Carpet Stain Removal Cheat Sheet

• on 20 Oct 2022
• By TheET
• Tips From Our Professionals

Dry Or Wet Carpet Cleaning – You Decide

Dry carpet cleaning is the only way to remove dirt from natural carpets and is also suitable for synthetic ones. Wet carpet cleaning you can apply exclusively for synthetics. What are the differences, and how to perform the treatment at home?

From time immemorial, the carpet has been the embodiment of comfort, warmth and wealth for people. Not every family could afford carpets on the floors in their house, especially when woven by hand. Today, natural carpets are not cheap either. If you have a natural carpet at home, you need to follow the basic rules of cleaning to prolong its life and facilitate its care:

• do not wear shoes at home;
• place a mat at the entrance and wipe the soles of your shoes well before entering;
• do not pour food residues or crumbs on the surface of the carpet. Do not pour water; keep away from grease;
• if you have young children who have already started crawling, you need to put something else on top of the carpet;
• If you can’t imagine life without pets, you should wipe their paws and cut their nails so they don’t ruin the carpet.

Of course, everyone in the house has a vacuum cleaner, and you should use it, if not daily, at least once every two days. This independent, seemingly simple, easy cleaning will help keep the carpet in good condition longer. The vacuum cleaner should be equipped with a rotating brush if you prefer a carpet with long hair.

When is the time to trust professionals?

There is nothing we can do about the dust in the deeper layers of the carpet. Also, sometimes the carpet care methods described above are not followed correctly. You never know what might happen: you came in with shoes rushing to work, accidentally spilt tea or sprinkled bread, had dinner in front of the TV, the child accidentally turned his pot – life is life, and we are all human.

Therefore, we recommend professional dry cleaning of carpets every 5-6 months (or once a year, depending on pollution). Why dry? Everything is simple. Natural carpets do not absorb water at all:
First, water compresses the hair. After drying, the carpet remains sticky and thinner, therefore less fluffy.
Second, the colouring of natural carpets is superficially, and wet cleaning helps to wash the colour. That is why they quickly fade in the sun when dried.

So, even if your floor covering seems perfect, you carefully monitor its cleanliness and vacuum it daily; it does not give the same effect as professional cleaning. Only with the help of qualified specialists and special industrial equipment can you remove almost 100% of microbes, the finest dust, and dirt, which inevitably remain in the fibres after cleaning at home.

It is also worth mentioning cleaning carpets in offices and other public places. Office coverings are used more often and need cleaning more often.

Dry cleaning methods

Several technologies are equally successfully used to clean carpets without water. Which option do you prefer – decide based on the recommendations of specialists who know all the intricacies of processing certain materials. But of course, do not forget the factor of affordable price. In most cases, it is what becomes the determinant.

Surface cleaning

Before you start cleaning, it is always necessary to ensure that you have placed the carpet firmly. Professional vacuum cleaners do the cleaning with high power and low noise. You can use this method every 3-4 months to clean the home. For offices, hotels – once a week. This cleaning does not affect the depth of the hair, but when the trained staff do the work, a reasonably high result is achieved.

Cleaning with powder and granules

Powder or granule cleaning technology includes floor machines or a machine equipped with a rotating cylindrical brush, dry powder or granules containing detergents. This method uses granules or powder that absorb dirt particles. They act like a sponge and absorb dirt inside. The whole procedure for dry cleaning carpets by this method is effortless and includes the following measures:

1. The powder or granules are distributed on the carpet’s surface.
2. Rubbing into the bristles with a brush.
3. Remove the mixture that has absorbed the dirt with a vacuum cleaner.
   Here water is not used at all, and you can immediately walk on the carpet after such cleaning.

Steam cleaning

Such dry cleaning of carpets involves the use of a particular steam engine. The steam penetrates the carpet’s fibres during processing, dissolving grease and dirt. Dirt is removed immediately after applying the high-temperature steam.
After cleaning, the carpet does not stay wet.

Wet cleaning of synthetic carpets

Many people prefer synthetic coatings, as the current range includes products that look very decent but at the same time cheap. Everything is much simpler in terms of care – they can be washed. There are several wet cleaning methods, depending on the product type and equipment used. Every one has pros and cons, so which you prefer – depends on you.

