Well-maintained and clean carpets and tiles are essential for a healthy living environment. A clean home is a happy home, so cleaning your floors should be one of your top priorities.
Floor coverings attract and trap dust, dirt, bacteria, insects and allergens that can pollute your environment. Additionally, spilled liquids can cause a foul odor, especially on floor rags. On the other hand, wetness can also be dangerous on tiles, as they become slippery and the risk of falls increases.
And finally, a dirty floor promotes respiratory problems and other serious health problems. But with simple tips and techniques, you can easily avoid all these problems. In this article, you will find important tips on how to effectively clean your carpets and tiles.
Carpet cleaning tips every homeowner should know
Aside from the negative effects of dirty tiles and carpets mentioned above, a messy floor can be quite embarrassing for your home. That's why you should take the initiative and clean it. You can either take professional help like these Summit carpet cleaning services or do it yourself. Today's article focuses on the latter. Here's a guide on how to keep your carpets clean:
- Clean spills and stains immediately
Don't wait too long when a spill occurs. It can leave stains on your carpet. Spray a cleaning solution onto an absorbent cleaner and then squeeze it onto the affected area while the spill is still fresh. Do not rub the absorbent cleaner or the stain may spread further.
Wiping up spills immediately is important because it prevents them from being absorbed and leaving permanent stains on the carpet. If you ignore spills on the carpet, they can be absorbed and become unsightly and embarrassing. It also prevents the buildup of germs that can lead to health problems. Also, some spills, such as soup, wine and milk, can cause a pungent odor if you leave them for too long.
Stains can be effectively removed with spot cleaning. Use a damp piece of paper towel or rag to remove any excess dirt that has accumulated on the surface. Then apply a small amount of carpet cleaning solution to the area and gently scrub with a brush. Finally, rinse the area with a damp cloth and let it dry.
- Thorough vacuuming
First, choose the right vacuum for your mat. If you're not sure which one to use, contact your carpet manufacturer to find the right machine.
Before using a vacuum cleaner, you should first clean manually. You need to dust every room in your house, including your furniture, curtains or drapes, and walls, to name a few. This will prevent dust from settling on the floor after vacuuming, and it will also ensure that you remove all the particles in the room. In addition, it will help you remove large particles that are too big to vacuum.
When cleaning, make sure to use slow motions in all directions – back and forth and side by side – to vacuum up all the dirt and cover a large area. Pay special attention to high-traffic areas, as they tend to collect more dirt. Afterward, brush your mat with a soft brush to restore its original texture. Use a cleaning solution to remove any stubborn stains that may still be on the floor. Then vacuum again to remove the solution. Allow the mat to dry completely before walking on it.
Depending on the type of carpet and how often it is used, you should vacuum your carpet at least once a week. In high-traffic areas, every two to three days is preferable. If you have pets, vacuum your carpet more frequently to remove pet hair and dander.
- Use a steam cleaner
Make sure you calibrate the machine properly to the correct temperature and pressure settings. Next, start by cleaning the edges and corners of the carpet and then move to the center. Move the machine slowly and evenly from north to south and east to west to cover all areas. Finally, use a dry cloth or towel to absorb any remaining moisture from the carpet and allow it to dry completely. Always remember to clean barefoot as shoes can leave marks.
- Use a homemade odor neutralizer
A homemade carpet deodorizer is a homemade solution that many people use to remove odors from carpets. It is made from natural ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, and essential oils. To make such a deodorizer, mix baking soda and white vinegar in a bowl. Add drops of your favorite essential oil (such as lavender) to create a pleasant scent. Mix these ingredients into a paste that you can then apply and leave overnight before vacuuming the area.
- Keep dirt away from carpet areas
Place doormats at all entrances to your home to catch dirt and debris and reduce the amount of dirt on your carpets. You can also place furniture protectors under your furniture to prevent debris and dirt from getting into your carpets.
How to clean tiles: instructions for home
Now that you have learned carpet cleaning tips, you can now focus on tile cleaning. Cleaning tiles can be more difficult because there are many types of tiles and each requires a different cleaning method. To help you, here is a guide to cleaning tiles at home. First, identify your tile type, choose the appropriate cleaning product and follow the instructions.
- Sweep and vacuum loose dirt
Your tiles may look clean, but there is always dust on them that you cannot see. Please note that some brooms are not effective at cleaning, so you may need a soft broom or brush. Use a vacuum cleaner for hard to reach areas. Regular sweeping and vacuuming can preserve the appearance of the tiles and extend the life of your tile floor.
- Use a neutral pH solution
First, pH-neutral cleaners are gentle and won't cause damage to the floor. They also wash off easily, meaning they won't leave behind any residue that could attract more dirt. They're also pet-friendly because they don't contain any harsh chemicals. Some examples of these cleaners include mild dish soap, baking soda, white vinegar, mild detergents, and rubbing alcohol.
Some cleaning solutions usually come with instructions that you should follow. Mix the solution with warm water. The solution should be less than the water, as more of it can make it harder to rinse and can also make the tiles slippery. Let it sit for a few minutes, scrub the tiles, and then use a microfiber mop. If you don't use the solution, change the water this time to rinse off the cleaner.
- Use the 2-bucket system
When mopping tiles, germs can easily spread, especially if you use the same water everywhere. The 2-bucket system, or more depending on the size of your floor, can help prevent the spread of dirt. Fill one bucket with your cleaning solution and warm water and the other bucket(s) with pure water. The more often you change the water, the cleaner your tiles will be. You may also need two mops: one for mopping with the solution and the other for rinsing.
- Use distilled water
Distilled water is preferable for cleaning tiles because it does not contain minerals that can leave deposits on the surface of the tiles. These deposits can attract dirt and grime, leading to a buildup of dirt and bacteria that can discolor and damage the tiles. In addition, distilled water does not contain chlorine, which can damage the surface of the tiles.
- Use a tile-friendly mop
Having the right mop will make the job less tedious and frustrating. Microfiber mops are best for cleaning tiles because they are soft, absorbent and won't cause damage. They are made from a synthetic material that is much finer than cotton, so they can get into hard-to-reach places that a cotton mop can't.
Steam cleaners are also a good option for floor disinfection. Make sure your tank has enough water and then heat it to high temperatures. Then attach the mop to the base of the steam cleaner. When cleaning, use only the steam cleaner's water and the omnidirectional movement method. Consider the size of your mop to make sure it can reach all the nooks and crannies.
- Watch out for soap residue
Soap residue can cause long-term damage to tile floors as it can build up over time and cause discoloration. A mop made from a material that is resistant to soap residue is more effective as it will keep the tiles in good condition.
- Always clean the mortar
Make a batch of homemade odor neutralizer like the one above. Apply it to the grout using a medium bristle brush or an old toothbrush. Mix equal amounts of white vinegar with warm water, spray the mixture on the area, let it sit for at least five minutes, then scrub with a stiff brush. Please avoid using vinegar on unsealed grout. Instead, you can just use a baking soda solution and be careful when scrubbing.
For moderate stains, use hydrogen peroxide, which is safe for sealed and unsealed grout. For more stubborn stains, you can also apply oxygen bleach, let it sit for 15 minutes, then rinse. Make sure your room is well ventilated before using these drugstore grout cleaners.
Concluding remarks
The guidelines above can help you maintain the condition of your tile and carpet floors while promoting a healthy living environment. Mop your tile at least once a week and grout monthly. Also, vacuum your carpet at least twice a week and have it professionally cleaned once or twice a year.
