Carpets are more than just floor coverings; they're the foundation of our living spaces, providing warmth and comfort. But with daily foot traffic, accidental spills, and pet adventures, they can quickly become dirty and lose their luster. Knowing how to clean carpet not only ensures it looks pristine but also extends its lifespan and ensures a healthier living environment.
In this guide, we'll walk you through the essential steps for cleaning carpets, ensuring they remains vibrant and fresh.
Tools and materials you will need
Equipment and tools
- Vacuum cleaner (preferably a wet and dry model with high suction power)
- Soft-bristle brush
- Clean white cloth or sponge
- Spray bottle
Materials
- Mild carpet shampoo or cleaner
- Distilled white vinegar
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Warm water
How to clean your carpet: A step-by-step guide
Regular carpet cleaning is essential to maintain its appearance and ensure it remains free from surface dirt and minor stains. Here's how to keep your carpet looking its best:
Step 1: Remove surface dust and dirt with vacuum cleaner
Begin by thoroughly removing all surface-level dirt and debris from your carpet—this crucial first step prepares the carpet for deeper cleaning and ensures you're not simply pushing dirt around when applying cleaning solutions later.
For those with access to a vacuum cleaner, this method offers superior efficiency and results. Start by adjusting your vacuum's height setting to match your carpet pile, as too low can damage fibres whilst too high reduces suction effectiveness.
Clear the area of small objects and furniture where possible, and ensure your vacuum's bag or canister isn't full, as reduced capacity significantly impacts performance.
Pay particular attention to edges and corners where dust and pet hair often accumulate—these areas frequently harbour the most debris yet are easily overlooked during routine cleaning. Use the crevice tool attachment to clean along skirting boards and tight spaces effectively. Make sure you use the right vacuum cleaner accessories to clean your carpet.
Step 2: Use baking soda to remove odours
After the dust is removed, sprinkle baking soda evenly across the carpet surface—this household staple excels at neutralising unpleasant smells that may have settled within the fibres.
Allow it to work for 30 minutes to one hour, then sweep the carpet again to remove the baking soda along with any trapped odours.
Baking soda can also be used for cleaning your kitchen appliances. See our tips to use this ingredient to clean your rusty oven and remove smell from your microwave oven.
Step 3: Prepare cleaning solution
Create the perfect cleaning solution for your carpet type by mixing warm water with carpet cleaning fluid or mild soap. Avoid harsh detergents that might damage fibres or cause discolouration.
For a natural alternative, combine warm water with distilled white vinegar and add a few drops of essential oil. This eco-friendly solution cleans effectively whilst leaving your carpet with a fresh scent.
Step 4: Clean light stains from carpet
For everyday spills, swift action is your best ally. Gently blot—never rub—the affected area with a clean cloth to remove as much of the spill as possible.
Create a solution using one part white vinegar to three parts warm water, or mix mild washing-up liquid with warm water. Apply sparingly, working from the outside towards the centre, let sit for 5-10 minutes, then blot with a clean, damp cloth and dry thoroughly.
Step 5: Clean stubborn stains from carpet
For challenging stains like coffee, food, rust, or mud, targeted approaches prove most effective:
- Coffee and tea stains: Create a baking soda paste with water, apply for 15 minutes, brush gently, then rinse and blot dry.
- Food stains: Mix one tablespoon washing-up liquid with two cups warm water. For grease-based stains, sprinkle cornstarch first to absorb oils.
- Rust stains: Combine equal parts lemon juice and salt, apply for 10-15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
- Mud stains: Allow mud to dry completely, vacuum loose particles, then treat remaining stains with vinegar solution.
Step 6: Brush the carpet gently
Using a soft brush dipped in your cleaning solution, work across the carpet with particular attention to soiled areas. Employ circular motions when brushing—this technique proves most effective at lifting dirt whilst being gentle on fibres. Avoid aggressive brushing that might damage the carpet's structure.
Step 7: Rinse with clean water
Prepare a clean cloth dampened with fresh water and carefully blot cleaned areas, ensuring no soap residue remains. Use minimal water during this stage—excessive moisture can lead to extended drying times and potentially create conditions for mould growth.
Step 8: Dry the carpet
Use dry cloths or towels to absorb any remaining moisture from the carpet surface. Ensure the carpet is completely dry before resuming normal use to prevent potential issues and maintain your fresh, clean results.
Whenever possible, position your carpet in a sunny location with excellent air circulation. This natural drying process speeds up the procedure and helps prevent damp or musty odours from developing.
