“One of the biggest challenges of the holiday season is keeping things clean. With all the people coming in and out of the house, and the chances of food and beverage stains hitting your carpet doubling, we here at the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) want to make sure you can handle any holiday situation thrown your way.
Consider it my holiday secret that I’m sharing: “Carpet Cleaning Tips for Dummies,” a how-to guide that offers easy carpet cleaning tips.
No, I’m not calling you a dummy this holiday season, but this small guide by household management expert Elizabeth Goldsmith can help you save time by zeroing in on the best cleaning techniques, products and equipment you’ll need to get the results you want.
So what can you do to prepare for when those pesky spills happen?
Knowing what carpet is made of will give you clues about what cleaning solutions will work best. Natural fibers absorb more moisture than man-made fibers, therefore drying takes much longer and the risk of tracking soil is far greater.
Now that you’re prepared, let’s say a stain has happened in your home. The No. 1 rule for removing spots and stains is acting quickly. Many spills can be removed when immediate action is taken. The longer you wait, the higher the probability that a spill will become a permanent stain. No carpet is completely stain proof. So to knock out spots, give them a one-two punch.
Step one: You must absorb the spill. Blot liquids with a dry, white absorbent cloth or plain white paper towels. Warning: Use of a printed or colored material may transfer in dye to your carpet. Start on the outside of the spot to prevent the stain from spreading. Blot until barely damp. Semi-solids like food spills may need scooping up with a spoon. Solid, dried bits can be vacuumed up.
Do not scrub. I repeat: Do not scrub. Scrubbing can damage the carpet because fraying and texture change is the likely result.
Step two: Treat the spot or stain. Use a CRI Seal of Approval (SOA) carpet cleaner. Check out www.carpet-rug.org for a list of SOA spot removers and cleaning solutions. Make sure to add one to your shopping list before an emergency arises. Though these have been laboratory tested, make sure you have pre-tested any cleaner on a hidden area of your carpet.
It’s important to follow the product’s directions carefully. Generally speaking, apply a small amount of the cleaner to a white cloth and work in gently, from the edges to the center (remember to blot, not scrub). You may need to do that several times to remove the spot.
So don’t be lost this holiday season when your famous cranberry sauce spills onto your favorite rug. Instead, get “Carpet Cleaning for Dummies.” It’s available for $2 and can be ordered online (www.carpet-rug.org) or by contacting CRI’s Publication Department at (706) 428-2114.”
Thanks, Werner!
Bethany
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