Remove dirt with spray

That is a cosmetic cleaning product designed to remove stains from the carpet. The spray is applied only on the stains, left for 20 minutes, and then extracted with water and a vacuum cleaner. Everything is straightforward and does not require much physical effort and financial costs. But of course, the effect of such cleaning will be primarily local. This option is unsuitable for thoroughly cleaning the floor covering after very long use and lacking preventive maintenance procedures.

For offices and other public places, it is recommended to call professionals who perform such cleaning with powerful equipment using the right technology.

Shampooing

Put a special shampoo in water, and stir vigorously to make foam. Apply this foam evenly over the entire surface of the carpet, then rub it with a brush. Such wet cleaning of carpets ends with a vacuum cleaner and drying.

Again – in public places, professionals and special equipment perform such cleaning.

Natural carpet cleaning methods

To maintain the attractive appearance of the decor of your interior, creating comfort in your home, it is not necessary at the same time with the purchase of the product to run to the store for household chemicals and professional care products. It is quite possible to deal with proven methods over the years.

Washing with vinegar water

Perhaps such wet carpet cleaning is most affordable for any owner of a decorative finish. The application is simple: make a solution of 50 ml of vinegar in 500 ml of water, and apply it with a brush in the direction of the hair. Then vacuum.

Cleaning with baking soda

This choice is ideal for individuals who would rather not spend a lot of cash on professionals but need dry carpet cleaning. Soda is a cheap, natural cleanser that does not always require water. Soda can remove dirt even in a dry state. Cleaning the carpet with such a tool is quite simple:

1. Sprinkle powder on the surface of the coating – a layer of about 0.5-1 cm. Leave for 1-2 hours.
2. Vacuum the coating thoroughly.

Of course, soda will refresh, remove stains, dust, or other contaminants and save on professional dry cleaning. However, it is better not to use your strength and cheap material at least once a year or two. You should contact a cleaning or dry cleaning company.

• on 11 Oct 2022
• By TheET
• Tips From Our Professionals

How To Take Care Of Luxury Fluffy Carpets

You can find fluffy rugs photographed in interior design magazines or even used by celebrities on TV shows. There is no denying that high-end carpets add luxury and elegance to any room. Undoubtedly, fluffy carpets are one of the most charming additions to the home’s interior. They are not only beautiful and can ennoble any space but are also incredibly gentle and pleasant to the touch. Who wouldn’t want to dip their feet in this beauty of exquisite, soft threads and enjoy an amazing experience?

Fluffy rugs are stylish, but cleaning and caring for them can seem challenging. They are actually relatively easy to maintain. Having a carpet with long fibres creates a retro atmosphere in the home. On the other hand, the thick and soft surface will welcome your toes when you get out of bed.

The lush, fluffy rug is a fantastic accessory to a room in the living room or the bedroom. Also, it’s an excellent solution for cold tile flooring, laminate or hardwood. It is ideal for children who prefer to lie on the floor in front of the TV or play.

The pleasure is unsurpassed, but with its beautiful advantages, fluffy soft floors have one serious drawback: they step and flatten. While ordinary soft flooring is relatively easy to clean, the long strands of the fluffy carpet require special care. Let’s see what exactly.

The material matters

The material from which the fluffy carpet will be easier or harder to get dirty is also essential. We know that natural fibres collect dirt much more quickly than synthetic fibres. If your carpet is made of natural materials, you will need to take care of it more often.

Care according to the length of the thread

Carpets with threads longer than 15 mm are considered long. Of course, some are significantly longer, and the general rule is that the length is directly proportional to the difficulty of cleaning. So, the fluffier a carpet is, the more specific its maintenance.

Dry cleaning

We know that the floor in the home is one of the riskiest areas in terms of pollution. The carpet is constantly covered with dust, hair from ourselves or fluff from pets. And the most unpleasant of all is that these things penetrate deeply, so their removal is even more difficult. The only way to clean it at home is to run it regularly with a powerful vacuum cleaner. For the longest-haired soft floors, this should be done in stages, first in one direction and then in another. Otherwise, the cleaning is ineffective because the threads settle to one side and thus actually bury the garbage under themselves, preventing their removal. And another important thing – even if the carpet looks clean, it is advisable to vacuum it at least once a week.

