5 Expert Tips for Green Carpet Cleaning That Will Save You Money!
Choose Eco-Friendly Carpet Cleaning Products
Growing up, I didn’t pay much attention to the products used to clean my home. I just knew that the kitchen surfaces were clean, and the carpets stayed fluffy and fresh smelling. But now that I’m a mother of two, I can’t ignore the environmental impact of chemical-based cleaning products. It’s true that they’re often the most effective option, but I’d rather switch to eco-friendly carpet cleaning products to make sure my family and I are not exposed to too many toxins.
When it comes to carpet cleaning, there are a few simple steps I take to make sure I use eco-friendly products. First, I always read the labels and vet the ingredients in the carpet cleaning product. I look for products without artificial fragrances, dyes or other chemicals that could release VOCs with use. I also avoid buying cleaning solutions that contain petroleum-based solvents.
In addition to avoiding harsh chemicals, I also utilize cold water cleaning techniques for my carpets. Steam cleaning can be effective, but it requires that large amounts of water be reheated, increasing the energy used in the process. Instead, I use a cold water cleaning solution that is equally effective in loosening dirt and stain particles. Not only is it better for the environment, it is also more efficient and takes less time.
Another tip I have is to choose eco-friendly products that focus on soil and stain removal first, rather than deodorizing or cleaning with fragrance. Instead of using artificial fragrances, I can open the windows and take advantage of the fresh air entering my home. If I want to, I can sprinkle natural, biodegradable enzymes along the carpet that can help reduce odors without leaving chemical residue.
Finally, I also make sure to use a quality vacuum for carpet cleaning. Bagless vacuums are the best choice, as they use fewer materials and less energy than traditional vacuums. Also, be sure to adjust the settings on your vacuum so you can control how high the rotation speed is. High-speed rotation can also increase the amount of dust that is released into the air, so using the correct setting is essential.
Natural, eco-friendly carpet cleaning is not only better for the environment, but it is also more economical. With just a few simple modifications, I can make sure I keep my carpets clean, while protecting my family and the planet.
Utilize Cold Water Cleaning Techniques
As I mentioned before, eco-friendly carpet cleaning is just one way I have been striving to make my home and environment cleaner and healthier. Despite the importance of using environmentally-friendly products, I have also come to realize that I need to think beyond the traditional cleaning solutions and consider more natural or DIY options as well. One of the approaches I have been very successful with is utilizing cold water and natural cleaning techniques to effectively clean my carpets and other surfaces in my home.
Cold water does a surprisingly good job of effectively cleaning carpets and other surfaces, especially if I am paying close attention to the condition of my carpets. I typically use cold water to get rid of spots and splotches, and surprisingly, this simple technique targeting the hard-to-remove dirt and debris tends to work really well. To get the most out of this method, I try to do it as soon as possible after the spill. As soon as I can, I will get a cold wet cloth or rag and work it into the area. I don’t apply too much pressure or wring out the cloth, as that can break down the carpet fibers more and can push the spills into the carpet padding.
I always make sure to use a clean cloth as well, since I don’t want to transfer any dirt or debris from a different area to the spill. It’s amazing how much cold water and a simple cloth can get rid of dirt and debris. This is a fantastic alternative to using harsh chemicals or “carpet shampoos,” which can introduce questionable ingredients into my home.
I recently had a tougher spill that left a seemingly permanent and stubborn stain. I knew I couldn’t just scrub it with a cloth, so I decided to take an alternative approach to cleaning it. I ended up utilizing some baking soda and white vinegar mixed together which surprisingly did a great job of getting the stain up. I sprinkled some baking soda onto the area then added some vinegar, let it sit, and scrubbed it with a cloth. I also used some of my cold water from earlier to give it an extra boost, and it actually really worked!
