With spring around the corner now is the time to spruce up your home and get it ready for the new season. Spring cleaning is an age-old tradition that has origins in many countries and cultures and it is now common for households to undergo a transformation around March/April, just as spring bursts into life.
At this time of year homeowners go all-out to revive and restore their rooms. From throwing out tins that have lingered at the back of a cupboard for months to finally getting round to taking down and washing the curtains, spring cleaning can be a mammoth task.
One of the most common things to clean at this time of year is the carpets. Over the months carpets and rugs can become grubby, especially in homes with kids or pets, or accident-prone people who knock over glasses of wine and cups of coffee!
So if you're planning to tackle your soft furnishings this spring, read on for our top five tips.
1. Vacuuming should be done first
Always vacuum rugs, carpets and furniture before washing. This will ensure that any loose debris or dirt is picked up and not simply moved around or rubbed in.
2. Use the right cleaning solution
The cleaning products you use must be suitable for the fibres your carpet or rug is made of. Different solutions will be needed for a luxurious pure wool bedroom rug than for a hardwearing acrylic stair carpet. The wrong detergents could cause damage and leave the carpet looking worse than before. Check the label or manufacturer's recommendations and always read the labels on bottles thoroughly and follow instructions carefully. Test out the product on a small area first.
3. Work your way out
Start to clean in the corner furthest away from the door and, working in straight lines, make your way backwards towards the door. This ensures you don't miss any spots and allows you to avoid walking on damp carpet.
4. Don't oversoak
Get the carpet or rug too wet when you clean and it will take longer to dry. The moisture can also damage the fibres. Don't go over the same area more than four times with wet strokes and finish with lots of dry strokes. Use the rinse function on the cleaner if there is one.
5. Stay on top of it
A thorough clean every few months or once a year should be topped-up with regular efforts as and when needed. Deal with any spills immediately so that they cause as little damage or stains as possible. Sprinkle baking soda on the carpet, let it settle for 30 minutes, then vacuum, to control odours.
Follow these tips every time you tackle carpet cleaning and your home will quickly be given a new lease of life. If you're not sure about hiring and using a carpet cleaner then save yourself the hassle and bring in a professional to do the work.
One final tip - do the carpets last in each room. Get all your other cleaning, tidying and re-arranging out of the way so you don't drag up dust and dirt and undo the hard work you put in cleaning the carpets.
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