Carpets don’t only add beauty to our homes but also provide comfort and warmth. So, it’s crucial to keep them clean always. Most times, we clean the carpet ourselves — as hiring a cleaner means some extra cost.
The go-to device to clean a carpet is a steam cleaner—but are you wondering what alternatives are there? Perhaps you don’t have one, or you’re considering how to save money from electric bills.
Whatever the reason, here’s the good news — you can clean carpets without a steam cleaner. Plus, this article covers everything you need to know about how to deep clean carpet without steam cleaner. So, read on!
When Should I Deep Clean My Carpet?
There’s no one one-size-fits-all answer to this question. It varies with different households. You’ll need to clean your carpet more often if the home contains kids, pets, smokers, or a large family.
How to Deep Clean Carpet without Steam Cleaner
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to deep clean carpet without steam cleaner:
Step 1: Before Cleaning, Brush the Carpet to Remove Dirt and Grime
A simple cleaning may not be enough if your carpet is very dirty. Use a gentle scrub motion with a soft-bristled carpet brush to give your carpet a deeper clean. This will loosen up debris and dust that has become rooted in the fibres of your carpet, making cleaning easier.
Note:
- After you’ve cleaned your carpet, brush it once a week to keep it looking brand-new.
- Before cleaning, use a long-handled carpet rake to brush your carpet if you don’t want to get on your hands and knees.
Step 2: Cover Your Entire Carpet with a Fine Layer of Baking Soda
Cleaning a space that measures 10ft x 10 ft (3 m x 3 ) will take around an 8 oz (227 g) package of baking soda. If your carpet has any unpleasant odors, let it remain for a few hours to absorb before vacuuming.
If your carpets are really dirty, you might want to spritz the baking soda with hot water after you’ve sprinkled it on the floor. Before vacuuming, let the paste on your carpets dry for some hours.
Good Read: How to Unclog a Vacuum Cleaner Hose
Step 3: Vacuum the Floor Twice, Each Time Moving in a Different Direction
You will only collect dirt from one side of your carpet’s fibres if you vacuum a room in a single direction. Instead, move the vacuum in a back-and-forth motion while moving from one side of the room to the other. After that, flip the vacuum 90 degrees and suction the space once more.
Note:
- Before you start, empty the vacuum’s filter to provide the deepest cleaning.
- From toys and loose coins to larger pieces of dust or dirt, go through the room and gather anything you don’t want your vacuum to pick up. Move smaller furniture pieces, such as chairs and side tables, so you can vacuum underneath them.
Step 4: Use the Crevice Tool on Your Vacuum Cleaner along Walls and in Corners
Your vacuum head cannot remove all the dirt and dust that collects at the edges of your carpet. The crevice tool, that thin, angled piece that connects to the hose, is used for this purpose. Run the angled tip behind any furniture or fixtures you can’t remove, along the baseboards, and around the room’s perimeter.
Step 5: Sweep If You Don’t Have a Vacuum Cleaner
Although it is not as simple as vacuuming, your broom can be a surprisingly excellent carpet cleaning. Simply use short strokes in the same direction. Sweep any pile that forms on the carpet’s surface into your dustpan and continue cleaning.
Note:
- Sweeping is very useful for removing pet hair and dust that has become trapped in your carpet fibres.
Step 6: To Eradicate Odors, Spray the Carpet with Diluted Vinegar
Fill a spray bottle with equal parts water and white vinegar. After that, lightly mist the mixture over the entire carpet and allow it to air dry. As the mix evaporates, unpleasant odors will disappear along with the vinegar smell.
Note:
- Use vinegar to dampen the carpet rather than soaking it mildly.
- Make sure to use only white vinegar. Your carpet could get stained by colored vinegar, such as balsamic or apple cider.
Step 7: Use Carpet Shampoo and a Scrub Brush for Deep Clean
- To mist the carpet, you may also mix the shampoo and water in a spray bottle.
- Don’t use too much shampoo on the carpet. It will take longer for your carpet to dry if you do.
- If you often scrub a highly plush carpet with a brush, it could start to look frayed. Low pile carpets work well for this.
How to Disinfect Stains on a Carpet
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to disinfect and remove different types of stains on your carpet:
1. Clean Up Spills Immediately
Apply your preferred cleaning solution and a clean cloth or paper towel to the outside edge of the stain while applying light pressure. Next, get closer to the spot’s center. Although it may seem long, it helps lift the stain rather than allowing it to penetrate the carpet fibers.
Note:
- Avoid scrubbing as this can make the stain worse.
- To prevent spreading the stain, always work your way inside from the outside.
- Start cleaning a spill or a spot as soon as you see it to prevent it from settling in or getting worse.
- Additionally, spills that remain on the carpet may wind up soaking into the backing, resulting in mildew and stink.
