Carpet Cleaning London

In the unfortunate event that your carpet suffers a flood you may think that it’s completely unsavable, this may not be the case. If treated and cleaned up as soon as possible you can save the carpet and dodge a pricey replacement. We are here to help with the solutions that work and some that may not. 

The best way to handle wet carpets 

Although an unusual situation to find yourself in you will be surprised to find out that it happens more often than you may think, you arrive home from a weekend away or a busy day at work, you walk through the front door and step straight into a soggy, cold wet puddle in the middle of the hallway carpet or living room. You think it might just be a spillage but then you realise it’s actually a larger portion of the carpet that is soaking wet. A leak, but don’t panic, we are going to go through how to tackle this unfortunate situation as well as some measures you can take to help avoid the situation recurring in the future. 

So to begin with it’s NOT advised to leave the carpet to dry on its own, usually with a leak the carpet will be soaked through, this means that the underlay will also be soaked through, if left this will simply remain wet and damp for a number of days, even weeks. Damp that is left for this period of time will end up making the entire property smelly and the likeness of mould growth is greatly increased. 

The first steps to take is to remove as much furniture as possible from the affected room and open as many windows as possible to allow air to circulate through the room. If the carpet is soaked you may need to pull it up to allow the underlay to also get some attention. Grab dry clean towels, paper towels will also work. Start blotting the wet area with the clean dry towels pushing down onto the carpet fibres to ensure that as much moisture is soaked up as possible, You can even purchase some cat litter (Not the clumping kind) and sprinkle that onto the carpet. Cat litter is great for absorbing liquids. Another option would be to hire a carpet cleaner that would suck up a lot of the water and help speed up the drying process. Once these steps have been completed and the area is fully dry you can relay the underlay and carpet.  

Things to consider before going away especially is check any pipework that can be checked for any leaks or perishing, if and joints look like they may need some attention be sure to hire a professional to sort the issue as quickly as possible, regulate vacuuming and professional cleaning will help you maintain the carpet and help it to be at its best should a leak spring and cause soaking. The most important thing to remove is if you do have flooding , tend to it as quickly as possible. 

Can water damage ruin a carpet?

Water damage can cause a lot more damage than you may think, not just to the carpets either. The base flooring, appliances and any flooring that it comes into contact with can be destroyed in a matter of minutes. Not only that if not treated as quickly as possible water can cause damp and damp causes mold. This can affect furnishings and even walls. For example if the flooding has been settled for over 72 hours unfortunately the carpets are not worth saving, this is because mould would have begun to grow and settle into the fibres. The safest thing would be to rip the carpets up and get everything left in the room dry as soon as possible. If however the  water has only been there for a couple of hours everything still has a good chance of being saved. Mop up the flooding and get everything as dry as possible as quickly as possible.

Does a dehumidifier take water out of the carpet?

Yes, a dehumidifier will indeed aid in removing as much water as possible from the carpets fibers. To ensure that you achieve maximum effect you will need to close the door this will force the water to rise from the carpet fibers then allowing the dehumidifier to soak the moisture out of the air. The longer you keep the door shut the quicker the water will be drawn out of the fibres. 

How long does it take for a wet carpet to dry?

A soaking wet carpet will take anything between 6 hours and 48 hours to completely dry, this solely depends on many factors including the carpet material synthetic or natural fibres, air flow in the room. You can speed up the process by opening as many windows as possible and for as long as possible. The better the air flow in the room the faster the carpet will dry. 

How to clean wet, stinky carpet?

To clean the carpet no need using chemicals. The most important thing to do before trying to remove odors from a soaked carpet is to ensure it’s completely dry. The best natural way to remove odors is to then sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda onto the dry carpet and leave overnight. Vacuum up the next day this will soak up any stinky odors. Another way is to apply equal parts of water and white vinegar, leave for a few hours then repeat the baking soda process. 

Can I leave vinegar on the carpet overnight?

No, you should never leave vinegar on your carpets overnight. Because of its acidity if left for a long period of time it can discolor the carpet and can cause lasting fibre damage. Typically vinegar is only left on the carpet for a few hours then it is blotted up and the baking soda process is completed. 

Is it okay to vacuum damp carpet?

