How to Deep Clean Carpet Without Paying a Lot of Money
Carpet gets a lot of wear and tear, especially if you have children or pets. Regular vacuuming is necessary to maintain a clean carpet, but you should also consider deep cleaning your entire carpet at least twice a year as well as bringing out the big guns to treat deep stains immediately. Professional carpet cleaning can be pricey, however, and there are quite a few do-it-yourself options that can yield the same results for a fraction of the price. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Rent a carpet steamer from your local superstore for under $50 if you have a lot of carpet to cover. Look for a steamer that has a rotating brush and uses hot water to get the deepest clean.
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Always follow the manufacturer's advice as to what kind of carpet shampoo is needed for that particular machine. Most rentals are 24 hours or less, so plan a reasonable block of time in order to complete the job.
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Consider purchasing a home steam cleaner if you have light colored carpet or delicate carpet and expect to need it often. A home carpet steaming unit is generally not much larger than a regular vacuum and can be stored in a closet. Options range from $150 and up, but the main thing to look for is a rotating brush and a unit that will use heated water. It is also handy if the model comes with upholstery attachments for easy furniture cleaning. This one-time purchase can cost you the same or less than it would to have a professional clean three areas in your house once.
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Keep an eye out for carpet cleaning sales in local ads. Fall and spring are a popular time to get your carpets cleaned for the new season, and many companies try to book as much business as they can by offering cut-rate deals. Don't be afraid to haggle a little on the price and the amount of rooms they will include in it. Most companies would rather be flexible than see you go somewhere else as long as you are asking for a discount that is reasonable.
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If you simply need to deep clean a single spot or area and have not purchased your own steam cleaning unit, don't go to the trouble and expense of renting a machine. Treat the soiled area with a product called Chem-Dry. Chem-Dry contains carbon dioxide and when sprayed will bubble and actually draw a stain up out of the carpet fibers. This product removes the stain from deep in the carpet and will not leave behind a residue to attract dust and dirt.
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Tips & Warnings
Protect your carpet and reduce the number of future cleanings by treating it with a carpet protector such as Scotchguard that will help repel stains. Use throw rugs to protect the floor in high traffic areas.
