How to Properly Clean Deep Pile Carpets
One of the hardest items in the house to clean thoroughly is the carpet, and the task is even harder when it is a deep pile carpet. These carpets hold dust and dirt in very well, making them difficult to get completely clean, especially if you don’t have the right kinds of tools on hand.
We are going to walk you through the cleaning process for deep pile carpets so that you can see what it entails. That way, when you are ready to clean yours, you will know what to do, and you can be properly prepared for the work ahead.
Clear the Space
We start our cleaning process for deep pile carpets by removing furniture and anything else that could be in the way. We want the carpet to be free and clear of any items, and we want to have access to the entire carpet so that we can clean it more effectively and easily.
Once the space is completely clear and there is nothing on the carpet or close to the carpet, we can get to work. It would be best to move any large objects that might obstruct our cleaning into another room. The clearing process is important if we want the cleaning process to go smoothly.
Vacuum the Carpet
Next, we need to use a vacuum to clean up the carpet as best as possible. This should be a powerful vacuum cleaner (not a low power, handheld vacuum), and it should have the proper attachment in place. That attachment will be a brush style head for the surface of the carpet and then a longer tube for the deeper parts.
Experts recommend straight air appliance-type vacuums for cleaning deep pile carpets. These provide the best airflow to ensure that dirt is brought out of the carpet quickly. The kind of vacuum you use makes a big difference as to how clean your carpet can become as you vacuum.
While vacuuming the carpet, you have to realize that you won’t be able to get all the dirt out this way, but it will get the larger particles and make your carpet a lot easier to finish cleaning.
If the carpet is small enough or you have enough help, you can also take it outside, turn it upside down and bang it out. Use a broom handle or other solid item to bang the carpet so that dirt is shaken free. Don’t hit the carpet so hard that you cause damage, but you definitely want to hit it hard enough to force dirt to come out.
This may not be practical for all types of carpet and all homeowners, but this method will save you a lot of time in vacuuming and cleaning.
Handle the Stains
After vacuuming, it is time to move on to treating stains. You can spot treat them, getting rid of stains as you see them by targeting them with stain remover. Use the mildest possible solution at first so that you do not damage your carpet.
You can spray the solution on, let it set, and then clean it up. See if that was enough to remove the stains, and if not, apply more or use a stronger solution.
This method may seem slow and tedious, but it ensures that your carpet lasts longer and that you do not damage the carpet in the process of cleaning. If there are lots of stains on the carpet, then you may want to simply move onto the next step and see what kinds of stains will be removed when you wash the carpet down with shampoo.
Use Carpet Cleaning Solution
With this step, we are going to get rid of some stains and are also going to refresh the carpet by eliminating odors and grime. You can make your own carpet cleaning solution or buy one already premade.
If you are making your own, just use laundry detergent and warm water. By making it yourself, you can ensure it is gentle enough to not damage your carpet. If you are not sure what to use or this step just seems like too much work, then you should call on top quality services from a maid company to do it.
If you use a premade solution, be sure to follow the instructions closely. You may be required to leave the solution sitting on the carpet for a specific period of time.
As you pour the solution onto the carpet, be sure not to oversoak it. Add just enough to penetrate down to the bottom layer of the carpet but not so much that the carpet will be drenched for days and impossible to dry.
Scrub Carpet Fibers
Now, you should use a tool known as a carpet rake to brush the carpet fibers. Do this gently, not applying too much pressure since you want to clean the fibers and not damage them. As you brush, you are trying to work the cleaning solution into the carpet and lifting the fibers at the same time.
This will help the carpet to look very fresh and attractive when it is finished.
Rinse and Dry the Carpet
The final step is in two parts. You should rinse the carpet out thoroughly, and you can do that with a bucket of warm water. If you are cleaning the carpet outside, then you can use a hose for this step.
After all the cleaning solution is washed out of the carpet, it is time to dry. You can set the carpet outside on a patio or walkway to dry it out if the weather is nice or set up fans to blow on the carpet inside.
Do not walk on it or use it until the carpet is completely dry.
That is how you clean a deep pile carpet, and it takes some work and a lot of time, but the finished result can look almost brand new.
