Things to Consider When Washing Carpets

Carpets, which are an indispensable part of home decoration, require regular cleaning and maintenance. Carpets should be washed regularly for hygiene reasons due to the dust, dirt and stains accumulated on them. However, carpet washing can damage the carpet and shorten its life if the wrong methods are used. In this article, we share with you what to consider when washing carpets and the most effective methods for your carpet to last longer.

Preparation Before Carpet Washing

1. Dust the Carpet

Before washing the carpet, vacuum thoroughly to remove dust, crumbs and other foreign matter on its surface. This will help it penetrate deeper into the carpet during washing and shorten the washing time.

2. See Label Instructions

Some carpets may require special care before washing or cleaning. Therefore, check the care instructions on the label of your carpet. Especially for carpets with hand-woven or delicate fabrics, incorrect washing can seriously damage the carpet.

Recommendation: Avoid washing carpets that have the label "dry clean only" at home and use professional carpet cleaning services.

Things to Consider When Washing Carpets

1. Choosing the Right Cleaner

The products used in carpet cleaning should be chosen in a way that will not damage the texture and colors of the carpet. Detergents containing heavy chemicals can damage the texture of the carpet and cause its color to fade. Therefore, cleaners that are suitable for the carpet and, if possible, have natural ingredients should be preferred.

Suggestion: You can clean the carpet without damaging its structure by using detergents specially produced for wool and hand-woven carpets.

2. Use Warm or Cold Water Instead of Hot Water

Using hot water in carpet washing can damage the fibers and colors of the carpet. Hot water can cause deformation, especially in carpets made of natural materials. Therefore, warm or cold water should be preferred when washing carpets.

Suggestion: You can clean carpets made of cotton and synthetic materials using warm water.

3. Be Careful Not to Wet the Carpet Too Much

When washing the carpet, be careful to use water in a controlled manner. Using too much water can cause moisture to accumulate under the carpet and make it difficult for the carpet to dry. This can cause bad odors and damage the internal structure of the carpet.

Tip: Avoid over-wetting the carpet and use water sparingly to eliminate excess moisture.

4. Use the Right Methods to Remove Stains

It is important to apply the right methods for stubborn stains on the carpet. For example, you can use cornstarch or baby powder to remove oil stains. Sprinkle some starch on the stain, wait 15-20 minutes, then rub gently and then vacuum.

Suggestion: For stubborn stains such as tea or coffee stains, prepare a stain remover solution using natural products such as white vinegar or baking soda and clean gently.

5. Be Careful with Scrubbing

When cleaning the carpet, avoid scrubbing too hard to avoid damaging the surface. Especially on delicately woven carpets, scrubbing too hard can damage the structure of the carpet. Be careful to remove the stain with gentle, circular movements.

Suggestion: You can clean the carpet without applying too much pressure using a carpet brush or a soft sponge.

6. Dry Your Carpet Properly

It is very important to ensure that the carpet is completely dry after the carpet cleaning process is completed. Carpets that remain damp can cause problems such as bad odors and mold. Take care to dry the carpet outdoors, away from direct sunlight. Since sunlight can cause the colors of the carpet to fade, it is best to dry it in the shade and in a place with air circulation.

Suggestion: Hanging your carpet to dry will help the water drain off more quickly. However, be careful not to distort the shape of the carpet while doing this.

Advantages of Getting Professional Support in Carpet Cleaning

Although carpets can be washed at home, in some cases it may be better to use a professional carpet cleaning service. Especially for large-sized and hand-woven carpets, professional cleaning extends the life of the carpet and provides a more hygienic cleaning.

Benefits of Professional Carpet Cleaning

1. Deep Cleaning: Professional cleaning removes dust and dirt embedded in the carpet more effectively.
2. Extends the Life of the Carpet: Cleaning using the right methods and equipment preserves the structure of the carpet and ensures its longevity.
3. Saves Time: Washing large-sized carpets at home can be difficult and laborious. Getting professional service saves both time and energy.

Things Not to Do When Cleaning Carpets

• Use of Heavy Chemicals: Detergents containing heavy chemicals can damage the carpet. Avoid products such as bleach.
• Cleaning with Hot Water: Hot water can damage carpet fibers. It is safer to use lukewarm or cold water.
• Drying in Direct Sunlight: Direct sunlight causes the colors of the carpet to fade. Take care to dry the carpet in the shade.
• Hard Brush Use: Hard brushes can damage the texture of the carpet. Prefer a soft brush or sponge.

In Conclusion: Protect Your Carpet with the Right Steps When Washing Carpets

Carpet washing is a process that requires attention and care. By using the right materials and methods, you can extend the life of your carpet and provide hygienic and clean use. If carpet washing is difficult or your carpet needs special care, you can benefit from professional carpet cleaning services. Do not forget to clean your carpets regularly to provide a clean and hygienic environment in your home.