Traditionally, a majority of the homeowners take their drapes and curtains to the professionals for cleaning services. This explains why it has not been a common practice to find homeowners undertaking drape cleaning services on their own. However, if you want to clean drapes at home, some approaches follow.
1. Identify the Material
You should know that different drape materials will always require other cleaning methods. Therefore, the first step is to identify the fabric of your drape. This way, you will be able to determine the most appropriate cleaning method and products. Some materials are delicate, and they might require hand washing, while others can do with machine washing.
2. Check the Care Label
If you want to clean your drapes at home, check the care label. The care label will usually have all the instructions you need to follow in cleaning your drape without causing any damage. Carefully follow all the instructions provided on the care label. Traditionally, most drapes will have a “dry clean only” label.
3. Start by Dusting
You should also start by dusting your drapes before you can proceed to any other form of cleaning. Dust accumulates on curtains, making the fabric look dull. You can use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to dust your drape. Ensure that you vacuum both sides of the drape to remove all the dust.
4. Test the Cleaning Products
You should also test the cleaning products before using them on your drape. This is because some materials are sensitive, and they might get damaged by some cleaning products. To test the products, you should apply a small amount to an inconspicuous area of the drape and observe to see if there are any adverse effects.
5. Wash According to the Instructions
Once you have tested the products, you can proceed to wash your drape according to the instructions provided. If you are hand-washing, you should use cool water and a mild detergent. You should also use cool water and a mild detergent for machine washing. Avoid using hot water as it might damage the fabric.
6. Dry Your Drapes
After washing, you should proceed to dry your drapes. You can either air dry or machine dry. However, you should avoid using high heat when machine drying as it might damage the fabric. Drying drapes and curtains can be challenging, and it might take some time. However, you should be patient and allow them to dry completely.
You can also iron your drape after it has dried completely. This is an optional step, but it will help remove any wrinkles on the fabric. You should use a cool setting when ironing and avoid using high heat as it might damage the fabric.
Conclusion
Cleaning your drapes at home is not as demanding a task as it might seem. With the right approach and products, you can easily clean your drape without causing any damage. However, in some instances, you’ll need professional drape cleaning services. Reach out to Lov ‘N Kare Carpet Center for your drape cleaning needs.
Some types of carpet stains are easier to remove than others. Wine, coffee and blood can all cause tough stains that normal cleaners and cleaning techniques won’t remove. When dealing with these types of stains, you have to be extremely careful, as you could accidentally damage your carpet.
Below, we provide information on tough carpets stains and the best ways of removing them.
Bloodstains
A small cut could result in a bloodstain on your carpet. These stains are usually difficult to remove, though a little cold water and dish soap might do the trick. As opposed to warm water, cold water keeps blood from solidifying. Simply fill a bottle with cold water, and add 2 tablespoons of mild dish soap. Thoroughly spray the stain, and dry with a soft paper towel or rag.
The best way to remove a bloodstain is by tackling it as soon as possible. If the bloodstain has had time to set, you’ll likely need a professional cleaning service to remove it.
Pet stains
It’s hard to find your pets cute when one of them makes a mess on the carpet. It’s especially annoying when said mess leaves a tough stain. As with blood, it’s important to attack the stain as soon as you notice it. Pick up any solid waste, and blot any urine spots. This could take care of the stains; however, urine that has already had a chance to dry will be much harder to remove.
To remove set-in pet stains, you’ll need to moisten the carpet and apply a specialized cleaning product. You can also try spraying the area with a white vinegar solution. After spraying, blot the area, and allow it to dry. Once dry, apply a little baking soda to the area, and leave it for 24 hours. After that, simply vacuum the area.
Ink stains
Ink stains are one of the most difficult to remove from carpets. Try dabbing the stain with a clean cloth soaked in isopropyl alcohol. Nail polish removers and certain hairsprays can sometimes remove ink stains as well; however, it’s important to be cautious when using either product, as they could damage your carpet. Be sure to avoid leaving alcohol, nail polish remover or hairspray on your carpet for very long.
