How to Choose the Right Cleaning Products for Your Carpet

Whether it’s a cup of coffee sent flying by a stray elbow or a bowl of soup that managed to fall from the countertop, carpet stains are part of day-to-day life. And when those unexpected stains do happen, it helps to have the right cleaning product available at your disposal. Depending on the type of stain you’re dealing with, you’ll need a specific cleaning product to remove them with ease. But with so many products out there on the market, how can you choose the right one for the job? Well, don’t worry because we’re here to help! Here’s what to look for when buying a carpet cleaning solution so you can tackle those stains with full confidence.

Things to consider when buying carpet cleaning products

Carpet cleaning products come in plenty of different shapes, sizes, and formulas. You have foam sprays, powders, shampoos, and solutions. All of these products work best for a specific cleaning application which is why you must know when and how to use them. Some are great for removing embedded dirt while others are effective at treating heavier stains like coffee spills and bloodstains. The best thing you can do is to compare your options and consider the following:

• Type of carpet – The type of carpet you have will determine which cleaning product you will use. For example, a high-pile carpet may have more crevices for dirt and spills to seep into which means a foam spray may be more effective than a solution. It’s worth reading the labels first before buying to see if the product you intend to use is recommended for the type of carpet you have.
  
• Type of cleaning – The nature of the stain also plays a role in choosing the right cleaning product for your carpet. Are you dealing with pet stains and odour? Or are you trying to remove a spot stain? A powder-based cleaning product needs to be carefully vacuumed to complete the cleaning process while a foam spray requires a damp cloth to lift up dirt and grime.
  
• How to apply – As we’ve mentioned above, carpets come in a variety of formulas. Some products work best when sprayed directly at the stain while others need to be sprinkled and rubbed into the carpet fibres for them to work. Usually, it’s the size and location of the stain that could affect the ease of use of cleaning products so keep that in mind when shopping around.
  
• Waiting period – Carpet cleaners need time to break down stains and make them easier to remove. You have fast-acting cleaning solutions that can quickly dissolve stains and you have slow-acting cleaning products that require a bit more patience and elbow grease. Speed is of the essence when dealing with stains and the faster you treat a stain, the less likely it is to leave a permanent mark.

How much carpet cleaning solution do you need?

If you have plenty of kids or pets around the house, it’s a good idea to invest in multiple cleaning products. This gives you enough flexibility to treat different kinds of stains so you don’t get caught off guard. One day you may be dealing with smelly pet urine and the next day you’re facing a heavy coffee stain. We recommend having at least a stain remover and a pet urine/odour remover at your cleaning arsenal for treating common carpet stains.

Regardless of which product you pick up, we suggest conducting a patch test first to see how it reacts with your textile floor. Pick an inconspicuous area in your carpet and test out the product to ensure there’s no damage or discolouration. Some manufacturers have eco-friendly formulas that are safe for almost any type of carpet. This is particularly useful if you have a carpet made of natural fibres like wool, silk, or cotton.

Carpet cleaning appliances

There are some appliances out there that do more than just tackle stubborn stains. These machines give your carpet a deep clean to not only remove embed dirt, but also eliminate harmful microorganisms such as mould, mildew, and dust mites. This makes your home a healthier living environment for you and your family. Some examples of these carpet cleaning appliances are:

• Upright carpet shampooer – This machine is intended for deep cleaning and heavy stain removal. Most models feature a motorised brush to agitate the carpet fibres hose attachments for cleaning tight spots.
• Steam cleaner – Steam cleaners provide a double-action cleaning power by loosening dirt with hot steam and killing dust mites, mould spores, and other microorganisms throughout the process.
• Spot cleaner – Spot cleaners are portable carpet cleaning machines that are perfect for targeting specific areas of your carpet. They’re more compact and lightweight than an upright carpet shampooer which makes them easier to handle and maneuver around.

Carpet cleaning products make life easier for homeowners who have textile floors in their homes. That said, it’s important that you choose the correct product to utilise them to full effect. Before you shop around, make sure to refer to this guide to know which products you should pick up and when/how you should use them.