Believe it or not, there was a time when people couldn’t call a carpet cleaning service, or rent a carpet cleaning machine, or even use a vacuum to clean their carpets. Try these simple hacks to DIY your carpet cleaning, and at the very least, you’ll be able to stretch the amount of time between deep cleaning appointments.To remove loose dirt and dust, you can still clean a rug without a vacuum by using a stiff-bristled broom and a dustpan. This is an especially easy method of cleaning if you have a low-pile carpet. If you’re cleaning thicker, high-piled or shag carpets, be prepared with a little patience and sharp eye, because it’s easier for dirt to become embedded in the fibers. To make a flimsy broom more effective, wrap the bristles with a rubber band to make them more rigidly bound.
To refresh and disinfect the fibers of your carpet without renting a steam cleaner, all you need is a simple homemade solution and a scrub brush. In a bowl or small bucket, mix one part white vinegar with three parts water. Dip the bristles of the scrub brush into the solution and rub them into the carpet. Massage them into the fibers well (without fully saturating the carpet) and follow up with a cloth to help blot excess moisture.
Spot cleaning is perhaps the most important carpet maintenance that can be done without a machine. Whether you’re tackling a spot on the carpet that has been there for a while, like a pet stain, or impressing your friends with how easily you can clean up wine or a dropped plate of food, simple cures are a good party trick and an essential life skill.
To spot clean a wet or sticky spill, always start by blotting the area with a highly absorbent cloth – and though it might feel wasteful to use a whole roll of paper towels, they work really well. Next, the rinse. You can use club soda if the stain is fresh to loosen it before it sets in, but also consider applying a carpet cleaner according to product guidelines. Always continue to blot at the stain and the cleanser, rather than scrub.To keep on top of pet fur buildup in your carpet, get in the habit of using a lint brush to remove pet fur to help keep them tidy between deep cleanings. Use the brush in areas where there’s visible build-up, and also focus on areas where your pet lays most often. (The furs are likely to be more embedded.) And here’s a “hot” tip your pet will appreciate, especially as temperatures rise in the summer months: brush and groom your pet more frequently to help keep your carpets clean.
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