Wet cleaning

If, for some reason, your carpet has stains, then it needs wet cleaning with special detergents. Find out which of the ones on the market are suitable. There is a danger of damaging the structure of the fabric. Then carefully treat the stain for safety. First, try in a more hidden place to determine whether there will be discolouration or other damage. If all is well, continue the stain-cleaning procedure, then wipe and dry the areas. When the pollution is more, and to ensure the destruction of microorganisms that have settled in the long fibres, we recommend using professional cleaning services.

Quality wet cleaning is challenging to achieve at home without professional equipment. At the same time, good maintenance is essential for the excellent appearance of the carpet and its long-term use.
Remember that the better you take care of it, the longer you enjoy his good looks. You will preserve the good structure of the threads, and the colours will not fade. And most importantly, no one in your family or guests will risk being injured by sharp solid particles that fall into it or get an allergy or other disease caused by pathogenic bacteria that have not been destroyed in time.

No matter what the fibres of your carpet are – longer or shorter – they will flatten over time. The new carpet fibres have an elasticity that allows them to bounce back underfoot, stepping on them. Excessive wear in areas with high traffic or furniture weight can cause this resistance to be loose. Since we have invested a lot of money in an expensive carpet, we want it to look like new for a long time.

Here are tips on making the rug fluffy again and keeping it as long as possible.

How to make carpets fluffy again

If you have a carpet with flat fibres or the whole carpet looks crumpled, you can often restore the durability of the fibres by cleaning the carpet. Although you can only deal with the worst-looking areas, a thorough deep cleaning will make the whole carpet look fluffier.

A powerful vacuum cleaner with a stirrer is the best tool you can have in the closet to keep the carpet fluffy and restore it. The stirrer helps loosen the accumulated dirt and bring it to the surface to suck it out.

I have seen another way to restore the fluffy look of the carpet. And that is with a fork and cleaning brush. However, I think this is a very exhausting method because you are bent most of the time. An easier and more practical approach is with a large brush, resembling a huge comb with a long handle, which moves in both directions like vacuuming. But I think you can apply these methods carefully after vacuuming the carpet. Areas where you rarely step remain preserved and fluffy. Even if you put your hand on it, it leaves an imprint. While in less well-preserved, matted areas, this cannot happen.

Many products are available for cleaning and conditioning your fluffy carpet to ensure long-lasting softness. We recommend you research any products before use to ensure they are best suited for your carpet. Depending on the fabric, some products may not be suitable.

Last tips on how to keep your carpet fluffy
• Rotate furniture and heavy accessories frequently to prevent excessive flattening.
• Use furniture pads under the feet of heavy objects to distribute the weight.
• Vacuum the carpet regularly – at least once a week.
• Take off your shoes inside the house to prevent heavy soiling.
• Place mats inside and outside the front door to reduce the amount of dirt brought into the home.

• on 7 Oct 2022
• By TheET
• Tips From Our Professionals

Tricks For Cleaning Carpets And Upholstered Furniture

Cleaning carpets at home is something their manufacturers do not tolerate, as various problems can arise due to improper procedures. However, the truth is that about 40% of people don’t search for professional help.

If we do not know how to clean our carpets correctly, this can lead to various problems. Therefore, it is good to follow the cleaning instructions to prevent mould or mildew.

The manufacturer’s warranty may be void if we wash the carpet incorrectly. The two main mistakes we can face are over-wetting and excessive use of detergents.

There are several methods for cleaning the carpet. The most commonly used by homeowners is the one with hot water. Many steam cleaners are available on the market. The results are good but still vary depending on the procedures used and the degree of contamination of the carpet.

With the use of high-quality preparations, people obtain the best results. Apply directly to the carpet with the help of special tips, leave for 5-7 minutes, and then clean.

One of the old tricks for cleaning the carpet is the one with snow. When it’s cold outside, and everything is covered with thick fluffy snow, this is the best time to wash your carpet. You place it in thick snow and brush carefully. The effect is more than unique.

You can try a soap solution if you do not feel like going out in the cold. Dissolve soap or detergent in water and use a sponge to clean the carpet. To make the carpet patterns even brighter, soak the sponge in ethyl alcohol.

Tricks for cleaning the carpets

You can clean the carpet perfectly with baking soda. It is a neutral and soft abrasive and can clean all types of surfaces without scratching them. That is probably the easiest way to clean the carpet, as it requires no physical activity.

