Even at home, it is quite possible to properly clean a long-pile carpet.
To do this, you need to adopt time-tested folk recipes and modern household chemicals.
So, how and with what to clean a long-pile carpet (white or colored) at home?
Pros and cons of deep pile carpeting
Like any product, a fluffy long-pile carpet has its advantages and disadvantages. You need to know about their availability before purchasing such a product. You will need to devote a little more time to caring for it than a carpet with short pile.
Is the carpet in your home long-pile?
Not really
Benefits of long pile carpets
Among the main advantages of shag carpets it is worth noting:
- high thermal insulation properties, this property is especially important for residents of the first floors;
- excellent sound absorption and sound insulation;
- antistatic effect;
- small dirt and debris are not noticeable, as they are hidden by long fibers;
- absence of allergic reactions, since the long-pile carpet is made of synthetic materials;
- pleasant tactile sensations when touched. You want to lie on such a carpet or walk on it, children like to play on it;
- the presence of a massage effect and stimulation of the feet when walking barefoot;
- pleasant appearance and creation of comfort in any room;
- absorption of excess moisture if there is such a problem in the house;
- durability achieved through a reliable foundation. The pile is securely fixed and practically does not fall out;
- a variety of designs and shades to suit any interior.
Disadvantages of long pile carpets
Disadvantages to be aware of:
- high price. The denser and longer the pile, the higher the price. The most expensive items will be original copies or products made from natural materials;
- rapid wear. Lint wears off especially quickly in walkable areas or under the legs of heavy furniture. This feature limits the scope of use of long-pile carpets; they are not laid in corridors or in the kitchen;
- difficulty of cleansing. Using a vacuum cleaner will not completely remove dirt from such a carpet; it requires regular treatment with detergents;
- susceptibility to damage by moths, especially if the composition contains natural wool;
- dents from heavy furniture. For this reason, there is no point in buying a large rug so that its edges go under the legs of the furniture.
How to wash a rug at home in the bathroom
Washing a soft coating made of viscose or any other texture is easy only in words, but when you get down to business, everything becomes much more difficult. Without proper knowledge about the material and quality, you can easily and irrevocably ruin a thing, and buying a new rug is much more expensive than using the services of specialists. It is not possible to completely wash a large linen, because you cannot leave it wet for a long time, but small rugs can be completely or partially cleaned in the bathroom.
You can clean the carpet using special products designed for cleaning carpets: powdered and liquid detergents. The most popular of them: Amway, Vanish, Karcher. How to do it:
- We first clean the carpet from dust and dirt using a vacuum cleaner or a regular broom.
- Spray with water completely or partially and rub in the selected product.
- Next, thoroughly rinse off any remaining debris and rinse thoroughly with detergent.
- After washing, hang the rug in a ventilated room or on the balcony, but not in direct sunlight.
Important nuances for cleaning long-pile carpets
Products with long pile require careful and delicate care, as they absorb dirt more. The main feature of long-pile carpets is that they are difficult to clean.
Important! A simple vacuum cleaner with low power is not enough here. In case of severe or old stains, it is better to use dry cleaning services.
Before starting care, you should familiarize yourself with the following nuances:
- It is strictly forbidden to clean against the direction of the pile. Due to excessive force, it may not straighten completely;
- It is unacceptable to use brushes with hard bristles; they stir up the bristles and create an untidy appearance;
- You cannot moisten the pile too much, it will take a long time to dry, and its appearance will suffer;
- After cleaning, the carpet must be thoroughly dried, as remaining moisture will lead to the development of mold. Air access should be from both the front and back sides;
- Do not wet carpets made from natural materials: silk and wool;
- Before cleaning a colored carpet for the first time, you should check the color fastness in an inconspicuous area;
- It is unacceptable to use household chemicals that are not intended for this type of work or that have a strong odor. It will be almost impossible to eliminate it later.
Useful tips
To enjoy your favorite fluffy rug, you need to know some nuances when purchasing it:
- The durability of a carpet depends on its density and increases with its density.
- Adhesive-based products are less durable.
- The smell should not appear in natural and artificial carpets.
Products with “shaggy” pile have the highest cost, since due to the different lengths of the piles (3–10 cm), they look very shaggy. The variety of textures of dense shaggy fibers is amazing. People began to skillfully use its sophistication, charm, and airiness to decorate living rooms at home. Curly loops (3 – 5 cm) “frise” are more suitable for children. These thin threads undergo heat treatment, giving the product elasticity without losing softness. But the main thing is wear resistance and non-deformability. In a children's room, where kids are constantly frolicking, this is simply necessary.
By properly caring for your carpet, you will prolong its life and give you extraordinary pleasure and enjoyment.
Folk recipes
Folk remedies contain easily accessible ingredients that are found in every home. Such methods are much cheaper than ready-made household chemicals.
