Deep Cleaning Carpets: A Step-by-Step Guide for a Fresh New Look

You may notice that your carpets are looking dull and lifeless. But with deep cleaning, you can breathe new life into your space. This guide will walk you through the process of thoroughly cleaning your carpets so you can achieve that fresh, revitalised look. We’ll cover everything you need to know to get your carpets looking and feeling like new again.

When to Deep Clean Your Carpets

Knowing when to deep clean your carpets ensures that you continue to live and work in a healthy environment. Here we will teach you how to determine if it’s time for a thorough cleaning.

Signs That Your Carpets Need Deep Cleaning

1. If you notice persistent stains or areas that look darker than the rest of the carpet
2. If your carpets emit musty or unpleasant smells
3. If you, your family, or your colleagues are experiencing allergy symptoms
4. If your carpets appear dull or feel flat and matted down
5. If rubbing the carpet surface with a white cloth reveals dirt transfer

All these are signs saying that deep cleaning is overdue.

Recommended Frequency Based on Traffic and Usage

• For high-traffic areas like office lobbies and living rooms, deep clean every 3-6 months.
• For medium-traffic areas like hallways and shared office spaces, clean every 6-12 months.
• For low-traffic areas such as bedrooms and rarely used offices, deep clean annually.
• In homes with pets and/or young children, increase the frequency to every 3-4 months.
• In offices with high foot traffic or frequent spills, consider quarterly deep cleaning.
• After special events or during prolonged rainy seasons in Singapore, schedule an additional deep clean as needed.

To achieve the maximum cleanliness between deep cleans, regularly vacuum your carpets to maintain their appearance and extend their expected lifespan. These guidelines are helpful in keeping carpets looking fresh and clean.

Preparing for Deep Cleaning

When deep cleaning carpets, there is a process to follow. Make sure to follow these steps to achieve the best results.

Remove Furniture and Clear the Area.

• Move all portable furniture out of the room or to one side if you will be working in sections.
• For heavy items, place protective pads or plastic sheets underneath to prevent moisture damage.
• Remove small objects like toys, books, and decorative items from the carpet surface.
• Take note of any delicate items or electronics that may be sensitive to moisture and relocate them.

Vacuum Thoroughly.

• Use a high-quality vacuum cleaner to remove loose dirt, dust, and soil particles.
• Pay extra attention to high-traffic areas and corners where dust tends to accumulate.
• Make several passes over each area and change directions to lift embedded particles.
• Don’t forget to vacuum along the skirting boards.
• Empty the vacuum canister or replace the bag if it becomes full during the process.

Pretreat Stubborn Stains.

• Identify any noticeable stains or heavily soiled areas on your carpet.
• Apply an appropriate carpet stain remover based on the type of stain (e.g., food, wine, and pet stains).
• Gently work the cleaner into the stain using a clean, white cloth or soft brush.
• Allow the pretreatment to sit for the recommended time (usually 5-10 minutes) before proceeding with deep cleaning./
• For tough stains, consider using a specialised enzymatic cleaner designed for specific types of spills.

DIY Deep Cleaning Methods

If you are someone who prefers a hands-on approach to deep cleaning your carpets, here are three effective DIY methods.

Shampooing with a Carpet Cleaning Machine

Here are the steps in shampooing carpets using a carpet cleaning machine (if you have one at home).

1. Choose a carpet shampoo suitable for your carpet type and local climate.
2. Fill the machine with the cleaning solution as per instructions.
3. Start in a corner and work your way across the room in overlapping strips.
4. Make slow, steady passes to ensure proper suction.
5. After shampooing, go over the area with clean water to rinse out any residue.
6. Allow the carpet to dry completely, which may take an average of 6 hours.

Steam Cleaning Using a Rented or Purchased Cleaner

You may also try this if a carpet cleaner is accessible for you.

1. Rent a steam cleaner or invest in one if you plan to clean frequently.
2. Fill the machine with hot water and a suitable cleaning solution.
3. Begin in a corner and move backwards to avoid walking on wet carpet.
4. Make slow passes, releasing the cleaning solution as you push forward.
5. On the backward pass, engage the suction to extract water and dirt.
6. Repeat the process and make sure to overlap slightly for even cleaning.
7. For heavily soiled areas, make multiple passes.
8. Use fans or air conditioning to speed up the drying time.