It is incredible how much these little natural methods can do when cleaning and maintaining my carpets. Again, cold water alone and baking soda and vinegar in combination can be extremely effective when it comes to stains and soils on my carpets. As I continue to learn more about natural cleaning solutions and use them more frequently, I can’t help but appreciate the power of natural ingredients! Next on my list of eco-friendly home hacks is exploring the world of all-natural cleaning products. Stay tuned for my upcoming musings on this topic!
Make Use of Natural Cleaning Solutions
As a mother, I am constantly battling dirt and messes around the house. I have two kids, and while their messes can be a hassle to clean up, I prefer to use natural cleaning solutions rather than harsh chemicals. Not only does this help protect my kids’ health and the environment but it also helps save money in the long run.
When it comes to wear-and-tear spills, my go-to solution is cold water cleaning. Cold water cuts through the dirt and grease without any additional effort. If a stain is particularly set-in, I’ll also use a little bit of baking soda as a gentle abrasive. This usually does the trick, and if not, then a dap of white vinegar helps as well. Between the baking soda and vinegar, even the deepest set-in stains can be removed!
When it comes to upholstery and carpets, though, cold water cleaning can sometimes be too superficial. While it helps with light messes and most stains, some messes require a little bit more of an effort. Investing in a steam cleaner can help lift set-in dirt and grime from carpets and upholstery without the use of harsh chemical cleaners.
Steam cleaning is a great natural way to clean carpets and upholstery deeply, as it uses nothing but water to do the job. Steam cleaning can even reach deep into fibers and get rid of dirt and allergens that a regular vacuum cleaner may not be able to get. While initial investment in a steam cleaner may be expensive, it’ll save you money in the long run and you won’t have to depend on expensive chemical cleaners. Plus, you won’t be releasing any chemicals into the environment, and it’s much safer and cleaner for your family as well.
I personally prefer to use my steam cleaner before reaching for chemical products, and it works wonders on high-traffic areas of the house. Not only does it get rid of dirt, but it also deodorizes and disinfects carpets and upholstery – think of how much money you’ll save on cleaning services too!
So if you’re a mother looking to improve your home’s sanitation without the use of dangerous chemicals, you should consider investing in a steam cleaner and utilizing natural cleaning solutions. Between cold water cleaning and steam cleaning, you’ll be able to tackle any mess that comes your way.
Invest in Steam Cleaning for Deep Set Stains
When most people think of deep set stains, they think of professional steam cleaners, but I have found success in using natural and reusable cleaning solutions for these tough spots. Even though it can seem like an expensive fix, investing in fabric and steam cleaning is a great way to ensure your clothing (and other items) stay looking new.
As a mother of two, I know it’s difficult to manage all the mess that can become of everyday life, be it from family members or unrelated events. While I have always been a proponent for natural and reusable cleaning solutions around the home, deep set stains in materials like carpet and furniture can be difficult to clean.
I had tried every home remedy I could think of to remove unpleasant smells and deep set stains, yet I found myself in a quandary when I couldn’t seem to get the job done. I was tempted to give in and book an expensive steam cleaning appointment, but I decided to invest in fabric and steam cleaning supplies instead and try my hand at it.
One of the most difficult deep set stains I tackled was a juice stain on an armchair. The stain was difficult to remove because it had already set in and absorbed into the fabric. But after some trial and error, I found that investing in a high-quality fabric cleaner and using it with a steam cleaner was able to remove the stain. Not only that, but the steam cleaner not only removed the stain, it also helped to remove any unpleasant smells it might be harboring.
Having a fabric cleaner and a steam cleaner on hand for when deep set stains happen is now a regular part of my cleaning routine. Before, I had to wait and hope that the home remedies I was using worked. Now I can feel confident that the steam cleaner can finally get to those hard to reach spots and remove the stain without damage to the fabric.
I have since found out that steam cleaning is also really great for items like curtains, bedding, carpets, mattresses, and upholstery. The steam lifts dirt and grease and helps to reduce any dust mites! All without the need for harsh chemicals. Investing in a steam cleaner for deep set stains is definitely worth the investment, as it helps to prevent items from becoming ruined and needing to be replaced.
