Carpet shampoos available in the market guarantee retention of quality, while the cleansing action is on. However, choosing a particular brand becomes tough. Keeping that in mind, this HomeQuicks article provides you with tips on how to choose the best one depending on the fabric and quality of your carpet.
Since carpets are laid on floors, it’s very natural to observe accumulation of dirt and dust over a period of time. You walk, sit, and your kids play over it, making it vulnerable to stains, spots and grime. Carpet cleaning can be daunting if you don’t remove dirt and stains immediately.
Tips on Buying a Carpet Shampoo
- First, decide the type of cleaner you are looking for. They are either foam, powder, or liquid based.
- Liquid cleaners, or solutions, are mainly used in the machine.
- For minor carpet stains and spots you can clear it with powder or by spraying foam over it and removing it with a vacuum cleaner.
- Carpet shampoos come as natural and chemical based, scented or plain. Natural shampoos that are non-toxic and as they have a disinfectant action are safe for use.
- Read the instructions mentioned on the label before application and make sure you follow them.
- Ensure that you remove every stain of the cleanser before using the carpet again.
Carpet stain removal shampoos are of organic or inorganic types. From reviews we have found out that 1001 Carpet Shampoo is much preferred by people. It has a unique FiberShield formula that loosens stains and smoothly removes them from carpets without damaging the fabric. It’s also safe for woolen or upholstery cleaning. Brands like Bissell Foam Carpet shampoo and Original Kirby Allergen Control Carpet Shampoo are also of good quality. Hoover F5914-900 SteamVac with Clean Surge and Bissell 2080 Quicksteamer Powerbrush cleaning products have received good ratings from customers. A dry carpet cleaner is always preferred over liquid shampoos, because if the carpet it not dried properly, it harbors mildew and mold.
Homemade Shampoos
Making a homemade carpet cleaner is not only easy but it also economical.
- Stains that are too strong can be erased with a solution of vinegar, salt and borax. A paste is prepared by mixing equal amount of borax with vinegar and salt. The mixture is applied over the stain and allowed to dry for a few minutes. You can also dilute the solution by adding water to form a shampoo like solution. Vacuum the carpet after that.
- Dish washing liquids, when mixed with the ammonia, form an excellent shampoo. Prepare the solution by adding a teaspoon of ammonia to a cup of water. Mix the solution well, and rub over the stains. Wear gloves while handling ammonia.
- Shampoos can also be prepared at home by mixing vinegar (½ cup), lavender oil (20 drops), rosemary oil (8 drops), baking soda (2 cups), and soap flakes (½ cup). Add the ingredients in 2 cups of warm water. Combine them well before applying over the carpet.
- For mild stain removal you can rub the portion with lemon juice. You can also dip the stained area in lemon water mixed with sodium salts.
While purchasing an organic shampoo, opt for those that contain wintergreen oil and peppermint oil.