You must spread the soda evenly on the carpet’s surface and leave it to act overnight. Then carefully remove it with a vacuum cleaner. For a better scent, add a few drops of essential oil.

Vinegar is one of the alternative carpet cleaners. A 50:50 solution of lukewarm water and vinegar, combined with a bit of baking soda, cleans perfectly.

If there are stains on the floor covering, you ought to treat them all the more forcefully. To remove them, pre-soak the carpet in water with ammonia in a ratio of 1 litre of water per 1 tbsp of ammonia.

Leave it for several hours, and then rub with a soft brush and soap solution. Rinse several times thoroughly, adding a little vinegar to the last water.

Carpet-cleaning tricks are beneficial for every housewife. You should clean the carpet mainly at least twice a year and at least once a week, vacuum or beat.

Wool carpets are more particular. Cleaning with a damp cloth or a brush is not preferable because the base rots and begins to peel.

Tricks for cleaning upholstered furniture

Upholstery on the upholstered furniture is its weak point. In our daily lives, it constantly happens that it gets dirty. Traces of juice, beer, coffee, chocolate, wine, chewing gum and others may appear on the upholstery, leaving stains.

Furniture maintenance experts advise not to vacuum the upholstery too often. That is because, together with the dust, the cleaner absorbs small particles from the upholstery fabric. Therefore, over time, the upholstery will begin to lose its quality. But we all know that a vacuum cleaner is the best way to clean quickly and easily. We have to be careful not to break or damage the upholstery.

When using stain removers, do not apply them directly to the upholstery. It will be suitable if you use a piece of thin cotton cloth. It is also not a good idea to use several stain removers simultaneously.

Tips for cleaning from various stains

When you have finished processing the upholstery with detergent, let it dry on its own. Before that, dry with a napkin.
• Coffee, for example, is cleaned with soap. Then wipe with a damp cloth and allow to dry.
• However, juice stains are more difficult to clean. To deal with them, use a mixture of ammonia and vinegar. Apply the solution to the upholstery, and leave it to dry.
• There is a common misconception that red wine is complicated to clean. That is not so. Just sprinkle salt on the stain and let it absorb. When the fabric is dry, vacuum the salt.
• Beer stains are treated with soap. Prepare a solution of 1 tablespoon vinegar and half a litre of water. Apply to the stain, wait a few minutes, then rinse with clean water and dry.
• Chewing gum is the most difficult to remove. One of the simplest ways is to put a packet of ice cubes on it and when it hardens, scrape it off with a blunt object. Then treat the fabric with methyl alcohol.
• Blood is cleaned before it dries. If the blood has failed to dry, wash it with cold water.
• If you have soiled the fabric with chocolate, prepare a soap solution with warm water. Rinse the stain and let it dry naturally.

• If you have soiled the furniture with jam or marmalade, apply a solution of soapy water with vinegar to the stain. After drying, wash the fabric with warm water and dry it again.

• Stains from tea or cocoa are treated with a solution of water, detergent and vinegar.

If you still have problems cleaning upholstered furniture or do not want to clean your furniture yourself, contact the experts in the field.

• on 12 Sep 2022
• By TheET
• Tips From Our Professionals

How To Deal With High-maintenance Customers

In 95% of the cases, people rarely want to know anything about their carpet cleaning service. They book it, check the final results, and pay the bill – this is as far as their participation goes. The remaining 5% are much more engaged and fall into the category of high-maintenance customers. They ask all the questions, expect an exclusive attitude, and seem to look for a reason to complain. So how do you deal with such people?

Always remain professional – at all costs

You may be fuming on the inside, but never let your emotions get the better of you. Some people would ask genuine questions about the service, equipment, and methods you use – they are are a treat! But others would bombard you with the silliest barrage of nonsense just to be irritating or insist on giving their opinion about something they know nothing about. 

Either way, remain calm and try to laugh it off or just say that you would do your job much faster if they don’t bother you. Such people usually shut up if you don’t bite after the first couple minutes of verbal abuse.

Do not be defensive

Sometimes you will have to work for business customers or high-profile clients. Do not forget – these people are used to being in control or testing everybody around them. In my experience, using a few specialised terms or professional verbiage at the very beginning of the conversation will convince them of your professional acumen. Also, do not hesitate to refer them to your customer support team or management if they have a question about the price – you are not there to discuss such matters, so concentrate on the job at hand!