A question people often ask is how to clean different types of carpet? Obviously, there are many types and styles of carpets and while there are similarities, each can benefit from unique ways of cleaning. The following are suggestions as to how to clean different carpet types here in Richmond.
- Always test your carpet. Test each cleaning solution in hidden area. If the carpet doesn't look right, don't use that method/solution.
- Wool Carpets
-Vacuum once or twice a week to remove, dirt, debris, and allergens.
-Spot Cleaning: Immediately after a spill, blot carpet with a dry, clean cloth and then use a mild soap or detergent and water to clean.
-Dry Extraction: For wool carpets, we recommend professional dry cleaning. If you steam clean wool carpets, your carpet could shrink and fiber damage could occur.
3. Synthetic Carpets (including Nylon, Olefin, Polyester)
-Vacuum once or twice a week to remove dirt, debris, and allergens.
-Spot Cleaning: Immediately after a spill, blot carpet with a dry, clean cloth and then use mild soap or detergent and water to clean.
-Steam Cleaning: Unlike Wool carpets, we recommend steam cleaning your carpet at least once a year. A good steam cleaning will remove stubborn, embedded dirt and debris that your regular vacuum will miss.
4. Berber Carpets
-Be careful with your vacuum here! Set your vacuum to suction only to keep the loops from getting pulled into the beater bar.
-Spot Cleaning: again, be careful here. Only blot with a clean, dry cloth. To avoid unraveling the loops, do overly rub your Berber Carpet.
-Professional Cleaning: because Berber carpets can be easily damaged, we recommend yearly professional cleaning
5. Natural Fiber Carpets (Seagrass, Sisal, Jute)
-Again, be careful with you vacuum here! Natural fibers are easy to damage. Set your vacuum to suction only or use a vacuum with a brush instead of the beater bar.
-Dry Cleaning: as with Wool Carpets, avoid wet cleaning your Natural Fiber Carpets. Natural Fiber Carpets easily absorb water that can damage the fibers.
In general, you should always follow the above steps for the various carpet types. We also recommend a professional cleaning at least once a year. Your carpets are valuable and with proper care, can last a long time!
Hint: add a little white vinegar to your blotting mixture to help with odors!