Important! If any liquid was used during treatment, then at the end the carpet must be thoroughly dried and ventilated. It is best to place the palace in the fresh air without direct sunlight.
Soda
For work, a soda solution is used, prepared from the following ingredients:
- warm water - 1 l;
- baking soda - 1 tbsp.
Soda powder is thoroughly dissolved in water and cleansing begins immediately. The easiest way to use this cleaning product is to pour it into a spray bottle. After applying the composition evenly to the surface of the carpet, you need to wait about half an hour and treat the entire area with a soft-bristled brush. Then, dry the product and thoroughly clean it with a vacuum cleaner on both sides.
Soap
The soap solution consists of the following ingredients:
- warm water - 1 l;
- finely grated laundry or baby soap - 1 tbsp;
- turpentine - 1 tbsp.
Attention! Since turpentine has a strong odor, it is better to work with it in a well-ventilated area.
In a container, mix soap shavings and turpentine until completely dissolved. Using a soft brush, apply the composition to the pile and leave to act for half an hour. Wipe the entire surface with a soft cloth moistened with clean water. Ventilate and dry the carpet in the fresh air, and then vacuum it well.
Vinegar with soda
To prepare a cleaning solution based on vinegar and soda you will need:
- water - 0.5 l;
- baking soda - 2 tbsp;
- dishwashing liquid - 1 tbsp;
- white 9% vinegar - 2 tbsp.
This mixture must be applied pointwise to areas of contamination and left for about 10-15 minutes. Scrub with a soft bristle brush and remove excess liquid with a paper towel. Vinegar and baking soda will also help clean your microwave and oven.
Ammonia with washing powder
This method effectively removes old stains and refreshes the carpet. To prepare the solution you will need:
- water - 5 l;
- ammonia - 1 tbsp;
- washing powder - 3 tbsp.
Apply the product with a sponge or brush evenly over the entire surface of the carpet. After 15 minutes, the pile should be wiped with a damp cloth, dried and vacuumed well.
Important! For colored carpets, you cannot use washing powder with a bleaching effect.
Lemon juice
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is used to eliminate local contamination, as well as to clean the entire surface. For half a liter of water you will need 2-3 tsp. lemon juice. This ingredient should not be used undiluted.
After applying the liquid, you need to walk over the carpet with a brush, paying special attention to heavy dirt. Wipe with a damp cloth and dry well.
Washing powder
Washing powder is used only diluted with water. Its foam can become an alternative to ready-made industrial products for caring for fabrics and carpets. For 5 liters of water you will need 3 tbsp. washing powder without bleaching effect.
Advice! To enhance the effect, you can include 1-2 tbsp in the composition of the product. ammonia. Beat the water well until a dense foam appears, which must be applied to the carpet.
Avoid contact with liquids and excessive moisture. Wait 10 minutes, wipe with a damp cloth and dry.
Snow
Snow cleaning is a simple and effective method known to many generations. To do this, the carpet must be taken outside and spread face down on clean snow. It is good to beat it from the inside out and repeat the procedure on the other side.
Use a broom to sweep away the remaining snow and take the carpet home. If you carefully remove the snowflakes, you won’t need to dry it; the surface won’t have time to show much.
You can find out how to clean a carpet with snow here.
Salt
Salt removes odors well and fights greasy stains. But you cannot pour it dry onto the entire surface of the carpet, since it will be very difficult to remove the grains. For work, a concentrated saline solution is used: 0.5 liters of water will require 3 tbsp. salt.
Mix until completely dissolved and apply to the carpet using a spray bottle. Dry the surface completely and vacuum it thoroughly.
Do you use traditional recipes for cleaning carpets?
Not really
What might you need?
Depending on your personal preference, you can use one of the following cleaning products:
- Table vinegar (preferably 9%);
- ammonia;
- baking soda;
- finely ground salt;
- pumice;
- tea leaves;
- washing powder;
- sawdust;
- dishwashing detergent;
- specialized shampoo for carpets;
- sauerkraut.
The following household items will also be useful:
- broom;
- vacuum cleaner;
- spoon;
- bucket;
- kitchen sponge;
- carpet brush;
- beater;
- spray;
- Bowl;
- cup;
- large grater.
Household chemicals
When choosing household chemicals, you should give preference to products with a gentle and delicate effect.
Important! It is strictly forbidden to use chlorine bleaches or other aggressive compounds.
Before applying the cleaning agent to the carpet, it must be vacuumed to remove large debris. After complete drying, the procedure must be repeated.
Shampoo “5+ carpets”
An affordable product, for 0.5 liters you will need to pay about 150 rubles. This preparation is allowed for cleaning products made from artificial and natural fibers.
Main advantages:
- stain remover effect;
- color enhancement;
- elimination of unpleasant odors;
- low cost;
- proven effectiveness.
Before starting work, the shampoo must be diluted with water in a ratio of 1 tbsp. half a liter of warm liquid. Apply to the pile and let dry completely. Vacuum the carpet on both sides. If necessary, the procedure can be repeated.