Kool-Aid stains
Kool-Aid is a popular treat for children of all ages. It’s easy for a child to trip and cause a bright red stain on your carpet. If this happens, don’t panic. Soak up the excess Kool-Aid with a clean towel, and spray with a mixture of 1 tablespoon of dish soap and ¼ cup of white vinegar. Let the mixture soak into the carpet for about 10 minutes; then dry the area with a clean towel.
Contact the right carpet cleaning service
No matter how hard you try, it can seem almost impossible to remove tough stains—that’s when it’s best to contact a professional carpet cleaning service. A professional cleaning service knows how to remove the toughest stains without causing damage to your carpet.
If you’re in need of top-quality carpet cleaning services at fair prices, contact Lov ‘N Kare Carpet Center today.
As fall gets in full swing, you can count on wet weather and lots of leaves, both of which can easily be tracked inside the house and take a toll on your carpets. By being proactive about carpet cleaning and maintenance during the fall, you can preserve the appearance and plush comfort of the flooring throughout your home.
Here’s what you need to do to make your carpets ready for fall:
Invest in a shoe rack
One of the best ways to prepare your carpets for fall (and for any season, really) is to enforce a no-shoes policy in the house. It’s all too easy to track in dirt, mud, leaves and other landscaping debris during the fall, so getting your kids or guests to kick off their shoes the moment they enter the house can save your carpets from extensive damage. Buying a shoe rack can help you enforce your no-shoes policy, acting as a silent reminder that shoes come off as soon as you enter the house.
Vacuum regularly
When fall arrives, you’ll need to roll up your sleeves and vacuum carpets more regularly than usual. As a general rule, vacuum high-traffic areas at least twice a weekly and all other carpeted spaces at least once weekly. Frequent vacuuming reduces soil buildup, preserving the appearance of your carpet. When vacuuming, always start with a clean bag or filter, and make sure to vacuum slowly enough to suck up all dirt that may have been tracked into the house.
Invest in protective rugs
Carpeting is meant to be walked on, but fall weather conditions often make it a challenge to keep carpets clean. Consider purchasing some protective rugs to cover high-traffic areas like foyers, living rooms, dining rooms and hallways. Many homeowners find that it’s wise to leave the rugs in place even after the fall season to protect carpet from showing wear patterns from heavy foot traffic.
Rotate furniture
Every time the seasons change, it’s a great opportunity to rotate furniture and prevent premature wear areas. Even the highest-quality carpets can wear at confined areas of the carpet pile, and it’s easy for dirt to work its way into both the pile and backing. Move the furniture around if your room layout allows to preserve your flooring.
Consider professional carpet cleaning
Sometimes all it takes is a deep cleaning to get your carpets looking their best for the fall season and beyond. Professional carpet cleaning not only gets your floors in better visual condition, but it also makes them plusher and softer, providing long-lasting comfort underfoot. Carpet cleaning in the fall ensures that your home is well prepared for upcoming holiday gatherings with family and friends, instantly making your home more inviting and welcoming.
Now that you know exactly how to prepare your carpets for fall, take some time to implement the steps listed above, and reach out to your local carpet cleaning experts for a deep, thorough clean. Contact Lov ‘N Kare Carpet Center to discover more carpet care tips and to schedule your cleaning before the holiday rush.
Your carpet undergoes a lot of wear and tear, from rambunctious kids and pets to enthusiastic dinner party guests armed with red wine. Dirt, food, mud, grime, pet hair and dander and mystery stains can all make your carpets look old before their time.
Thankfully, carpet cleaning can help fix any messes. But how often do you need to clean your carpet with help from a professional cleaner? Here’s what you need to know about carpet care.
Vacuuming
How often do you vacuum? If the answer is something along the lines of “only when I absolutely have to,” you’re not alone—but you may need to ramp up your cleaning schedule. Vacuuming at least once per week removes surface dirt and debris, before it has a chance to get ground in deep.
When you go without vacuuming for too long, any dirt or grime can get smashed into the carpet. This will abrade the fibers and make it a lot harder for a professional cleaner to remove that caked-in debris.
