How To Select The Right Cleaning Method For Different Carpet Types

How To Select The Right Cleaning Method For Different Carpet Types

By : Charlotte

Delicate and beautiful carpets add a touch of elegance and luxury to your home. They are one of the major investments that need proper care and maintenance. Daily wear and tear, accidental spills, and pet stains can make them look dull, dingy, and discoloured. Thus, regular cleaning is a must. Depending on the level of soiling, you can choose from hot water extraction to dry carpet cleaning or bonnet cleaning.

However, most people use inappropriate cleaning methods and damage the fibres of floor coverings. Remember that there are different types of carpets, including nylon, woollen, polyester, and acrylic, and each requires specific cleaning techniques to prevent damage and discolouration.

Therefore, many households prefer hiring professionals for carpet cleaning Hobart. They thoroughly inspect your floor coverings and use tried-and-tested procedures to dislodge dirt, soil, and grime, leaving them shiny again.

If you want to do it yourself, consider this guide and use the right cleaning method for the following carpet types. Make sure you prep the coverings using a vacuum cleaner to remove loose debris and dirt.

Let’s Get Started!

1. Nylon Carpet Type: Choose Steam Cleaning or Hot Water Extraction

Nylon carpets are the most durable and luxurious floor coverings. They can withstand stains, soil, dirt, and grime and are ideal for high-traffic areas. Many nylon fibres even offer stain-resistant treatments to repel liquids, making it easier to remove spills and splatters before they embed.

To maintain your carpet’s lustre shine, vacuum regularly and act on spills immediately. If you need attention-to-detail cleaning, opt for steam cleaning or hot water extraction.

This is one of the most popular methods, which involves hot water and a mild cleaning agent to remove infiltrated soil, grime, gunk, stubborn stains, germs, and bad odours, promoting improved indoor air quality.  The high temperature of steam penetrates deep inside the fabric and breaks down the grime without causing any damage to the surface.

It is also a sustainable method compared to conventional techniques, such as shampooing.

2. Polyester Carpet Type: Ideal for Dry Cleaning or Encapsulation

Polyester fibres outperform nylon when it comes to stain resistance. Plus, they are more affordable than other types of plush carpets. Polyester carpets are soft and comfortable but less durable. Thus, they require low-moisture cleaning methods.

Dry cleaning or encapsulation is a more recent technique for removing stubborn stains, oil, and grime from carpets. It can help your carpet retain its vibrant shine and colour.

The method uses chemical detergents to lift soil and dirt from the fibres without saturating them. Once the dirt particles are encapsulated into crystallised powder when detergent dries, you can sweep or vacuum the carpet to remove dry residue. The method doesn’t require an excessive amount of water.

Unfortunately, dry cleaning can leave residue behind that could cause discolouration or even damage the fibres. So, hire professionals to clean polyester carpets efficiently.

If you are at the end of your tenancy, book experts for a professional bond cleaning Hobart. They will vacuum your carpets, clean windows and other hard-to-reach spots to help you secure full bond money.

3. Wool Carpet Type: Rely on Vacuuming & Spot Cleaning

cropped picture of a person cleaning woolen carpet

Woollen carpet is a natural, super-comfortable and durable floor covering. However, it is extremely delicate and requires attention-to-detail care and maintenance.

Regular vacuuming with the right brush attachment can maintain its pristine shine and vibrancy. Avoid using alkaline products, such as bleach and ammonia, to remove stains and grime.

Instead, spot-clean the stains and spills using a DIY cleaning product. Here is a quick way to refresh your woollen carpets:

  • In a spray bottle, mix equal parts of vinegar and warm water. Add a few drops of liquid dishwashing agent and your favourite essential oil
  • Spray the solution on the stained spot of your carpet.
  • Blot it with a clean cloth until the stain transfers onto the cloth.
  • Repeat the process if required.
  • Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda and leave it overnight.
  • Vacuum clean your carpet the next morning.

This will leave your woollen carpets sparkling and shiny without using expensive products or harsh chemicals.

4. Olefin Carpet Type: Shampooing & Steam Cleaning

Olefin is tightly knitted carpet fibres that can embed dirt, pollen, pet hair, and other allergens deep inside the fabric. Thus, to remove loose debris, you need a heavy-duty vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter. This will prevent allergies and asthma by promoting a healthy indoor air.

For stubborn stains and grime, you can hire professionals for shampoo cleaning. This method is ideal for sprucing up dirty carpets. It is one of the most traditional carpet cleaning methods to remove heavy soil and stubborn stains.

However, it requires excessive cleaning detergent and water- which is not sustainable these days. So, one of the best alternatives is steam cleaning.

You can steam clean your olefin carpet and restore its pristine shine for years.

5. Acrylic Carpet Type: DIY Methods and Hot Water Extraction

Acrylic floor coverings are made from synthetic fibres and have been one of the most popular choices among households. It is a low-maintenance and durable type that needs regular vacuuming and occasional professional cleaning. You can use the following method to clean your synthetic carpet  like a pro:

  • Mix a cup of baking soda with 10 drops of tea tree essential oil in a bowl.
  • Sprinkle the mixture throughout your carpet and gently brush to let baking soda penetrate and dislodge embedded grime.
  • Leave it for 2 hours or until you vacuum clean to suck up excess powder.

This hack will leave your carpets fresh and shiny at the most affordable cost.

You can also use the hot water extraction method to tackle mould spores, germs, pet stains and bad odours. This will help you impress your fussy landlord during the tenancy inspection.

You can also hire professionals for a budget end of lease cleaning Hobart and spruce up the entire property. They check the condition report and create a pre-approved cleaning checklist to help you pass the rental inspection with ease.

Tried-&-Tested Cleaning Methods For Different Carpet Types

cleaning different types of carpets

Wrapping Up

Choosing the right cleaning method depends on the level of soiling and the type of carpet fabric. This guide can help you use the right techniques and maintain the vibrancy and shine of your expensive carpets for years to come.