Our carpets are one of the biggest investments in a room – and one of the trickiest to replace – so a spill or a stain can be stressful.
So what’s the best carpet cleaner to use at home, and is there an eco-friendly option?
Routine cleaning vs spot cleaning
Even after regular vacuuming, your carpet can hide dust, pet dander and allergens deep in its fibres. So it’s well worth getting your carpets cleaned at least every 12 months, and more often for high traffic areas such as stairs and entrance halls.
Carpet and upholstery cleaning is a specialist job, and we would always recommend bringing in a professional company. But we know accidents can happen too, so we asked our specialist carpet cleaning partners for their top carpet cleaner tips.
When you spot a spill
Coffee, red wine, pet accidents… knowing what to do (and what not to do) can prevent an “oops” moment turning into a full-blown carpet disaster. We asked Ceasar, founder of Superb Carpet Cleaning for his tips on the best carpet cleaner to use in a spillage emergency.
Time really is of the essence here. The faster you react to a spill, the better the chances of avoiding a more stubborn stain.
- Scrape up any solids with a spoon or blunt knife.
- Grab the kitchen towel and blot, blot, blot – and keep blotting! You’re aiming to lift the spill out of the carpet so it absorbs into the kitchen towel.
- If you don’t have kitchen towel handy, use a clean white cloth.
- Don’t be tempted to scrub or rub as this will only push the spill further into the carpet fibres.
- Work from the outside towards the centre of the spill, to avoid spreading it and making a bigger problem.
Skip the supermarket solutions
Don’t waste time running to the supermarket for a trolley full of carpet cleaner solutions. “Supermarket products are expensive, and often ineffective,” says Ceasar. Some stain removal products contain bleach which could leave a permanent mark on your carpet.
A simple solution of washing up liquid can help to lift a stain (I recommend Ecover Zero Fragrance Free Washing Up Liquid). Avoid over-wetting the area, and always spot-test in an inconspicuous corner first,.
When you’ve finished blotting, use a hairdryer to dry the spot. This will prevent it attracting further dust and dirt which can make the stain more noticeable.
Bicarbonate of soda for smells
If your pet, small child or other culprit has left you with a bad smell in your carpet, bicarbonate of soda can help. After you’ve blotted the stain thoroughly, sprinkle with a thin layer of bicarbonate of soda.
Avoid treading on the area so the powder isn’t pushed into the fibres of your carpet. Leave for a few hours then vacuum to remove the powder.
Inky problems
When I dropped a printer ink cartridge on my carpet, a friend suggested I try rubbing alcohol. I was in a panic and I figured it couldn’t get any worse, so I gave it a go. To my surprise, it actually worked – although now I’ve spoken to Ceasar, I would call in the pros in future.
Why do biros always fall nib-down when you drop them? I’ve found that accidental biro scribbles can be removed with hand sanitiser.
Surgical spirit (similar to rubbing alcohol) is effective at removing lipstick. This is a great tip if you’re responsible for laundering the linen purificators used in Holy Communion services.
But … always spot-test first, just in case.
Cleaning up after the Clean-up
Professional carpet cleaners like Ceasar often find themselves trying to put right the aftermath of an “emergency” clean. So it’s important to know when to give up. The longer you leave it, and the more sure-fire fixes you try, the more difficult it could be to shift the stain. (Or to put it another way, when you’re in a hole, stop digging).
As Ceasar says, “Once the stain has set in to the base of the carpet, extraction is needed and it’s time to call in the professionals!”
Planet-friendly Carpet Cleaners
When you book a company to clean your carpets, it’s always worth asking what products they will be using. Some carpet cleaners can leave a lingering chemical odour, and release residues into the environment which are harmful to our waterways.
Planet-friendly carpet cleaner products contain natural ingredients which leave your home fresh without the harsh smell. If you have small children or pets, it’s reassuring to know there’s no chemicals hiding in your carpets which could irritate sensitive skin and noses.
Muharem of Sparkling Water Carpet Cleaning recommends Eco-Max Hypoallergenic Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner. This carpet cleaner has impressive eco-credentials; it’s formulated with botanical ingredients, is non-toxic to humans and aquatic life, and is biodegradable.
Also among Muharem’s favourite products is Prochem’s Natural Carpet Cleaner. Made with lemongrass, this product has a gentle pH and is Woolmark-approved.
Final Thoughts
The great news is, you don’t need another plastic bottle of expensive carpet cleaner cluttering up your cleaning cupboard. You can tackle emergency spills with our simple steps. And if you’re still left with a stain, call your local professional carpet cleaner – fast.
Don’t forget, a regular once-a-year pro clean can keep your carpets looking great for longer. Ask your carpet cleaning professional to use a planet-friendly product for clean carpets, a cleaner planet and a clean conscience.
Superb Carpet Cleaning are based in and around Coulsdon in London.
Sparkling Water Carpet Cleaning serve domestic and commercial customers across the whole of London and the home counties.
We’re on a mission to switch to more planet-friendly cleaning products, one swap at a time. Discover our #JustOneSwap suggestions in our blog.
