Carpets are a staple of modern life in many households. Not only do they provide comfort and style, but they also serve as a dirt trap, protecting your living spaces from unwanted dust and allergens. If you have pets in the household, it is important to remember that their fur can get all over everything. If you have light-colored carpet, this can get quite noticeable over time. The following cleaning tips will help keep your carpet looking and smelling fresh, minimizing the monthly cleaning you need.

Use a vacuum cleaner.
This will remove any dust and debris lingering on the carpet’s surface. It will also remove some allergens and increase their life expectancy. Be sure to vacuum in two directions to increase the cleaning efficiency. This can be done by hand or using a steam vacuum cleaner. If using an upright steam vacuum cleaner, allow it to cool off before plugging it into any outlets. Also, when using these vacuum cleaners, always unplug them and allow them to cool off between uses. This will prevent fires and other accidents if they are not removed immediately after use. If you are working with a smaller vacuum, the same rules apply.

Use an upright steam cleaner.
After vacuuming, use an upright steam cleaner to remove loose particles and kill mold, mildew, and dust mites. Carefully follow the instructions on the label of the cleaning product you are using to ensure that your carpet is not damaged by it. When using a steam cleaner, ensure you do not use too much water. If the water becomes too hot and is allowed to sit on the carpet for too long, it can damage it.

Use a dunk tank
If you are dealing with more than one pet, or if the odor problem is severe, it may be necessary to begin the cleaning process with a dunk tank. This will help to get rid of any organic matter that may be trapped within your carpet. This should be done as quickly as possible to prevent any damage from occurring. Once you remove the carpet from the water, an antifungal shampoo should be added. This will help to get rid of any lingering odor-causing agents that may be present in your carpet.

Train your pets
It is important to learn how to train your pets not to leave their waste all over your carpet. It can be not easy if your pet has never lived in a home with carpet. You may need to mark their territory using different types of scents so that they know that certain areas are off-limits and that you are still the boss. This will take some time, but once the task has been completed, you should never have any major issues with odor from your pets again.

Consider using a carpet protector.
If you have difficulty getting the cleaning power required to deal with pet stains, consider using a carpet protector. These will help prevent pet stains from setting in and make it easier to clean them up when they do occur. Be sure it is designed for carpets, and check the ingredients before applying it to ensure it will not damage your carpet.

Be sure to call Carolina Surface Restoration to have your carpets professionally cleaned.