Besides being an excellent protection to our floors, carpets provide warmth and comfort to our family.
Through time, carpets accumulate dirt, soil, and stains due to foot traffic by family members and guests.
It is, therefore, essential to know how to clean high-traffic carpet areas properly to ensure that it is in pristine condition.
Cleaning carpets can be as simple as vacuuming, but sometimes, persistent stains linger, which makes carpets look dirty no matter how much vacuuming we do.
Check the link for tips on removing high-traffic area stains from carpet using items commonly found at home.
Baking Soda
Baking soda has many uses, one being an excellent cleaner for carpet stains. Using it is one of the most natural and straightforward methods, although it can only remove soft stains when used alone. It is widely known for its deodorizing power that leaves carpets clean and odor-free.
What you will need:
- Baking soda
- Vacuum cleaner
Steps to remove stains on the carpet:
- Sprinkle baking soda liberally over stains.
- Leave for 6 hours, or if possible, overnight, to let the carpet absorb it better.
- After the desired time, vacuum the carpet thoroughly to ensure no baking soda residue is left behind.
Vinegar + Dishwashing Liquid + Baking Soda
Most commonly found at home, these three items are popular for dissolving stains on most surfaces, including carpets. It is strong enough, even when used independently. Combining them makes it a powerful cleaner against stains. Just be careful of excessive use of this solution as it can damage fibers, especially synthetic carpets.
What you will need:
- Vinegar
- Dishwashing liquid
- Baking soda
- Warm water
- Spray bottle
- Absorbent towels
- Vacuum cleaner
Steps to remove stains on the carpet:
- Sprinkle baking soda liberally on carpet stains.
- Let it sit for 15 minutes to let the carpet absorb it well.
- Pour equal amounts of vinegar and warm water into a spray bottle, then add generous drops of dishwashing liquid. Make sure to shake well for the mixture to blend.
- After 15 minutes, remove the excess baking soda with a vacuum cleaner.
- Spray solution on stains, then blot dry with a towel. Avoid rubbing the cloth on the carpet as it can further spread the blemishes. Also, make sure to work on the stains outside going inwards.f
- Reapply solution until stains come off. Remember to only blot with a clean towel, and avoid soaking the carpet too much.
- Once stains are no longer visible, lay an absorbent towel over the cleaned carpet to dry out all excess solution left. To better absorb the residue, place something substantial, like book piles, on top of the towel and leave overnight.
- Vacuum the carpet in every direction to thoroughly remove any residue left.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is also a widely used carpet cleaner known for its ability to remove hard stains that other solutions can’t.
But while being useful for stains, this must be used cautiously as it bleaches carpets, thus not being recommended for dark-colored ones and natural fiber carpets such as wool and silk rugs, among others.
Wear gloves to protect the skin from direct exposure as it may dry up the skin and leave white marks.
What you will need:
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Dishwashing liquid
- Spray bottle
- Washcloth
- Absorbent towel
Steps to remove stains on the carpet:
- Mix one tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide with two tablespoons of dishwashing liquid in a spray bottle. Stir the solution to mix it well.
- Spray the solution onto the stain and blot with a washcloth. Avoid rubbing the washcloth on the carpet as it can further spread the stains. Also, make sure to work on the stains from the outside going towards the middle.
- Reapply hydrogen peroxide until stains come off. Remember to only blot with a clean towel, and avoid soaking the carpet too much.
- Once stains are no longer visible, lay an absorbent towel over the cleaned carpet to remove excess liquid. Place something substantial, like book piles, on top of the towel to absorb the residue and leave it overnight.
- Vacuum the carpet in every direction to thoroughly remove any dirt residue left.
While these methods are primarily for spot-cleaning stains on the carpet, solutions may be used for large-area cleaning. Knowing the type of carpet you have is essential to help identify the proper tools needed to clean the carpet and prevent the fibers from being damaged.
Additional tips:
- Since high-traffic areas often accumulate dirt, vacuuming daily can help keep the carpet clean and prevent dirt from staining. The proper way of vacuuming is to do so in every direction so debris would not dig deeper into the carpet and prevent the fibers from matting.
- Schedule deep cleaning of high-traffic areas every six months and at least once a year for the whole carpet to help maintain them better in the long run.
- A “no-shoes inside” policy is a great way to prevent dirt and soil from accumulating in the carpet. Using rugs and mats, especially in high-traffic areas, can also protect the carpet better.
- When spills happen, act fast on it and don’t let it dry to become a stain.
- Investing in a carpet cleaning machine can also be an option if you want to do a more thorough cleaning. Using a tool like this can speed up the process if you’re willing to spend on it.
- Much like how we have different homes, carpets also have different types that suit each house. Knowing which carpet is best for your home will give an idea of how much you can maintain your carpet ultimately.