Everybody loves a money-saving bargain, and many energetic homeowners who have yet to invest in finer furnishings anticipate professional results without paying the professional’s price. They are not trying to duplicate the job of the old pro, mind you, but rather simply have other budget priorities right now.
If you have the energy and determination to go the do-it-yourself route for rug and carpet cleaning, then consider my advice.
- Don’t tackle too much at once. Remember, an aching back Monday morning hardly justifies the few dollars saved.
- Don’t empty the rooms of furniture. Simple slide each piece out, clean underneath, and replace it with tripled-folded aluminum foil under each leg to prevent permanent furniture stains. Clean around flat pieces, because lack of circulation underneath results in mildew, odor, and severe staining.
- Prepare your rugs and carpets in advance. Before renting equipment, thoroughly vacuum, concentrating on wall-edge areas. Also, remove breakables and small furniture items from the area
- Use about half the chemical recommended. The results may not be as dramatic and the chemist may starve, but you’ll save money, and there’ll be far less sticky residue to create resoiling.
- When shampooing, provide uniform detergent lubrication. Otherwise, permanent distortion of pile yarns will result.
- Don’t over-wet. When using a steam machine, be sure to follow up all-wet (spraying) strokes with careful, dry-vacuum strokes. Most distress calls to professionals relate to over-wet backings and subsequent odor problems.
- Provide air circulation to expedite drying. Overhead fans, portable fans, and overnight use of the home’s central blower are strongly recommended.
Never hesitate to call a professional if problems arise. A true pro will be happy to provide free advice that could prevent your rugs and carpets from becoming ruined. Then, in later years, you’ll know who your friends are when it’s time for professional cleaning.
