How To Clean Heavily Soiled Carpet: The Ultimate Guide to Reviving your Flooring.

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to clean heavily soiled carpet.

We understand that maintaining clean and fresh carpets is essential for a healthy and aesthetically pleasing home environment. 

In this blog post, we will provide expert tips and techniques on deep cleaning your heavily soiled carpets, ensuring they regain their original glory. Whether you are dealing with stubborn stains, dirt, or pet odours, we've got you covered!

One common mistake people make when facing heavily soiled carpets is attempting to clean them with inadequate knowledge or ineffective methods. This can further damage the carpet fibres and leave unsightly residue. 

However, with the proper approach and a little bit of patience, your carpets can be restored to their former beauty, sometimes without the need for professional services.

Understanding the Importance of Proper Carpet Cleaning: 

Before we dive into the step-by-step guide on cleaning heavily soiled carpets, it's important to understand why regular and thorough carpet cleaning is crucial. 

Carpets act as filters, trapping dust, allergens and contaminants brought in from daily activities. Over time, these substances accumulate and become embedded deep within the carpet fibres. 

This not only affects the appearance of your carpet but also poses health risks, they end up as a breeding ground for bacteria, dust mites and other allergens. 

These can trigger many health conditions, especially for individuals with respiratory conditions or allergies, they release harmful pollutants into the air, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs can cause headaches, nausea and other health problems.

Why Carpets Can Become Heavily Soiled:

There are many reasons why carpets can become heavily soiled. Some common reasons include:

Pets: Pets can track in dirt, mud, and other debris, which can soil your carpets.
Children: Children can spill food, drinks, and other substances on carpets.
High-traffic areas: Carpets in high-traffic areas, such as hallways and entryways, are more likely to become soiled (like the picture above).
Lack of regular cleaning: If carpets are not vacuumed/cleaned regularly, they will become heavily soiled.

Now that's been covered, on to the step-by-step/How to!

How to:

Step 1: Gather your cleaning tools and supplies to begin cleaning your heavily soiled carpet, it's important to have the appropriate tools and supplies on hand. Here are the essentials you'll need:

1.     Vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter

2.     Carpet stain remover/solution, in a spray bottle

3.     Soft carpet brush

4.     Microfiber cloth or sponge

5.     Hot water extraction machine (optional but the results!)

Step 2: Pre-treat stains and spots before proceeding with a general carpet cleaning, it's crucial to pre-treat any visible stains or spots. Using a carpet stain remover specifically designed for your carpet type. Test it in an inconspicuous area first to make sure it doesn't discolour your carpet. Then gently apply by spraying and blotting the stained area. Be cautious not to rub the stain vigorously, as this can further spread the stain and damage the carpet fibres. Allow the stain remover to sit for a few minutes to loosen the embedded dirt.

Step 3: Vacuum thoroughly once the stains have been pre-treated, thoroughly vacuum the carpet using a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter. This step is vital to remove loose dirt, dust, and loose debris from the carpet surface, making the cleaning process more effective.

Step 4: Utilise a deep-cleaning technique now that you've pre-treated stains and thoroughly vacuumed the carpet, it's time to employ a deep-cleaning technique to remove embedded dirt and grime. This can be done in two ways:

Option 1: Steam Cleaning - You can use a hot water extraction machine or steam cleaner to deep clean your heavily soiled carpet. 

Be careful! Do your research! The easy pick-up 'Supermarket rental' options are not the best and we have repetitively had people that have used them, meaning more time/money wasted on their part. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for operating the machine and mix the recommended carpet cleaning solution with the correct measures of water.

- Begin by moving furniture out of the way and starting in a corner of the room, working your way out.

- Slowly move the machine across the carpet, allowing the hot water and cleaning solution to penetrate and lift the dirt.

- Be sure to go over the carpet in overlapping strokes to ensure thorough cleaning.

- After completing the entire carpet, allow it to dry completely before walking on it.

Option 2: Shampooing - If you don't have access to a hot water extraction machine or steam cleaner, you can still achieve a good clean by using carpet shampoo and a brush.

- Dilute the carpet shampoo according to the instructions on the bottle and apply it to the carpet using a soft carpet brush

- lightly scrub the area in circular motions, paying special attention to heavily soiled areas.

- After scrubbing, rinse the brush and use clean water to remove excess shampoo from the carpet. Do Not Soak the Carpet, only use light amounts of Water

- Allow the carpet to air dry completely before using it.

Step 5: Allow proper drying time after deep cleaning your heavily soiled carpet, it's crucial to allow it to dry completely before walking or placing furniture back on it. This helps prevent Mould and Mildew growth and ensures the longevity of your carpet.

Step 6: Regular maintenance is key but just as important is prevention!

To maintain the cleanliness of your carpets and prevent them from becoming heavily soiled again, we highly recommend implementing a regular maintenance routine. 

This includes:

- Vacuuming your carpets ‘at least' twice a week to remove loose dirt and debris. 

- Promptly treating any stains or spills - as soon as they occur!

- Use doormats and rugs to prevent dirt and moisture from being tracked onto your carpets, especially in high-traffic areas.

- Use a Professional carpet cleaning service 'at least' once a year, to fully deep clean and revitalise your carpets.

The Long-Term Benefits of Using a Professional Carpet Cleaner

Using a professional in anything has its obvious benefits, it's the same with professional carpet cleaners they can save you time, effort and money! They can clean your carpets much deeper due to their powerful equipment and they can do it in a fraction of the time.

They use special equipment and cleaning products that are not available to the general public, which are specifically designed to clean and protect your carpets. This helps to prevent damage and extend their lifespan.

Conclusion: 

Congratulations! You've just learned how to clean heavily soiled carpets - like a Pro!

By following these expert tips and techniques, you can restore the beauty and freshness of your flooring. 

Remember, regular and thorough carpet cleaning not only improves the appearance of your home but also ensures a healthier living environment for you and your family. 

If you find yourself overwhelmed or unsure about tackling heavily soiled carpets on your own, we understand, as there are many more things to consider, such as: What type of carpeting do you have? Is it wool/synthetic or a mix? 

If you use the incorrect chemical or method for your type of carpeting it could be COSTLY, so please don't hesitate to reach out!

Contact DC Carpet Cleaning, your trusted carpet cleaning expert. With our years of experience and state-of-the-art equipment, we can help revive even the dirtiest carpets. 

Take a look around our website to learn more about our services and book online - 24/7.

Alternatively, give us a call, we love a chat: 01202 287195 or email us at: info@dccarpetcleaning.co.uk

Don't let heavily soiled carpets bring down the beauty and comfort of your home. Take action today and restore your flooring to its former glory!

Trust DC Carpet Cleaning ltd to deliver exceptional results and ensure a healthier living environment for you and your loved ones.