No This can be extremely dangerous, regular vacuum cleaners are not made to suck up water or moisture. If you do vacuum up moisture this can cause the vacuum to short circuit and could cause motor damage. It can also cause a mold build up to form inside of the vacuum, this can then be spread throughout your home. 

What’s the quickest way to dry a carpet?

The fastest way to dry a soaking carpet is to hire or purchase a wet/dry vacuum, these are designed to suck out as much moisture as possible in a short period of time, paired with a dehumidifier that will absorb any leftover moisture from the carpet’s fibers. 

Why is my carpet soaking wet?

Most common causes for a soaking wet carpet is a leak from a busted pipe, broken appliances or poor drainage from the roof causing water to seep through the brickwork into the property. Other causes could be a blocked drainage hole or if children are present left on tap. To rectify you must first find the source of the leak. Then book a professional to come and fix the issue as soon as possible. The sooner it is fixed the  more chances you have of saving the carpet.

Can a baby sleep in the room after carpet cleaning? 

1. No, it is advised not to allow children or babies into a room that has just had the carpets cleaned. The reason being that the cleaning products could release harmful residue and allowing children to walk or crawl on the wet carpet can cause further soiling. 

Crafting Kid-Safe Carpets: Essential Tips for Childproofing

1. Choosing a short pile carpet, with stain resistant materials such as nylon or polypropylene will help to keep the carpet stain free. Also applying stain resistant products such as scotchguarding will help any accidental spills be repelled from the carpets deeper fibres. 

Does a carpet protector really work?

1. Yes, Scotchguarding and stain protection treatments will help to repel spills and soiling. Giving you some time to clean up the spillage before it penetrates the deeper fibres of the carpet.

How Long Does Carpet Last? When to Replace Old Rugs? 

1. Carpets can last anywhere between 5-15 years. It will all depend on how well it is maintained and the level of traffic that runs over it daily. Once you see signs of wear such as thinning, fraying or permanent staining you should consider replacing the carpet. 

How long does carpet last with kids?

1. Carpets with children can last just as long as households without children, however a lot more maintenance will be required as spillages are more likely with children in the house. 3-15 years with the correct care and professional regular cleaning. 

How to baby proof carpet?

1. The best way to baby proof a carpet is to create mat safe zones, washable mats that the children can sit on to eat or drink. Washable runners in high traffic areas to minimise the wear on the carpet. Spill proof beakers and No shoes in the house rule will help keep the carpets fresher for longer. 

How to keep a house clean with pets and kids?

1. The easiest way to keep your home clean with pets and children is to complete daily cleaning, staying on top of the mess will help lighten the load each day. Get the children to help with daily cleaning tasks; this helps them to understand why a clean home is important. 

Is Carpet Cleaning Safe for My Kids?

1. Yes carpet cleaning is perfectly safe to be completed around children providing eco friendly, child and pet safe cleaning products are used. Ensuring the carpet is fully dry before allowing anyone onto it helps avoid further soiling or staining.

What are the risks of carpet cleaning? 

1. In rare cases where incorrect products are used damage to the carpet can occur, discolouration, fraying or burnt fibres can all occur if incorrect products are used, also when cheap products are used they can give off chemical spores that can lead to respiratory issues. 

What cleaning products are safe for kids?

1. The safest cleaning products to use when there are children around are natural products. Examples of natural products are baking soda, lemon, vinegar. You can use shop bought products but in this case the safest shop brought cleaners are eco friendly ones eg, Milton liquid. 

What is the best way to keep a house clean with animals?

1. When pets are present in the household the only way to stay on top of the cleanliness is daily routine cleaning, throws and blankets over furnishings will help protect the fabrics and an eco friendly air freshener or air purifier will help with odors. As for pet hairs, invest in a strong vacuum cleaner. 

Carpets, why do we have them?

Carpets, So many households believe carpets are more hassle than they are worth. They’re expensive to buy, expensive to have laid and then expensive to maintain. This is what so many of you believe, however so many of us still have carpets laid why is that? Why do we pay all that money to have a carpet laid even though we believe they won’t last?

