Carpet easily absorbs dirt, debris, bacteria, and allergens, which can affect the health of users, especially those with respiratory problems or allergies. Therefore, washing and cleaning carpets regularly is extremely important.

Read the article below to clean your carpet to be as fresh as new and in the most correct way!

When should carpets be washed and cleaned?

The time for washing and cleaning carpets depends on usage and environmental conditions. However, washing carpets 3 times a year and vacuuming carpets twice a week is the general advice from experts to ensure carpets are always clean, durable, and safe for health.

However, we believe you should clean your carpet based on the following signs:

When the carpet has obvious stains

If the carpet is stained with spills like coffee, food, or dirt from shoes, you need to clean it immediately to prevent the stains from penetrating deeply and becoming difficult to remove later.

Clean Carpet Immediately When There Are Obvious Stains

When the carpet has a musty or moldy odor

If the carpet emits a foul odor due to dampness, food, or pet smells, you should clean it immediately to eliminate the unpleasant smell and prevent mold growth.

When the carpet's color changes

If the carpet starts to fade or turn yellow after a period of use, washing the carpet will help restore its color and refresh it.

When someone has allergies

If you or someone in your family experiences allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes, or difficulty breathing, it may be due to dirt, bacteria, or mold in the carpet. This is also the time to clean the carpet to improve indoor air quality and protect health.

Periodically by area

For office carpets – areas with high foot traffic, the recommended cleaning frequency is every 6 months to maintain a clean working environment and prolong the carpet's lifespan.

Clean carpets periodically to keep them durable, clean, and odor-free

For carpets in living rooms and bedrooms, cleaning 3 times a year is suitable. Especially if your family uses shag carpets – dirt can be trapped in the thick fibers for longer due to the dense pile structure, making it difficult to clean with a regular vacuum, so you need to clean the carpet more often, about 4-5 times a year.

For carpets in dining rooms, hallways, pet areas, or high-traffic areas, cleaning is required at least once a week to keep the living space clean and comfortable.

For rooms with children who frequently play on the floor, the carpet cleaning frequency should be higher, about 5-6 times a year to ensure hygiene and minimize the risk of children developing respiratory diseases, allergies, or infections.

Additionally, spring or autumn are ideal times to clean your carpets, as the weather is dry and makes it easy to dry the carpet after washing.

Things to do before cleaning carpets

Before cleaning carpets, there are several important preparation steps to ensure the cleaning process is effective and does not damage the carpet.

Vacuum the carpet

Purpose: to remove dust, pet hair, and other debris on the carpet surface. This helps the carpet cleaning process be more effective, as there are no particles hindering the removal of deep stains.

How to do it: use a vacuum cleaner with appropriate power and thoroughly vacuum all areas of the carpet. When vacuuming, pay attention to vacuuming in the direction of the carpet pile first, then you can change the direction of suction to clean other nooks and crannies of the carpet.

Pre-clean Carpet Before Washing

Remove local stains on the carpet

When you find stains like grease, fruit juice, etc., you can follow these steps to treat the stains before cleaning the carpet at home:

Use a white cloth or paper towel to gently blot the stain on the carpet to remove it.

Next, dampen a clean cloth with a little detergent or white vinegar, then gently dab it onto the stain. Test on a small, inconspicuous corner of the carpet first to ensure there are no unexpected reactions. Note that you should not rub vigorously, as this can cause the stain to penetrate deeper into the carpet.

Then, use a clean damp cloth to wipe away any remaining soap residue and stains. Finally, choose a cool, well-lit, and well-ventilated area for the carpet to dry naturally.

This method allows you to effectively remove stains without damaging the carpet.

Simple and effective ways to clean carpets at home

1. Clean carpets with baking soda

Baking soda is a powerful cleaning agent that helps eliminate odors and stains effectively, while also making the carpet softer.

Tools needed: baking soda powder, vacuum cleaner, gloves (optional), clean cloth or soft brush (optional).

Clean Carpet With Baking Soda

Steps

Sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda evenly over the entire carpet surface, especially on stains and areas with odors.
Pour hot water into a spray bottle (just warm enough), then spray it onto the baking soda on the carpet.
Let it sit for about 15-30 minutes (or overnight for best results). Baking soda will help absorb odors and soften stains.
If you want to maintain moisture for longer, you can cover the areas that need cleaning with a damp cloth to avoid frequently spraying hot water mist.
Then, use a vacuum cleaner to clean the carpet. Vacuum in multiple directions and slowly to ensure the carpet is completely clean.

Note

Do not leave baking soda on for too long, as it may cause unpleasant odors or affect the carpet's moisture content.
Test the carpet before applying to the entire surface, especially if the carpet has a special color or is prone to fading.

2. Clean carpets with shaving cream and white vinegar

With its mild tẩy nhẹ and softening properties, shaving cream can remove deep-seated stains without damaging carpet fibers. White vinegar has deodorizing and brightening properties due to its natural acidity.

You will need: shaving cream, white vinegar, small cloth, spray bottle (optional)

Steps

Use your hands or a small cloth to apply shaving cream directly to the stain on the carpet and wait for about 30 minutes. Then, use a clean cloth to wipe away the shaving cream and the stain.
Mix white vinegar and water in a 50:50 ratio, then pour into a spray bottle. Spray this mixture evenly onto the carpet area that has been cleaned with shaving cream. Finally, wipe clean again with a cloth.

