How to Clean Carpet by Hand

A carpet that is dirty is not just unpleasant to walk on, but it can also be harmful to your health. Dust particles that are accumulated can irritate the respiratory tract and make breathing difficult.

It can be difficult to clean your carpet by yourself, but it's a great option for cleaning up those random stains or spills that are too small for an ordinary vacuum. Here are some suggestions to help you do it.

1. Shaving Cream

It is easy to keep your carpets spotless by regularly vacuuming them, but you need to do more thorough cleaning periodically. Deep carpet cleaning involves more than just vacuuming and it requires a variety of special tools to go deep into the carpet and remove staining. There are a myriad of expensive products and services that promise to effectively clean your carpets but there are also cheap items that you can make use of.

For example shaving cream could be used to eliminate blood staining from carpets. If the blood stain is still fresh then try to absorb it as much as you can using napkins or cloth. Apply shaving cream generously to the affected area. Allow it to sit for a couple of minutes, then use a cloth or sponge to rub off the stain. You should be able to see the stain begin to disappear as you scrub, and you can finish up by blotting the area using a clean cloth.

A lint-roller is another easy method to get rid of tough stains. This useful tool can be used to get rid of small particles like food crumbs, broken pencils or even candle wax that has that has melted into carpet. Simply roll a lint roller over the carpet, and it will release lots of dirt, which you can remove with the aid of a vacuum cleaner or brush.

If you're looking to remove more difficult staining, you can create a solution with baking soda and table salt. Sprinkle the mixture on the stain, and let it sit for 10 minutes. Make use of a brush to massage the mixture into the carpet. Baking soda and table salt absorb odors and cling to dirt particles to make it easier to vacuum.

2. Borax

Carpets are soft, comfortable and can absorb spills and stains. Most messes can be prevented from becoming permanent with regular vacuuming, however some staining issues will require more effort. Cleaning a carpet by hand is particularly helpful in removing residues that are too heavy to be handled by the lightest best vacuum cleaner for thick carpets.

A small amount of borax with a little vinegar can help dissolve stubborn pet urine and other organic odors. Mix one-fourth of 1 cup of table salt with white vinegar and borax in a bowl until it forms a paste. Spread the paste over the affected area, and let it sit for 30 to 45 min. Use a soft bristled brush to scrub and let the paste sit on the rug for 30 to 45 more minutes before vacuuming. Repeat the process as necessary to get rid of any persistent odors.

Try freezing waxy substances such as chewing gum or candle drippings that are stuck to your carpet before you try to get them off. Place a ice cube on the gum or other substance to freeze it. This will make it easier to get rid of.

A little borax can also be used to refresh a stale rug or carpet as well as to repelling fleas from your home. Mock suggests spreading a light layer of powder onto the carpet, and then let it sit for several hours. Then, vacuum. If you have pets in your home, wear an air mask while cleaning the carpet. Close the room.

You can also mix borax and baking powder to create an inexpensive scent for carpet fresheners that you can use throughout your home. Put equal parts of both ingredients in a large mason jar and then use a cheese shaker lid for an easy to use dispenser.

3. Salt

Cleaning your carpet with salt is an easy and efficient method. It aids in eliminating the unpleasant smell and maintains it fresh. Additionally, it stops dust from forming and assists in separating fat from the carpet fibers. In the end, the carpet appears shiny and clean.

Try this easy and natural remedy if you're tired of cleaning your carpet with heavy and harsh chemicals. Mix 1 teaspoon of table salt with a bit of water in a spray bottle and apply the solution to the dirty areas of the carpet cleaner vacuum for pets. Use a brush to scrub the carpet until it is clean. Repeat this process until you are satisfied with the results.

Another item you may have in your home is hydrogen peroxide, which can be an effective stain remover for your automatic Carpet Cleaner (http://postmaster.cameseeing.com). It is particularly effective on blood stains, as it contains enzymes which break down organic materials such as proteins. Simply sprinkle the solution onto the stain and allow it to sit for a few seconds before it begins to bubble. Then, wipe the stain with a clean towel.

You can also make a cleaning solution made of vinegar and water to help stain removal on your carpet. If you have a synthetic carpet vacuum and cleaner, Gurskyi suggests using a ratio of one portion vinegar to two parts water. If your carpet is made of wool or natural fibers you should go with a lower ratio. Test the solution on a small part of your carpet before you apply it to the whole thing. After cleaning the carpet, you should vacuum it. Your carpet will look and feel great after a thorough scrub with these easy ingredients!

4. Baking Soda

Professional cleaners use a variety of tools and methods to deep clean carpets. Sprinkle baking soda over the affected area. This absorbs odors and helps lift the stain. This is especially effective for staining that is not greasy, such as wine, tea or ink. It also works for pet odors as a whole particularly if they're caused by urine.

Mix a little baking soda and table salt together with water and put it in a spray bottle. To eliminate smells spray the solution on an area of the carpet or the entire carpet. Then, blot with a clean and damp cloth to get rid of the cleaner.

A thick layer of baking soda can be sprayed on carpets to get rid of odors. Leave it for a few hours. The longer it sits the more oil and odor it can absorb. Then clean the carpet and the smell should be gone.

For tough stains, like gum, chocolate or coffee, add a bit of ammonia to the baking soda solution. Mix one tablespoon of ammonia with one quart of warm water. Dip a clean towel into the mixture, and then gently wipe any stain. Repeat the process until the stain is removed.

For regular maintenance, Hyman suggests shaking out your rug a couple of every month. It will take the grit from the bottom of the rug and prevent the fibers from becoming matted. He also suggests using a carpet sweeper or brush to loosen dirt and crumbs that have accumulated in your carpet's fibers. Flip your rug over every couple of months and then vacuum its back. This will prevent the grit from eating away at the fibers and prolonging the life of your rug.

5. Dish Soap

You're likely to have this staple of your home on the ready, and it's a great cleaning solution for carpets. Dish soap can be used to remove dirt and stains off rugs particularly in areas where dirt and hair tend to accumulate. Mix a little dish soap (1/8 teaspoon is typically fine, though you can use your eyes in the absence of a measuring spoon) with water in a spray bottle, and lightly spritz the area you want to thoroughly clean. Sprinkle baking soda and table salt over the affected area, and then spray the soapy water lightly over the same area. Use a soft-bristled or sponge to scrub the area. Once you've scrubbed the area, vacuum the carpet, or wipe it dry with paper towels.

This method takes a little longer than other methods, but it is efficient in removing grease and organic stains. It's an excellent alternative to enzyme-based carpet cleaners that are more harsh on natural carpets.

Before you begin cleaning your carpet, you need to prepare your work area and gather all of the supplies you'll need. Clear the carpet or rug of any furniture or other objects that might be soaked. Then, vacuum cleaner robot carpet the entire area. This will loosen dirt, dust, crumbs and other debris that can easily get trapped under furniture.

Mix a few drops dish soap with a cup water in a sprayer bottle. Choose a brand that is known for its ability to cut grease. Let the solution sit on the greasy spot for some time, then blot it with a clean cloth immersed in clean water. Repeat until the stain is gone.