How To Clean High Traffic Carpet Areas
We all have those areas of the house that get dirty faster than others. Carpeting is no different. In today’s post we are going to cover How to Clean High Traffic Carpet Areas with a simple and easy method that requires very little supplies.
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Table of Contents
High traffic carpet areas in the home can be a challenge to keep clean, but it doesn’t have to be impossible. With some simple DIY techniques and natural spot remover, you can easily tackle those stubborn high-traffic stains and restore your carpet back to its former glory.
In this article, we will show you how to clean high traffic carpet areas with ease using homemade cleaners and remedies. Read on for our top tips on keeping high traffic areas of your carpets looking their best.
How Often Should High Traffic Carpet Be Cleaned?
The frequency at which high traffic carpet should be cleaned depends on several factors, including the amount of foot traffic, the type of carpet fibers, and the level of soiling. In general, high traffic areas like hallways, entryways, and living rooms should be cleaned more frequently than low-traffic areas such as bedrooms.
Here are some guidelines for how often to clean high traffic carpet:
- Vacuuming: Vacuuming your high traffic carpet at least once a week is important to remove surface dirt and debris.
- Regular Maintenance: Implementing preventive measures such as removing shoes at the door, placing doormats, and spot cleaning can help reduce the amount of dirt and debris that accumulates on the carpet. This will help extend the time between professional cleanings.
- Spot Cleaning: Addressing spills and stains immediately when they happen is essential. Doing so will prevent the dirt from becoming more embedded into the carpet fibers.
- Professional Cleaning: It is recommended to have your high traffic carpet professionally cleaned at least once a year. However, if the carpet experiences very heavy traffic, you may need to have it cleaned more frequently, perhaps every six months.
To keep your high traffic carpet looking clean and fresh, it is recommended to vacuum it once a week, address spills and stains immediately, and have it professionally cleaned at least once a year. However, you may need to adjust the frequency of cleaning based on your specific circumstances.
Prepare the Carpet For Cleaning
Preparing your carpet for cleaning can help ensure that the cleaning process is effective and efficient. Here are some steps you can take to prepare your carpet for cleaning:
- Remove furniture and objects: Move any furniture or objects from the carpeted area that you plan to have cleaned. This includes chairs, tables, lamps, and other items.
- Vacuum the carpet: Vacuum the carpet thoroughly to remove any loose dirt and debris. This will help the cleaning solution to penetrate deeper into the fibers.
- Open windows and doors: Open windows and doors to allow for proper ventilation and drying after the cleaning process. A portable fan can be very helpful here too.
Following these steps can help ensure that the cleaning process is as effective as possible..
Homemade Carpet Cleaning Solution
Making your own homemade carpet cleaning solution can be a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to commercial cleaning products. Here’s a simple recipe for your DIY carpet cleaner:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of warm water
- 1/4 cup of white vinegar
- 1/4 cup of dish soap (preferably clear or lightly colored)
Instructions:
- Mix the warm water, white vinegar, and dish soap in a bowl or spray bottle.
- Stir or shake the solution until the dish soap is fully dissolved.
- Test the solution on a small, inconspicuous area of the carpet to make sure it doesn’t cause discoloration or damage.
- If the test area looks good, apply the solution to the stained or soiled areas of the carpet.
- Gently rub the solution into the carpet with a soft-bristled brush or sponge.
- Let the solution sit for 5-10 minutes to allow it to penetrate the carpet fibers and loosen the dirt.
- Blot the area with a clean, damp cloth or paper towel to remove the solution and any dirt or debris.
- Rinse the area with clean water and blot dry with a clean towel.
Note: For particularly stubborn stains, you may need to repeat the process a few times. Also, avoid using too much water or soaking the carpet, as this can lead to mold and mildew growth.
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Steps For Cleaning High Traffic Carpet Areas
Cleaning high traffic carpet areas on your own can be an effective way to keep your carpets looking their best between professional cleanings. Here are the steps you can follow to clean high traffic carpet areas yourself:
- Treat stains: If you notice any stains or spots on the carpet, treat them immediately with a homemade solution made from 1 part vinegar and 1 part water.
- Apply cleaning solution: Apply your homemade carpet cleaning solution to the high traffic areas of the carpet. Apply the solution with a spray bottle or a sponge.
- Scrub the carpet: Use a soft-bristled brush or a sponge to scrub the high traffic areas of the carpet. This will help to loosen dirt and debris that has become embedded in the fibers.
- Allow the solution to sit: Let the cleaning solution sit on the carpet for 5-10 minutes to allow it to penetrate the fibers and break down dirt and debris.
- Rinse the carpet: Rinse the carpet thoroughly with clean water to remove the cleaning solution and any dirt or debris. You can use a wet-dry vacuum (such as a shop vac) to remove excess water from the carpet.
- Let the carpet dry: Allow the carpet to air dry completely before walking on it. Utilizing a portable fan can help speed up this process.
Deep Cleaning High Traffic Carpet Areas
Deep cleaning high traffic carpet areas can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With some simple DIY techniques and the proper equipment, you can deep clean your carpets like a professional in no time. Here are some tips on how to keep those carpets looking their best.
Start with a Vacuum Cleaner
The key to deep cleaning carpets is a powerful vacuum cleaner that can pick up dirt and grime from deep within the fibers. Make sure your vacuum has an adjustable power level so you can select the setting that works best for your specific type of carpet. This will also reduce the chances of snagging carpet fibers or leaving behind traces of dirt and dust.
Deep Cleaning With Extractors
If you’re dealing with very dirty carpets, deep cleaning may require an extractor machine or even renting one from your local hardware store. These machines use high-speed hot watery jets of water to penetrate deep into the fibers of your carpets while simultaneously sucking up all dirt, dust and debris in their path. Make sure to clean each area thoroughly according its instructions before moving onto another section of your home or office interior space.
Steam Clean High Traffic Areas For A Much Needed Refreshment & Sanitizing
High traffic areas tend to accumulate more soil than low traffic ones due to constant foot movement across the same spot(s).
To combat this issue, try steam cleaning these busy areas as regular maintenance practices. Doing so will help get rid of built–up particles of sand and other contaminants lodged deep within the carpet.
Steam will also sanitize agitated surfaces while killing off bacteria which could ultimately trigger allergies if left untreated.
Final Thoughts About High Traffic Carpet Cleaning
In conclusion, cleaning high traffic carpet areas is essential to maintain a healthy and visually appealing environment.
By following the tips mentioned in this blog post, you can easily clean your carpet and extend its life. Remember to vacuum regularly, treat stains promptly, and deep clean periodically.
Additionally, it’s crucial to choose the right cleaning solutions and equipment for your carpet type. With a little effort and dedication, you can ensure that your high traffic carpet areas look and feel clean and fresh.
Don’t let your high traffic carpet areas become dirty and worn out! Take action now and implement the tips mentioned in this post to keep your carpets looking their best. Share this post with your friends and family members who may also benefit from these cleaning tips.
Remember, a clean home is a healthy home and a healthy home is a cozy home. So let’s get started and make our living spaces more comfortable and inviting!
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I have been wondering what to do with my high-traffic areas in between professional carpet cleanings. This helped a ton and does work very well. I made a note in my cleaning closet of the recipe. Thanks Christen!
I am so glad you found this helpful!