Of course, vacuuming won’t remove the need for professional cleaning entirely—but if you vacuum weekly, it will help ensure your carpet can go longer between more intensive cleanings.
Do you have children?
If you have kids, you know that a parent’s least favorite utterance is “uh-oh,” especially when you have carpets throughout your home. Homeowners with children should make it a point to clean their carpets every six to 12 months. Not only will this help cut down on permanent stains—and extend the lifespan of your carpet—but it will help keep your carpets fresh and clean for the small people who spend a lot of time close to the floor.
Do you have pets?
Pets are adorable, but they’re also dirty creatures—even if you bathe them regularly. They can track dirt, mud and insects into the house, in addition to shedding a whole host of pet dander and fur. Plus, your pet will undoubtedly have an accident or two in their lifetime. This is a nightmare for anyone with allergies, let alone a neat freak.
If you’ve got pets in your household, you should aim to have your carpets professionally cleaned every three to six months. This is especially important if your pets tend to urinate on the carpets, as that can soak into the padding and leave a smelly mess. Unless you want to replace your entire carpet every time Fido decides to make a case for dog diapers, getting professional cleaning is the best way to go.
Who should I hire for carpet cleaning?
There are a lot of carpet cleaners out there, so choosing the right one is important. Look for a company that prides itself on high-quality carpet care, like Lov ‘N Kare Carpet Center. We use a hot extraction method to ensure all stains come out of your carpet, leaving behind a fresh, clean floor covering.
When you’re ready to schedule your first appointment and have us come clean your carpet, call us right away!
We all love our pets and want them to be in the house with us. But keeping a house nice and tidy can be a challenge for pet owners with carpeting in their home. It’s not just dirt and mud that pets track through the house—their accident stains are also hard to remove and eventually cause horrible odors.
Thankfully, we’re here to help all of the pet owners out there. Continue reading to learn how to keep a carpet clean with pets in South Amboy, NJ.
Invest in pet-friendly carpeting
Keeping your carpets clean starts on day one when you pick out a new carpet. Carpets designed specifically for households with pets—like Anderson Tuftex Faux Paw—are better at resisting stains and are more durable than other options on the market.
Groom your pets
You’ll also need to put some effort into keeping your pets well groomed. Brushing their fur prevents hair from getting ground into the fibers, and trimming their nails prevents excess wear and tear on the carpet. Also, be sure to give them frequent baths to prevent a smelly carpet.
Wipe off paws
A great way to keep a carpet clean with pets in South Amboy, NJ is to wipe their paws off anytime they come in from a walk or playing in the yard. By taking this small step, you’ll reduce the risk of tracking in mud that can permanently ruin a carpet.
Vacuum regularly
Even if you don’t own pets, we recommend vacuuming once a week to fluff up your carpet and lift any debris before it gets ground in—but pet owners need to be especially diligent about vacuuming. In addition to keeping your home clean, running your vacuum lifts pet hair and dander that may otherwise cause allergies.
Treat stains ASAP
Accidents happen. And when they do, be sure to clean them right away. The longer you leave pet stains on carpets in South Amboy, NJ, the greater the chance that they’ll never come out. Eventually, your house may start to smell like a litterbox!
Keep furniture clean
Keeping your furniture fur-free goes a long way in protecting your carpeting. When couches are clean, there’s a lesser chance that pet fur and dander will get ground into the carpeting. Dusting or vacuuming it once every week or so should do the trick.
Hire a professional cleaner
Finally, be sure to hire a professional carpet cleaner for a deep clean. A professional can lift all of the stains that you’re unable to, breathing new life into your flooring. We recommend hiring a professional once a year, but households with multiple pets might want to consider doing it two or three times each year.
Choose us for all of your carpeting needs
If you’re looking to install some pet-friendly carpeting or need help with those pet stains in carpets in South Amboy, NJ, hire our pros at Lov ‘N Kare Carpet Center. We provide everything from new installation to thorough cleaning, so we’re your one-stop shop for all of your carpeting needs.
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