Vanish
A popular product that is used for high-quality cleaning of carpets and upholstered furniture. The drug is concentrated, so before starting work it must be diluted: 1 part Vanish to 9 parts water. For a 450 ml package you will need to pay about 300 rubles.
Advantages of Vanish:
- effective removal of contaminants;
- refreshing colors;
- elimination of odors.
Among the disadvantages, users note the high cost and strong chemical aroma.
Drop Vox
This is a liquid detergent that also requires dilution with water: 1 cap per 2 liters. When whipped, a dense foam is formed, which must be applied to the carpet. Leave until completely dry and vacuum the surface. The packaging of this drug is estimated by the manufacturer at 100 rubles.
Advantages of the Drop:
- pleasant, unobtrusive aroma;
- extremely economical consumption;
- low price;
- proven effectiveness.
Karcher Wet carpet cleaner rm-519
Among the stated benefits of this drug:
- Can be used on all types of carpets;
- permissibility of use in a washing vacuum cleaner;
- no need to rinse;
- accelerated drying achieved thanks to a special formula.
Measure 150 ml of this product and dilute it in 4 liters of water. Apply to carpet or pour into a vacuum cleaner. Leave until completely dry and vacuum.
Important! According to users, this product is the best choice for owners of washing vacuum cleaners. Among the disadvantages, it is worth noting the need for re-treatment in case of severe contamination and the high cost - about 600 rubles per half liter.
Unicum carpet and upholstery cleaner
The manufacturer promises that:
- after drying, a protective layer remains on the carpet, which reduces the likelihood of dust penetration and the absorption of odors;
- colors will be restored and become bright and rich;
- stains and unpleasant odors will completely disappear.
The product must be applied undiluted to the carpet and left until completely dry. Vacuum the surface thoroughly. The product has a pleasant, unobtrusive scent that remains on the fabric for a long time. The cost of a 500 ml package is about 200 rubles.
Important! Work with all household chemicals is carried out only with protective gloves.
We cope without significant costs
Without significant losses for the family budget, you can deal with specific stains on the coating. For example:
- Lemon juice is great for removing ink stains. The stain is moistened with juice and wiped with a damp cotton swab after 15 minutes. If necessary, the procedure is repeated until the contamination is completely eliminated.
- Hydrogen peroxide easily removes stains from coffee and tea spilled on the carpet. You should act immediately. The liquid is blotted with paper napkins and peroxide is applied to the contaminated area, rubbing it in from the edges to the center.
- Beer is also used to remove tea and coffee stains. A little drink is poured onto the stain and blotted thoroughly with a napkin.
- Traces of oil paint are removed with butter, and then wiped with a swab dipped in gasoline.
- It is also important to know how to raise the pile on a carpet. Place several pieces of ice on the crushed area. When they melt, the pile will soften and restore its shape.
Shaving cream is an excellent way to remove stains from fruit or vegetable juice.
Products we do not recommend
It is important to know that neither folk nor industrial remedies are universal. For example, using a powder with blue granules or colored dishwashing detergent can cause unattractive stains on a white or milky carpet.
For such a product, it is preferable to use saline solution or soda. Similarly, white powders should not be used to clean dark rugs. In this case, the best choice would be turpentine, ammonia or vinegar.
Important! It is strictly forbidden to use aggressive chemicals with a persistent odor: kerosene, gasoline, chlorine, solvent.
How to care for a long pile carpet?
Care consists of following the manufacturer's recommendations and systematically performing all actions.
Key recommendations include the following:
- It is better to use a regular lint-free brush with the vacuum cleaner. This way, small debris will be better removed from the depths of the carpet;
- It is necessary to begin removing contamination immediately after it appears, without waiting for it to dry;
- vacuuming should be done at least once a week;
- In winter, you should not give up the possibility of using snow for cleaning;
- wet cleaning with cleaning compounds must be done at least once every six months.
A long-pile carpet is a spectacular interior decoration that requires special treatment. To prevent dirt and debris from accumulating in it, it must be cleaned regularly and using suitable detergents.
6 folk recipes for dry cleaning a carpet at home can be found here, 18 simple recipes for how to clean a carpet at home quickly and effectively can be found here.
How to clean a wool product
Wool carpets are extremely sensitive to cleaning, so it is better to constantly maintain them in good condition or contact a specialist. If you decide to take the initiative into your own hands, wash exclusively with a product that foams up and follow these instructions:
- First, vacuum the carpet, several times if necessary, to remove as much dirt and dust as possible.
- Following the recommendations on the detergent packaging, dilute it with cold water and beat into foam.
- Carefully, without blotting or rubbing, apply foam to the pile with a brush, wait until it dries completely under natural conditions, so as not to deform the fabric.
Caution : Never use bleach or other harsh detergents on wool carpets.
