Having beautiful and well-maintained carpets doesn’t have to break the bank. With these money-saving carpet care tips, you can extend the life of your carpets and keep them looking fresh and clean without spending a fortune. Let’s dive right in!
The top two tips given by carpet cleaning insiders are usually to vacuum frequently and to spot clean spills and stains as soon as you become aware of them. So, we’ll include them today as a bonus reminder, but we’d like to give you five more that you may not have already heard of.
Tip #1: Lint Roller Magic
If you find that your vacuum cleaner leaves behind hairs and crumbs, grab a lint roller before you start vacuuming. Roll it over the carpet surface, just as you would on clothing. This handy trick helps pick up those stubborn stray hairs and crumbs, ensuring a more thorough cleaning process.
Tip #2: Squeegee for Fur Babies
Having trouble with pet hair on your carpets? Repurpose a household cleaning tool–the squeegee. Push the squeegee away from you along the surface of the carpet to gather the pet hair. It will create little lines or piles of hair, similar to raking leaves. Once you’ve collected the piles, simply dispose of them.
Tip #3: Harness the Power of Baking Soda
Baking soda is a versatile and cost-effective carpet care ally. If you’re dealing with oily spots or spills, cover the stain with a layer of baking soda and let it sit. The baking soda will absorb the oil, forming a dry crust. Afterward, vacuum up the baking soda. You can repeat this process until most of the oil has been absorbed, leaving behind a lighter stain that can be further treated with other cleaning methods.
Baking soda is also excellent for neutralizing unpleasant odors. Simply sprinkle it liberally over your carpet and leave it for several hours, or overnight for stronger smells. The baking soda will absorb the odors, and all you need to do is vacuum it up.
For those with children or pets, or if you’re seeking a stronger deodorizer that won’t pose any potential harm, try making a DIY deodorizer using baking soda. In a large container, mix 2 tablespoons of Borax, 10 drops of pet-safe essential oil (do your research to ensure it’s safe for pets), and 2 cups of baking soda. This mixture provides a more potent deodorizing effect while remaining safe for your loved ones.
Tip #4: Homemade Carpet Cleaner
For those who prefer a DIY cleaning solution, here’s a recipe you can make and use in a carpet shampooing machine. Mix 3/4 cup of hydrogen peroxide, 1/4 cup of white vinegar, 5 drops of essential oils (choose a pet-friendly option), 2 tablespoons of dish soap, and 2 tablespoons of fabric softener with a gallon of hot water (not boiling). This homemade carpet cleaner provides a cost-effective alternative to commercial products while still delivering impressive results.
Tip #5: Shaving Cream Magic
When it comes to tackling dirty patches in high traffic areas or dealing with spills on lighter carpets, an unexpected solution lies in shaving cream. The foamy shaving cream, not the gel variety, can work wonders in restoring the cleanliness of your carpets. Best of all, it suits any budget, as any brand will do. Simply apply a small amount of shaving cream to the affected area and gently rub it in using a clean cloth or sponge. Allow the shaving cream to sit for a few minutes as it penetrates the fibers and breaks down dirt and stains. Then, using a damp cloth, blot the area to remove the shaving cream along with the dissolved grime. Finish by blotting with a dry cloth to absorb any excess moisture. A surprise benefit that comes with using the shaving cream? The carpet is left soft to the touch and with a bit more fluff to it.
Start implementing these tips today and enjoy the benefits of cost-effective carpet care that keeps your home looking and feeling its best. Remember, a little investment in regular maintenance can go a long way in preserving the beauty and comfort of your carpets for years to come.