 It’s simple really, Carpets offer Warmth, Comfort and they are aesthetically pleasing to the eye. They give this a home feeling and lets not forget about that beautiful new carpet smell. So we have them laid we enjoy their soft fibres between our toes, we invite guests round to enjoy the carpet with us and then before we know it there’s a spill here where sam dropped her red wine and a tear there from where the dog has pulled up the corner and that new carpet smell has been replaced by a musky scent. We now sit here and don’t find it as pleasing to look at anymore. The welcome comments have dissipated and no one compliments how nice the flooring looks anymore. Carpets require constant care and without regular cleaning they can go down a steep downward spiral into looking and smelling old and dirty. Not only do they start to look shabby they will start to harbour all kinds of bacteria and harmful microbes that can cause allergies to flare up or asthma sufferers to become wheezy from dust particles that are whirled up every time someone walks on the fibres. All of this as well as stinky odors from old football socks left in the corner or from that time the dog went out in the rain then came in and shook off in the hall. 

Fret not though, as we’re here to help you understand the best way to care for your carpets and maximise your carpets lifespan. You don’t have to worry about that red wine stain anymore. So let’s get started in helping you understand just how long your carpets can last looking and smelling as if they were laid yesterday. 

Rule number : Cleaning your carpets, Why is it important? 

It’s not only dirt that you can see that is threatening your carpets overall health. Every time you come home you’ll be amazed at the amount of dust and pollen you bring in with you. These two can be an absolute nightmare for anyone that suffers with allergies. Causing a threat to you, your family and anyone else that enters your home. As  you may already be aware, dust and pollen can cause many respiratory issues. These include Sneezing, Wheezing and coughing all causing shortness of breath and discomfort. Not only this but you’ll also find bugs and parasites that aren’t visible to your human eye, these bugs and parasites include mites that will gradually eat away at your carpets fibers, left untreated you may end up with bald patches or visible thinning of the carpets fibers. 

The build up of dirt and dust will clog the fibres binding them together, this will restrict the airflow through the fibres and that’s what will contribute to the musky smell that we associate with old carpets. Because it’s such a gradual build up the residents that live in the property are unlikely to smell the musky scent after some time, however it is your guests that will notice the unpleasant smell before you do. Embarrassing, we know that’s why we want to help. 

If left for a prolonged period of time all these issues will seep through the carpet and start clinging onto the carpets underlay too. This is where cleaning the carpets becomes a much bigger job as we wouldn’t pull up the carpets to clean the underlay. It is best to ensure that we don’t get to that level of decay in the first place to eliminate the risk of needing to replace the entire carpet. Now this is all based on homes without the presence of our fully little friends. Dogs, Cats, Bunnies, even birds. Our four legged friends are constantly in and out and unlike us they cannot take off their shoes to help minimise the risks of dirt being brought in. And birds, yes birds. Although they usually live in a cage and do not go in and out of the home often or if they accumulate a lot of dust in their feathers. Dust attracts dust mites and dust mites are not a parasite you want living in your carpets. 

What are dust mites? 

House dust mites are very closely related to spiders and ticks, consisting of 8 hairy legs, no eyes, a mouth-like part at the front of its body and a tough translucent shell. Due to their small size of 0.2-0.3mm in length and the fact that they have a translucent shell they are not visible by the naked eye. A dust mite typically lives for between 65-100 days giving them more than enough time to multiply. Females lay eggs in small groups and there is no specialist testing needed to detect dust mites. If you have humans or pets living in the property you can bet your bottom dollar you have dust mites.

How long should my carpet last?

The average lifespan for a carpet in a home that contains Children or pets we would say you should at least get 2-3 years minimum from your carpets. This is with regular vacuuming and maintenance. A medium grade nylon carpet could even give you between 3-15 years if maintained correctly, this would include regular daily vacuuming (at least 2 times per week) but daily is highly recommended especially if pets and children live in the home, in this case 2 times per day is recommended. Many things can cause a carpet to deteriorate at a faster rate, friction, spillages, high exposure to sunlight. All of these can cause balding, colour fade and staining. When staining is dealt with quickly there is less likely for lasting damage. Closing curtains when possible will limit exposure to direct sunlight and lessen the chances of colour fade and walking on the carpet correctly, No shoes and without dragging your feet helps with friction causing less wear on the fibres.

How often should I clean my carpets?

