Once you get your carpet clean, brush it about once a week to keep it looking new. If you don’t want to get down on your hands and knees, brush your carpet with a long-handled carpet rake before you vacuum. [2] X Research source
If your carpets are really grimy, try spritzing the baking soda with hot water after you sprinkle it on the carpet. Let the paste dry on your carpets for several hours before you vacuum. [5] X Research source
Clean out the filter on your vacuum before you start to ensure you get the deepest clean. . [7] X Research source Go through the room and pick up anything you don’t want to suck up in your vacuum—from toys and loose change to larger pieces of dust or dirt. Also, move smaller pieces of furniture, like armchairs and side tables, so you can vacuum underneath them. [8] X Research source
Sweeping is especially helpful for removing pet hair and dust that have worked deep into your carpet fibers.
Don’t soak the carpet—just use vinegar to lightly dampen it. Be sure to only use white vinegar. Colored vinegar, like apple cider or balsamic, could stain your carpet. [12] X Research source
You can also mix the shampoo in a spray bottle and use that to mist the carpet. Don’t saturate your carpet with the shampoo. If you use too much, your carpet will take longer to dry. This works best for carpets with a low pile. If you have a very plush carpet, it may start to look frayed if you scrub it regularly with a brush. [14] X Research source
Always work from the outside of the stain inward so you don’t spread it around. As soon as you notice a spot or a spill, start cleaning it to keep it from setting in or getting worse. Stains that sit on the carpet can also end up leaking into the bottom of the carpet, causing mildew and odor. [16] X Research source
When you’re finished, press dry cloths or paper towels onto the stain until the carpet is dry.
You can also add a few drops of dish soap to the water and vinegar for more cleaning power. [19] X Research source
It might take a couple of passes with the vacuum to get all of the paste off of the carpet. Use a scrub brush to break it away from the carpet fibers if you need to.
When the area is completely dry, vacuum your carpet or sweep away the baking soda with a stiff brush. You can use this for any type of stain removal, but it’s especially effective at lifting out greasy spots left by fats like butter or gravy.
This could discolor some carpets, so be especially sure to test it in a hidden spot before you use it on a large area.
If you don’t have any club soda on hand, plain water will probably work just fine. However, some people do find that club soda works a little better on carpet stains. If the blood has dried, pour 3% hydrogen peroxide over the stain. Once it starts bubbling, wait 3-5 minutes, then blot away the hydrogen peroxide with clean cloths or paper towels. Just be aware that hydrogen peroxide can bleach your carpet. [24] X Research source
If the ice trick doesn’t work for a wax spill, cover the wax with a clean white cloth, then press a warm clothes iron to the cloth until the wax melts. Then, scrape away the melted wax with a spoon or butter knife.
Unfortunately, if urine soaked into the padding under your carpet, it’s nearly impossible to remove. It’s best to replace that section of carpet and padding. [27] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source
