Over time, dirt, dust, oil, food stains, pet accidents and more can accumulate on your beautiful rugs and carpeting. To extend their lifespan and keep them looking fresh, it’s important to understand how to effectively clean different types of rugs and carpets.
The carpet cleaners at Vip Carpet Cleaning London have put together this comprehensive guide on removing various stains and soils from your flooring. Continue reading for rug cleaning tips whether you plan to DIY or hire professional cleaners near you in London.
Assessing Your Rugs and Carpets
Before deciding on a cleaning method, assess the construction, material, dyes used and current condition of rugs and installed carpeting. Common types include:
Wool – Very stain-resistant but still requires frequent vacuuming and professional cleaning every year to look its best. Avoid using bleach or ammonia cleaners on wool fibers.
Synthetic – Budget-friendly carpeting made from nylon or polyester. Shows stains easily. Needs a thorough clean every 12-18 months with commercial equipment.
Natural Fiber – Jute, seagrass and sisal easily show dirt and stains. They require gentle cleaning methods like air drying outdoors.
Silk – Extremely delicate fibers prone to water marks, color bleeding and other damage. Stain cleaning and dry extraction cleans are best for silks.
Tip: Always check the manufacturer’s instructions first when selecting cleaning solutions. Harsh chemicals can strip carpets of their stain protectants.
Professional Carpet & Rug Cleaning Prices
Here are the average prices our London clients pay for professional cleaning:
- Single standard room (10’x12’) – Starts from £49
- Entire 3 bedroom house – £139+
- Small office – £89+
- Large open-plan office – £299+
- Retail shop unit – Prices from £149+
Other services:
- Rug cleaning – Starts from £25 per rug
- Upholstery sofa cleaning – £75+
- Stain removal – £10+ per stain
- Pet urine removal & deodorizer – £20+
Vacuuming Tips
Frequent vacuuming is key for keeping carpeting clean between professional appointments. Here are handy vacuuming tips:
- Use a vacuum with an adjustable brush roll for all flooring types. Turn off the beater bar or adjust height over delicate rugs.
- Vacuum high-traffic areas daily concentrating on entrances, hallways and doorways where dirt accumulates.
- Once per week, vacuum the entire area moving furniture to reach all hidden spaces.
Replace vacuum bags often for maximum suction.
For area rugs, flip them over annually and gently beat outdoors with a carpet beater or broom to remove embedded grit.
DIY Cleaning Solutions
You can make homemade cleaning solutions for small rug and carpet stains between professional cleanings:
Dish Soap – Mix 2 teaspoons of dish soap with 2 cups warm water for an all-purpose gentle cleaner safe for most fibers.
White Vinegar – The high acidity in vinegar helps dissolve grease and oil-based stains. Mix 1 cup vinegar with 1 cup water.
Club Soda – The carbonation can help lift stains without harsh chemicals. Pour directly on the stain and dab gently towards the middle.
Hydrogen Peroxide – Lightly abrasive qualities lift stains and helps deodorize carpet odors. Mix 1 cup hydrogen peroxide with 1 cup water.
DIY Stain Removal Steps:
Blot stains immediately with a dry white towel. Avoid excess rubbing.
Pre-test your solution on a small hidden area first.
Apply a small amount of your cleaning mixture to a white cloth. Press onto the stain, don’t rub.
- Blot treated area with clean water dampened towel.
- Absorb all moisture with dry towels until fully dried.
- Vacuum once completely dry.
Professional Deep Cleaning
While DIY stain removal may work on minor stains, the carpet experts at Vip Carpet Cleaning London recommend professional deep cleaning every 12-18 months using commercial hot water extraction systems.
Benefits include:
Loosens and lifts years of accumulated oily dirt, allergens, pollen deep down that vacuums can’t reach.
- Sanitizes carpeting in homes with kids and pets prone to bacteria.
- Removes musty smells from moisture buildup.
- Brightens faded carpeting by extracting cloth dyes loosened over time.
We also offer grooming services using unique rake tools, an ideal maintenance service between deep cleaning appointments for high-traffic businesses.
Upholstery Cleaning
Don’t forget to properly clean upholstered furniture, curtains, mattresses and rugs for a fresher smelling home:
Sofas – Clean every 6 to 12 months to prevent buildup of human oils, pet dander and crumbs leading to stains.
Mattresses – Gently clean bedding every season when rotating mattresses to eliminate odors, sweat and allergens for better sleep hygiene and health.
Area rugs – In addition to weekly vacuuming, thoroughly clean the backs of area rugs at least once a year. Soil and grit can abrade flooring underneath.
Contact Vip Carpet Cleaning London
Don’t wait until carpeting looks dirty. Stop problems before they start with regular professional rug cleaning prices and DIY maintenance. For affordable quotes serving the London area, please contact Vip Carpet Cleaning London online or call 02080503535 today.