Note: If the stain is large or difficult to remove, you can repeat this process for optimal results.

3. Clean carpets with lemon

Lemon is used by many as a natural cleaner because it contains citric acid, which helps brighten and clean stains, and also has effective deodorizing properties.

Steps

Use half a lemon, combined with a little salt, to create a cleaning mixture. Then, apply the mixture to the stain, let it sit for about 20-30 minutes, and then wipe clean with a dry cloth. This method will help the carpet shine and remove stains without harming the carpet fibers.

Clean Carpet With Lemon

4. Clean carpets with white alcohol

You will need: white alcohol, a knife or sharp-edged tool, spray bottle (optional), clean cloth or soft towel.

Steps

If the stain on the carpet is dried nail polish or dried liquid, you should let it dry completely. Then, use a knife to scrape off the stain.
Dampen a soft cloth with white alcohol and rub it on the stain until it dissolves and disappears. Then, wipe dry with clean water.

5. Clean carpets with ice cubes

Ice cubes will freeze the stain and are usually most effective for sticky substances like glue, plastic, or wax.

Steps

Place 1-2 ice cubes in a plastic bag and put it on the stain or gum that is difficult to remove, leave for about 15-20 minutes. After the gum hardens, use a plastic spoon to slowly scrape the stain off the carpet.

6. Clean carpets with glass cleaner and an iron

Steps

Spray an adequate amount of glass cleaner onto the area to be cleaned and wait for about 2-3 minutes.
Place a clean cloth over the area sprayed with glass cleaner, use an iron on a low heat setting (no steam), and gently move it over the cloth for about 10-15 seconds. The iron's heat will help the stain "wick" onto the cloth. You should check frequently to avoid damaging the carpet. Then, use a vacuum cleaner to remove any remaining debris from the carpet (if necessary).

Clean Carpet With Glass Cleaner

Note:

If the carpet is made of natural fibers like silk or wool, avoid using excessively high iron temperatures. Also, ensure the carpet is completely dry before using an iron, as the combination of heat and moisture can cause damage.

7. Clean carpets with specialized equipment

Industrial carpet cleaning machines use powerful suction and can clean quickly, saving time compared to manual carpet cleaning.

Specialized carpet cleaning machines are often used to clean carpets in offices, hotels, or areas with large carpet areas and heavy traffic.

Furthermore, specialized carpet cleaning equipment can adjust cleaning modes to suit different carpet materials, from wool carpets, synthetic fiber carpets, to shag carpets. This helps protect the carpet and ensure its long-term durability.

Clean Carpet With Specialized Equipment

Frequently asked questions about cleaning carpets at home

1. Can carpets be washed in a washing machine?

If your carpet is small and made of suitable material, you can wash it in a washing machine. However, for large carpets or carpets made of delicate materials, it is best to hand wash them or hire a professional carpet cleaning service to avoid damage.

2. How to make carpets dry quickly after cleaning?

After washing the carpet, you can use a fan or a dryer to speed up the drying process. Place the carpet in a well-ventilated area and avoid direct sunlight to prevent damage to the carpet's color.

3. How to prevent carpets from flattening or losing their shape after washing?

To prevent carpets from flattening or losing their shape, ensure you do not wash them too frequently. If you do wash the carpet, avoid over-wetting it and use a fan or dryer to speed up drying. Importantly, avoid folding the carpet before it is completely dry.

Thien Ha Floor – Distributor and retailer of affordable, reputable carpets nationwide

Thien Ha Floor offers a diverse range of imported, genuine office carpets and home carpets. With over 10 years of experience in the industry, Thien Ha Floor always prioritizes product quality and customer satisfaction. Our professional staff will help you choose the right carpet products, and provide dedicated consultation on installation and carpet cleaning services.

Read the article below to clean your carpet to be as fresh as new and in the most correct way!

When should carpets be washed and cleaned?

However, we believe you should clean your carpet based on the following signs:

When the carpet has obvious stains

If the carpet is stained with spills like coffee, food, or dirt from shoes, you need to clean it immediately to prevent the stains from penetrating deeply and becoming difficult to remove later.

Clean Carpet Immediately When There Are Obvious Stains

When the carpet has a musty or moldy odor

If the carpet emits a foul odor due to dampness, food, or pet smells, you should clean it immediately to eliminate the unpleasant smell and prevent mold growth.

When the carpet's color changes

If the carpet starts to fade or turn yellow after a period of use, washing the carpet will help restore its color and refresh it.

When someone has allergies

Periodically by area

For office carpets – areas with high foot traffic, the recommended cleaning frequency is every 6 months to maintain a clean working environment and prolong the carpet's lifespan.

Clean carpets periodically to keep them durable, clean, and odor-free

For carpets in dining rooms, hallways, pet areas, or high-traffic areas, cleaning is required at least once a week to keep the living space clean and comfortable.

Additionally, spring or autumn are ideal times to clean your carpets, as the weather is dry and makes it easy to dry the carpet after washing.