Carpet Cleaning

How often should carpeting or area rugs be cleaned

Whether it is wall to wall broadloom or area rugs, regular vacuuming will preserve the appearance and life of your rug. Once per week or more often if there are pets or kids to ensure they stay fresh. Spills and stains should be treated as quickly as possible. Steam cleaning or wet cleaning rugs is suggested once per year if there is significant traffic or staining.

Routine Cleaning

Using a vacuum with strong suction and a foot that provides agitation, make several passes to attain the best results. If there is pet hair a rubber squeegee can be used to collect.

Stain removal

For spills, blot away moisture with white absorbent cloth or paper towel.

For solid mud or food spills use a dull knife to lift away solids, avoiding rubbing spill which pushes it deeper into fibers. After initial clean-up the product to treat the stain will differ depending on the type of stain that is left.  Some stains will respond to a mixture of vinegar and water and others with baking soda mixed with salt which acts to attach itself to dirt particles which can then be vacuumed up. Cushing’s carries several products to remove more stubborn stains – please see products elsewhere on this website for description and uses.

Wet Carpet Cleaning

If using a steam cleaner or extractor to clean your rug, thoroughly vacuum the rug using a vacuum with agitation to remove all loose dirt. Pre-spot traffic areas and stains with a recommended carpet pre-spotter. Shampoo the carpet using the extractor. Once complete it is suggested that the machine be emptied and refilled with clean water. This process can be repeated rinsing each time. Water should run clean if the rug is clean. Allow the carpet to dry, which may take up to 8 hours. Many people use a dehumidifier to assist the drying time. Cushing’s carries both pre-spotter and carpet cleaning solution