The next time you’re faced with deep set stains in your home, don’t forget to invest in fabric and steam cleaning supplies. You can save yourself from having to call for a professional steam cleaning appointment or having to replace expensive items that become ruined from hard-to-remove stains.
Reuse Fabric Cleaning Solutions When Possible
As a conscientious mother, I understand the importance of cleanliness. This means both in our health and safety, maintaining hygiene for our family, but also maintaining the cleanliness of our home. A while ago, I wrote about investing in steam cleaning for deep set stains. Today, I’d like to elaborate on that topic, and discuss how one should attempt to reuse fabric cleaning solutions when possible.
Regardless of the kind of fabric cleaning solution one utilizes, it’s almost always more economical to use the same solution or clean with similar ingredients. That’s why, when I clean my carpets, I always try to reuse fabric cleaning solutions. If the carpet cleaning solution I used on a stain has been successful, I’ll safely save it to clean other areas of the carpet. This helps reduce the amount of purchases I need to make. Not only does this cut down on my expenses, it also helps reduce environmental waste, since fabric cleaning solutions often come in large containers or bottles.
Before I reuse any fabric cleaning solution, however, I never forget to test it in an area of the carpet that is not visible to the public. I usually opt for a spot in the corner of certain rooms or between furniture pieces. I do this because I never know how a cleaning solution might react to a certain carpet type or material. I usually use a small amount at first to ensure that I don’t severely damage the fabric and then proceed with using the same or a similar solution in other places.
It’s also important to consider the fact that just because a solution works wonderfully against a certain type of carpet, doesn’t mean it’s completely safe to use on other types of carpets. Some solutions may not be suitable for use on wool, oriental carpets, shag carpets, or carpets that have metallic or chemical fibers. As a result, I always check the labels or make sure to ask the manufacture what cleaning solutions are best to use on their product.
In all, it’s best practice to keep the same cleaning solution handy until one can verify that it works adequately with all your carpets. It helps to ensure that the carpets are clean and undamaged, and it also helps to maintain a well managed budget. As we move onto our next topic – always test carpet cleaners on unnoticeable areas – I urge you to keep fabric cleaning solutions in mind and experiment with the same solution.
Always Test Carpet Cleaners in Unnoticeable Areas
When it comes to green cleaning, prevention is best. Reusing fabric cleaning solutions when possible is a great way to cut back on natural resources and keep money in your pocket. However, when there are stains that require a bit more power, you’re going to need a carpet cleaner. As a mother of two, I understand the fear associated with using chemical-based carpet cleaners. The last thing I want in my house is a harsh product that may pose a threat to the health of my family.
That’s why I always test carpet cleaners in an unnoticeable area of the carpet before using them across the entire surface. This may be in a closet or an unnoticeable corner of the room. By testing a small area, you can get a clear sense of the end result of using the carpet cleaner and make any necessary adjustments before it’s applied everywhere.
I found that the best way to test a new carpet cleaner is to first vacuum the area, then apply a small amount of the cleaner and let it sit for a little bit. Then, I take a white cloth and dab the area for a few seconds. This helps to indicate how much of the product has been absorbed into the carpet. If the stain has not been eradicated, I will try to see if a stronger product is needed. I always try to find something that is non-toxic, as I only want to use safe products in my home.
When the area is completely clean and dry, it’s time to move on to the rest of the carpet. I recommend moving in a circular motion while cleaning and using small amounts of the cleaner. Be sure to brush the surface with a clean, damp cloth before you apply the carpet cleaner as well. This helps to create a lather and get the best results.
The bottom line is that green cleaning doesn’t have to involve a lot of chemicals. With a bit of patience and testing, you can find a safe, effective carpet cleaner that achieves your desired result. Reusing fabric cleaning solutions when possible is a great way to start this journey, but if you find yourself in need of something stronger, always be sure to test it in an unnoticeable area first. That way, you can get a realistic sense of the end result, ensuring that your green cleaning routine is both safe and effective.