Using Natural Solutions Like Baking Soda and Vinegar

This is a more natural and easier way of doing deep cleaning—the use of household products like baking soda and vinegar.

1. Sprinkle baking soda liberally over the carpet.
2. Let it sit for several hours or overnight to absorb odours and light stains.
3. Vacuum thoroughly to remove the baking soda.
4. Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle.
5. Lightly mist the carpet, being careful not to oversaturate.
6. Use a soft brush or cloth to work the solution into the fibres.
7. Allow the carpet to dry completely.
8. Finish by vacuuming once more to restore the carpet’s texture.

Remember that when using DIY methods, always test in an inconspicuous area first to ensure colour fastness and prevent damage.

When are DIY Methods Not Recommended?

It is true that DIY carpet cleaning can be effective for regular maintenance, but there are situations where professional services are more appropriate and recommended.
These are the conditions…

1. If your carpet has been exposed to flooding or severe water damage, DIY methods may not sufficiently address potential mould growth. You need professional equipment to completely extract the water and apply antimicrobial treatments.
2. Old stains that have had time to set into the carpet fibres often need specialised treatments. Professional cleaners have access to stronger commercial-grade solutions and techniques.
3. High-end carpet, especially those made from natural fibres like silk or wool, can be easily damaged by improper cleaning methods. Antique and Oriental rugs require expert handling to preserve their colour and integrity.
4. If there are household members or office staff who are suffering from severe allergies or asthma, it’s better to engage professional deep cleaning services as they can effectively remove allergens and irritants present in the carpets. Their equipment can extract more dust, pollen, and microscopic particles than most home machines.
5. Professional carpet cleaning services offer more efficient and thorough cleaning for office buildings and large homes in Singapore.
6. Deep cleaning carpets can be time-consuming and physically demanding. So if you’re short on time or have physical limitations, professional services offer convenience and efficiency.
7. If there are strong and persistent odours that cannot be removed even with DIY methods, it means you need professional-strength deodorisers and specialised treatments.
8. If you have had pest infestations such as bedbugs and fleas, professional cleaning is recommended to completely remove all eggs and larvae that may thrive in your carpets.

In any of these cases, you should consult with professional carpet cleaning services in Singapore.

Post-Cleaning Care

After cleaning your carpets, either a DIY deep clean or professional service, it is best that you employ the following post-cleaning care tips to preserve their freshness and cleanliness.

Allow Carpets to Dry Completely

Open the windows and use fans to circulate the air inside. You can run air conditioning or dehumidifiers to reduce the moisture levels and speed up drying. Avoid walking on damp carpets to prevent re-soiling and fibre damage. To check for the dampness, press a clean, white cloth into the carpet. If it comes away wet, more drying time is needed.

Regularly Vacuum

Once they are fully dry, vacuum them to restore their texture. A good suggestion is that you implement a regular vacuuming schedule. As a general guide, vacuum high-traffic areas 2-3 times weekly. Medium-traffic areas can be vacuumed once or twice a week. And for low-traffic areas, once a week is enough.
If possible, use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to trap fine particles. Pay extra attention to entranceways and areas near windows where outdoor pollutants can accumulate.

Address Spills and Stains As Soon As They Happen

Keep a carpet cleaning kit readily available for quick action on spills. In instances of spills, blot them immediately with a clean white cloth. Never rub as this can spread the stain. Use appropriate cleaning solutions based on the type of spill (e.g., enzymatic cleaners for organic stains).
For water-soluble stains, use a mixture of water and mild detergent. And like we always say, test cleaning solutions on an inconspicuous area first. After treating a stain, rinse the area with clean water and blot dry to remove any cleaning residue.

Implement Preventive Measures

Place doormats at entrances to trap dirt and moisture before they reach your carpet. Consider using area rugs in high-traffic zones to protect the carpet underneath. To reduce dirt and outdoor contaminants, you may establish a “no shoes” policy indoors. And lastly, trim pets’ nails regularly to prevent snags and tears in carpet fibres.

Schedule Regular Professional Cleanings

Even with diligent care, plan for professional deep cleaning every 12-18 months.

Conclusion

Professional cleaning offers superior results. And it is what anyone wants when it comes to achieving a healthy home and office environment. Avalon Services can help you extend your carpet’s lifespan and maintain a clean home or office you deserve.
Contact us today to get your dirty carpets professionally cleaned and revitalised.