, you can address messes as they occur, preventing stains from setting and becoming more difficult to remove.
