A carpet is an undeniable asset and can bring an element of style and comfort to your rental. Saying that, it’s still very important to choose a carpet that’s suitable for the heavy traffic of guests coming in and out and of course, one that’s easy to maintain, avoiding the build-up of dust and mites. So for your carpet to retain its splendour, here are a few old-fashioned and tricks that will help you maintain it, revive its colours, dry clean it and remove stubborn stains. Simple effective, and economical solutions. Here’s the proof…

 

Woman's hand cleaning a white carpet with a spray bottle Belchonock, 123RF

 

A few precautions…

  • To prevent a stain from spreading outwards on the carpet, you should begin cleaning it from the periphery move inwards.
  • Always test chemical cleaners or liquid mixtures on a small corner of the carpet to ensure that the product will not damage or discolour the fabric.
  • It is highly inadvisable to use bleach on either natural or synthetic fibre carpets.
  • If your carpet is a shaggy model, remove the vacuum’s brush piece and clean using the end of the hose. The cleaning process will take longer, but it will prevent the fibres from breaking.
  • If you choose to use a steam cleaner, opt for an injection extraction machine, the carpet will not be too wet well and it will regain its luster.

 

Maintaining a rug

As long as the carpet isn’t stained, dry cleaning is sufficient for maintenance. Clean it twice a year using baking soda or some “Terre de Sommières”. This is also the preferred technique for valuable carpets or wool rug.

 

-Baking soda

First, vacuum away any dust and then sprinkle the entire carpet with baking soda. If your carpet is a long haired model, brush it to ensure that the powder penetrates between fibers. Let sit for 3 to 4 hours, or overnight, then vacuum to remove excess product. Do not rub the product in. Baking soda will make neutralize mites, remove any stains as well as remove odours.

 

 -Terre de Sommières

Use “terre de Sommières”, known as fuller's earth, in the same way as baking soda. Sprinkle, wait, vacuum. This 100% natural clay is natural, dry stain remover ideal for delicate textiles.

 

 

Revive your carpet’s colours

Over the years, a carpet can become tarnished and loose its lustrous colours. Use these tips at home to restore your carpet/rug’s original depth.

 

-Carbonated water

Pour soda water into a spray bottle, then use it to moisten the entire carpet. You can also use a sponge if you prefer. Gently rub the carpet fibres with a brush so that they absorb the liquid. Let dry.

 

 -Potatoes (yup, that’s right!)

Infuse potato peels in hot water. Soak a sponge in the starchy solution and rub the carpet with it. Let sit for 3 to 4 hours, and then rinse with a sponge and clean water. Let dry.

 

 

Cleaning small stains

To remove small food stains, there are three old-fashioned remedies.

 

-White vinegar

Soak a cloth in vinegar and scrub the stain. Next, prepare a mixture composed of one-third white vinegar, one-third hot water and one-third soap flakes. Brush the mixture into the carpet, wash with a sponge and clean water, wipe with a clean cloth and let dry.

 

-Soapy water

If it’s not a very valuable carpet, you can use black soap or Marseille soap. Rub the stain with a sponge soaked in soapy water, then dampen a sponge in a light vinegar and water mixture and rinse. Let dry.

 

 -Shaving foam

Use shaving foam as a stain remover. Just apply a thick layer on the stained area. Let sit for an hour and scrub with a sponge. Another option is letting the foam sit for half a day and then vacuuming it clean.

 

 

Removing stubborn stains

Occasionally you may be faced with extremely resistant stains. In these cases you need something a little stronger to get rid of them.

               

-Soda ash

Add a cup of soda ash to a litre of water and mix. Dampen a sponge with the mixture and scrub the stain. Rinse with clean water and absorb excess moisture with a clean cloth. If possible it’s a good idea to then dry the carped with a hair dryer on warm air mode.

 

-Ammonia

Fill a spray bottle with two-thirds cold water and a third ammonia. Dampen the carpet and vigorously brush the stain. Rinse with a sponge soaked in vinegar water and dry with a hairdryer. Above all, remember to ventilate the room and wear gloves when using ammonia.

 

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