Tips & Tricks

As a professional carpet & upholstery cleaning company, we recommend having your carpets and upholstery cleaned at least once every 1 to 2 years depending on the volume of traffic in your home or workspace. However, there are many things you can do in between our visits to give longevity to the clean.

Top Tips for maintaining your Carpet, Upholstery & Leather

Here are some common methods and tips for carpet cleaning and maintenance between visits from The Carpet Cleaning Company:

1. Regular Vacuuming: Vacuum your carpets at least once a week to prevent dirt, dust, and debris from accumulating. Use a vacuum cleaner with a rotating brush or beater bar to agitate and lift dirt from the carpet fibres.
2. Treat Stains Promptly: Address stains as soon as they occur to prevent them from setting in. Blot the stain gently with a clean cloth, starting from the outer edges and moving inward. Avoid rubbing, as it can push the stain deeper into the carpet.
3. Use the Right Cleaning Products: When using commercial stain removers or carpet cleaning solutions, make sure they are appropriate for your carpet type. Test a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure they don’t cause discoloration or damage. Many of the shop bought products have a bleaching agent in them and can leave a lightened area of carpet behind.
4. Don’t Over-Wet: If you decide to clean your carpets yourself, whether you’re using a steam cleaner or another method, avoid over-wetting the carpet, as excessive moisture can lead to mould and mildew growth. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for water usage.
5. Blot, Don’t Rub: When cleaning spills or stains, blot the area gently with a clean cloth or paper towel. Rubbing can damage the carpet fibres and spread the stain.
6. Regular Professional Cleaning: Schedule professional carpet cleaning at least once a year, or more often if you have pets, allergies, or a lot of foot traffic. Professional cleaners have the expertise and equipment to thoroughly clean and extract dirt from your carpets.
7. Protect Carpets: Place doormats at entryways to reduce the amount of dirt that gets tracked onto your carpets. Consider a “no shoes indoors” policy to further minimize dirt and debris.
8. Use Furniture Pads: Place furniture pads under the legs of heavy furniture to prevent indentations and damage to the carpet fibres.
9. Groom Carpet Pile: After cleaning, use a carpet rake or brush to groom the carpet pile in one direction. This helps the fibers dry uniformly and stand upright.
10. Ventilate and Speed up Drying: After cleaning, open windows and use fans to promote air circulation and speed up the drying process. Ensure the carpet is thoroughly dry to prevent mold growth.

Remember that different carpet materials and manufacturers may have specific care instructions. Always refer to your carpet’s care label and follow any recommended guidelines. If you’re unsure about cleaning your carpets yourself, it’s a good idea to hire a professional carpet cleaning service for optimal results.

Here are some common methods and tips for upholstery cleaning and maintenance between visits from The Carpet Cleaning Company:

1. Vacuuming: Regular vacuuming with an upholstery attachment helps remove loose dirt, dust, and debris from the surface and crevices of upholstered furniture. This prevents particles from embedding themselves deeper into the fabric.
2. Spot Cleaning: For minor stains, it’s important to address them promptly. Use warm soapy water to treat stain. Always test on a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric first to ensure it doesn’t cause any damage or colour fading. Blot affected area, do not rub, as it can make the stain worse. Once treated, dry area with a clean cloth.
3. Professional Cleaning: Deep cleaning by professionals is recommended every 1-2 years, depending on usage. Professional upholstery cleaners use specialised equipment and cleaning solutions that can effectively remove embedded dirt and tough stains while being gentle on the fabric.
4. Steam Cleaning: Steam cleaning, also known as hot water extraction, is a common method used by professionals. It involves applying hot water and cleaning solution to the upholstery and then extracting it along with the dirt and grime using a powerful vacuum.
5. Dry Cleaning: Some upholstered items require dry cleaning methods to avoid water damage. This involves using a specialised dry cleaning solvent that dissolves dirt and stains without saturating the fabric.
6. Natural Cleaning Solutions: For eco-friendly options, you can use solutions like white vinegar diluted in water or a mixture of baking soda and water to clean upholstery. Always test on a small area first to make sure they don’t damage the fabric.
7. Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Harsh chemicals can damage the fabric or cause color fading. Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning solutions and methods.
8. Regular Maintenance: To prolong the life of your upholstered furniture, try to prevent excessive dirt and stains in the first place. This can include using slipcovers, rotating cushions, and keeping pets off the furniture.

Remember to always check the care label attached to your furniture for manufacturer recommendations on cleaning and maintenance. If you’re unsure about how to proceed, it’s a good idea to consult a professional upholstery cleaner to avoid any potential damage to your furniture.

Here are some common methods and tips for maintaining your Leather furniture between visits from The Carpet Cleaning Company

Regular Dusting and Cleaning:

1. Dust Regularly: Dust and debris can accumulate on leather surfaces. Use a soft, dry cloth or a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to gently remove dust from the surface.
2. Gentle Cleaning Solution: Mix a solution of warm water and mild, pH-balanced soap. Dampen a clean, soft cloth with the solution and wring it out well. Gently wipe down the leather, being careful not to saturate the surface. Wipe off any soap residue with a clean, damp cloth.
3. Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Avoid using harsh cleaners, ammonia-based solutions, bleach, or any products containing alcohol, as these can damage the leather’s natural oils and finish.

Treating Stains:

1. Act Quickly: Address spills and stains as soon as possible to prevent them from setting into the leather.
2. Blotting Method: For liquid spills, gently blot the area with a clean, absorbent cloth. Do not rub, as it can spread the stain.
3. Stain Removal: For tougher stains, use a specialised leather cleaner recommended by the manufacturer. Always test the cleaner on a hidden area first to ensure it doesn’t cause discoloration or damage.

Conditioning and Protection:

1. Leather Conditioner: To keep leather soft and supple, apply a leather conditioner or cream. These products help maintain the leather’s natural oils and prevent it from drying out or cracking. Apply the conditioner following the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Frequency: Depending on the usage and the type of leather, conditioning can be done every 6 to 12 months.

Preventive Measures:

1. Sunlight: Avoid placing leather furniture in direct sunlight or near heat sources, as prolonged exposure can lead to fading and drying out of the leather.
2. Pets and Sharp Objects: Keep sharp objects and pets away from leather furniture to prevent scratches and tears.
3. Regular Rotation: Rotate cushions and pillows regularly to prevent uneven wear and tear.
4. Storage: If storing leather furniture, make sure it’s in a cool, dry place. Use breathable covers to protect it from dust and moisture.