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How often to clean your carpet
Regular vacuuming is a must, at least once a week, especially if you have kids or furry friends. For those accidental spills, tackle them as soon as they happen. And as for a deep clean? Aim to dive deep at least twice a year. This keeps your carpet looking fresh, feeling soft, and lasting longer.
How to remove pet hair from carpet
If you share your home with furry companions, pet hair can become deeply embedded in carpet fibres. Here are effective techniques to tackle this challenge:
- Rubber glove method: Don damp rubber gloves and run your hands across the carpet. The rubber creates static that attracts pet hair whilst the dampness helps lift stubborn strands.
- Fabric softener solution: Mix one part fabric softener with three parts water, lightly mist the carpet, and wait a few minutes before brushing away loosened hair.
- Squeegee technique: Run a clean rubber squeegee across the surface using firm strokes—particularly effective on low-pile carpets.
Tips to prevent common stains and keep carpet clean longer
- Use entrance mats: Place mats at entrances to catch dirt and moisture. It's easier to clean a mat than the entire carpet.
- Remove shoes: Make your home a shoe-free zone. This simple act can drastically reduce dirt.
- Clean spills immediately: The sooner you tackle a spill, the less likely it'll become a stubborn stain.
- Move furniture periodically: This prevents wear patterns and gives you a chance to clean hidden spots.
- Use carpet protectors: These are great for areas with high foot traffic or under heavy furniture.
- Vacuum regularly: It's a simple tip but makes a world of difference. Check out our complete guide on how to use your vacuum cleaner effectively.
- Avoid direct sunlight: Too much sun can fade your carpet. Use blinds or curtains during peak sunlight hours.
Transform your carpet cleaning with Electrolux vacuum cleaners
When it comes to maintaining pristine carpets, nothing quite matches the exceptional performance of an Electrolux wet and dry vacuum cleaner. Our advanced cleaning technology delivers powerful suction that effortlessly picks up to 99% of dry debris, making light work of even the most challenging carpet cleaning tasks.
The innovative self-cleaning function represents a breakthrough in convenience. Taking just two minutes, this feature activates via a button press when the hand unit is placed on the charging stand. Clean water is released whilst suction simultaneously removes dirty water, keeping your cleaning tool as fresh as your carpets.
Experience ultimate floorcare versatility with our 3-in-1 design that thoroughly mops and vacuums all surfaces. The flexible design effortlessly accesses hard-to-reach spaces, whilst the detachable hand unit makes light work of quick clean-ups and soft furnishings. Plus, our commitment to low-noise operation means you can maintain carpets without disrupting your household's daily rhythm.
- A 3-in-1 cleaning solution for all surfaces.
- An exceptional wet and dry cleaning performance.
- TriAction nozzle removes up to 99%* dry debris.
- Powerful vacuum suction with 99% debris pick up*.
- Self-cleaning function cleans in two minutes.
- Water tanks eliminate up to 99% the tested bacteria*.
- 3-in-1 Cleaning
- High Suction Power and All Accessories within Reach
- 360° Rotation
Discover our premium wet and dry technology in this video:
Check out more tips to choose the right vacuum cleaner for mosque carpetfrom Electrolux experts.
FAQs about how to clean carpet
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How to clean a fur carpet?
For fur carpets, use a wide-tooth comb or carpet rake to gently lift and separate matted fibres. Shake out loose debris, then use a soft brush with gentle circular motions. Avoid excessive moisture—spot clean with minimal water and mild detergent if needed. Always brush in the direction of the fur grain for best results.
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How often should carpets be vacuumed?
Carpets should be vacuumed at least once a week. However, in homes with children, pets, or high foot traffic, more frequent vacuuming may be necessary.
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When should carpets be deep cleaned?
It's advisable to deep clean carpets at least twice a year. However, if the carpet is in a high-traffic area or if there are specific concerns like spills or pet accidents, more frequent deep cleaning might be beneficial.
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How do I clean a carpet with natural ingredients like vinegar or baking soda?
Mix equal parts white vinegar and water for a natural cleaning solution, or sprinkle baking soda over the carpet and let sit for 30 minutes before vacuuming. Both neutralise odours effectively—vinegar tackles stains whilst baking soda absorbs unpleasant smells naturally.
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What should I do if a carpet gets spilled on?
Act quickly—blot immediately with a clean cloth, never rub as this pushes the spill deeper. Work from the outside of the stain towards the centre to prevent spreading. Remove excess liquid first, then treat with appropriate cleaning solution.
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How do I dry my carpet after cleaning?
After cleaning, carpets can be dried by ensuring good ventilation in the room, using fans, or employing a carpet cleaning machine with a drying feature. It's essential to ensure the carpet is entirely dry before walking on it to prevent mold growth and residue.
