Keeping your carpets clean and maintained is important not only for their life and value, but for your familys health as well. There are a variety of techniques for cleaning that can be done at home or by a professional but the principles are the same. Here are 4 of the of the main carpet care problems and some tips on dealing with them:
Water - Water damage is the #1 potential threat to your carpet. Water damage can be caused by flooding, leaky pipes or appliances, or other sources. The important thing is to first determine whether the water source was sanitary or not. Rain or water from a pipe leak are considered sanitary, whereas a wet carpet may be caused by a toilet overflow, and though unsanitary, may still be salvageable. A carpet that has been flooded by raw sewage or groundwater should not be salvaged. Anything more than a minor spill should be dealt with by a professional, but for small flooding occurrences use clean white towels and fans to dry the area.
Dirt - Dirt, of course, is the enemy of any carpet, but there are steps you can take to minimize the amount of dirt that reaches your carpet in the first place. Use entry mats or rugs wherever possible - a large percentage of dirt can be absorbed before the room is entered. Dirt can actually damage the fibers through abrasion. Its also a good idea to move furniture periodically, avoiding repeated foot traffic in the same areas. Regular vacuuming is important and its worth investing in a good vacuum cleaner with rotating brushes. Periodic professional cleaning is also strongly recommended.
Stains - Its not always a simple matter to deal with stains. Effective stain removal is a science, with ph factors to consider among other things, but the homeowner can do a lot to treat stains without necessarily calling a professional. The important thing to keep in mind is to catch the stain before it has time to set. If its a wet stain, blot it with white clean cloth or paper towels first and try to absorb as much as you can. If its more dry or solid you can use the edge of a spoon, but before you treat the stain its wise to check a stain treatment chart, or better yet, if it looks like it has the potential to leave a permanent stain, call a professional. Better to pay for cleaning than to buy new carpet!
Mold or Mildew - If there is any indication that there is mold or mildew an any of your carpets, its crucial for your health that it be dealt with. Mold and mildew can cause mild to severe health problems and unless its a small are which can be treated with vinegar or ammonia, for instance, its strongly advised to call a carpet cleaning service. Youll find that when it comes to
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