2. Use Plain or Soapy Water to Remove Fresh Stains
Juice or soda spills can be easily cleaned up with water if you act promptly. It may work on stronger stains like blood or wine if the spill is very fresh. Pour some dish soap into a pail of clean, warm water if you want it to have a bit more cleaning power. Gently rub the stain with a clean cloth or paper towel after dipping it into water.
Note:
- Once you’re done, apply paper towels or dry cloths to the stain until the carpet is dry.
3. Use Water and Vinegar to Deep Clean Dirt
Spray or pour a 1-to-1 solution of vinegar and water over the entire stain to be removed. After using a clean towel or sponge to blot the area, thoroughly rinse the area with new water. Cover the area with fresh towels or cloths and press it down with a book or other object until all the water is absorbed.
Note:
- You can also add a few drops of dish soap to enhance the cleaning effect of the water and vinegar.
4. For Tough Stains, Try a Mixture of Salt and Borax
To make a paste, mix 14 cups (59 ml) of vinegar, 14 cups (51 g) of borax, and 1/4 cup (64 g) of salt. Spread a thick coating of this paste over stubborn carpet stains, and then wait a few hours for it to dry fully. The paste should remove the stain. When it has dried, just vacuum the area.
Note:
- To completely remove the paste from the carpet, could take a few vacuuming passes. If necessary, use a scrub brush to separate it from the carpet fibers.
5. Use a Paste of Baking soda to Remove Grease Stains
Apply a thick layer of baking soda over the stain. After that, gently dampen the baking soda by rubbing it with a sponge or rag dipped in warm water. Just enough water should be used to make a thick paste without sopping the carpet. Allow the baking soda to rest there for about three hours. As it dries, it should remove the stain.
Note:
- Vacuum your carpet or use a stiff brush to remove the baking soda once the area is completely dry.
- You can use this to remove any kind of stain, but it works best to remove greasy residue from foods high in fats, like butter or gravy.
6. Use Plain Shaving Cream to Remove Tough Stains
Shaving cream works remarkably well to get rid of all kinds of stains from carpets, even greasy or oily ones. Simply apply foamy shaving cream—not gel—over the spot and let it sit there for 30 minutes. After removing the shaving cream with a clean cloth, mist the area with some vinegar and water, and then pat it dries with a different cloth.
Note:
- Before using the shaving cream on a large area, test it in a hidden space because it could stain some carpets.
7. For Spills of Blood or Wine, Use Club Soda
Simply dab the stain with a dry towel after pouring club soda over the cloth. To remove the stain, continue blotting with more club soda and a fresh side of the towel. After that, wipe away any leftover club soda with a dry cloth.
Note:
- Normal water should work fine if you don’t have any club soda handy. However, some people discover that club soda handles carpet stains a bit better.
8. Rub Wax or Chewing Gum with Ice
Just because a candle overturned or you tracked gum in on the bottom of your shoe doesn’t mean you should throw out your favorite rug. Instead, to harden the gum or wax, wipe an ice cube over it for 30 to 45 seconds. After that, carefully cut the carpet fibers from the clump using scissors or a butter knife to remove the hardened muck.
Note:
- If the ice method fails to remove a wax spill, cover it with a fresh white cloth and heat with an iron until the wax melts. Then, using a spoon or butter knife, remove the melted wax.
9. Apply an Enzyme Cleanser to Treat Urine Stains
First, use a thick layer of paper towels to absorb as much of the stain as you can. Before applying an enzyme-based cleaner, thoroughly rinse the area with water. Many big boxes and pet supply stores sell these cleaners, and they work so well to get rid of the smell that remains after an accident.
Note:
- Unfortunately, if urine gets into the padding under your carpet, it’s almost impossible to get out. The padding and carpet in that area should be replaced.
General Tips for Cleaning Carpet without Steam Cleaner
Here are some general guidelines for cleaning carpets without a steam cleaner:
- Before applying any liquid cleaning to your carpet, vacuum it to prevent the infiltration of dust and debris.
- A professional cleaning is required if your carpet is made of wool, silk, or any natural fabric.
- To ensure that your carpet won’t be damaged or stained, test any cleaning on a small area of it before using it.
How Long Does It Take Carpets to Dry?
It typically takes three to five hours. Your carpet may take longer to dry on humid days.
Does Deep Cleaning Make Carpets Wear Faster?
No, just the reverse, in fact. Your carpet ages faster, buildup of dirt and other soil, which serves as an abrasive. So, deep cleaning helps to restore your carpet’s life, color and volume.
Is a Spot Different from a Stain?
A stain is firmly rooted on the fibers, but a spot is water-soluble and can be readily removed. The former is harder to get rid of than a spot.
Conclusion
It’s crucial to deep clean your carpet every once in a while. Although using the steam cleaner is a great way, many other viable options exist. We hope you learned a thing or two about how to deep clean carpet without steam cleaner. If you’re still confused about any step, kindly let us know in the comments!
3 thoughts on “How to Deep Clean Carpet without Steam Cleaner”