Vacuuming is a very important part of the carpet’s cleaning process, as mentioned before vacuuming is where you should start. This removes loose debris and dust spores keeping your home healthy. Then we recommend cleaning your carpets as quickly as possible if a spillage has occured.The less time the spillage spends in the fibers the easier and quicker the spillage will be able to be cleaned up. If a stain is left for a long period of time the spill has time to soak into the deeper fibres of the carpet making it a lot harder to just wipe up. Specialist cleaning solutions may then be needed to help lift the spillage out of the fibres. As for a whole area clean, every 6-18 months using a carpet steam cleaner. These can be hired from many stores or can be purchased if preferred. There are a wide variety of machines and cleaning solutions so always do your research before hiring or buying one. Otherwise hiring a professional to do the steam cleaning for you can eliminate the worry of getting the wrong machine or solutions. Professional steam cleaning technicians will provide everything needed to get your carpets back to a new state and will use only the best cleaning products to achieve the best results possible. 

So to recap, households with children and or pets should receive a steam cleaning at least every 6 months, households that dont and dont receive high foot traffic could go 12 months before needing steam cleaning again. Simply if you notice the carpets getting grubby around the entranceway you can bet it’s time for a professional steam cleaning. 

Households with any of the following will need to be cleaned ,more frequently:

• Young children or pets
• Allergies 
• Frequent muddy and soiled shoes 
• High pollinated areas (woodlands, countryside) 
• Dusty regions (heavy smog)
• Smokers
• Plants inside the home

Now you have a better understanding on how to maintain your carpets you should be able to get the most out of them and have a long lasting clean, fresh carpet for longer. This will enable you to get the most use out of the carpet before needing to completely replace it. In our next Part 2 of How to Deep Clean Carpet: The Complete Homeowner’s Guide, we will explain how to remove specific staining safety and efficiently yourselves.

Welcome back to how to clean your carpet, the complete homeowners guide. In this part we will be looking at staining and how to treat certain stains correctly, commonly used cleaning methods for the do it yourself carpets cleaning and the cleaning chemicals that have been tried and not recommended for cleaning carpets. So let’s get straight to it, let’s take a look at these commonly spilled liquids that I bet almost every household has encountered at least once in their lives. 

Stain removal and how to do it safely.   

Red Wine:

• Using a dry cloth soaks up as much of the wine as possible, it’s vital to do this as soon as the spillage has happened, Blot DO NOT rub the spillage this will cause spreading and you will end up with a bigger surface area to clean. The more you can blot up the easier it’s going to be to remove the stain. 
• Pour cold water onto the stain, this may seem like the wrong move to make but it will help dilute whatever is left on the carpets fibres. 
• Using a new clean dry cloth begins blotting the area again until you cannot soak up any more. 
• Next using a mixture of one part baking soda and three parts water mixed until they are in a paste like form, apply this mixture to the stained area. 
• Leave the mixture on the area until the paste is completely dry. 
• Vacuum the area ensuring to remove all the dry paste. 
• Once this has been completed if a slight stain is still visible you can then treat using a Carpet stain remover, without the worry of spreading the stain further. 

Milk:

• Using a dry clean cloth of paper towel, soak up as much of the spilt milk as possible. ‘Don’t cry over spilt milk’ we can get it cleaned up in no time. 
• Mix two cups of warm water with one tablespoon of washing up liquid in a small bowl. 
• Using a small clean cloth dampen in the mixture. 
• Take the cloth and blot the stained area until the stain no longer is visible. 
• Sprinkle some cornstarch over the affected area and leave to sit for approximately 60 minutes. 
• Once the area is completely dry, vacuum the cornstarch and the stain should have completely disappeared. 

Vomit:

• Use a clean dry cloth or paper towel to soak up as much of the vomit as possible, removing as many chunks of food as possible, again this is very important to start this process as soon as possible after the soiling has occurred. 
• Using regular salt or baking powder sprinkle a generous amount on the soiled area and leave to sit for approximately 15-20 minutes, this will lift any moisture from the deeper fibres of the carpet. 
• Vacuum the salt/ baking powder from the carpet after leaving for the recommended amount of time.  
• Now the area is ready to be treated using a good quality carpet cleaner. Ensure that the cleaning product you select is suitable for your type of carpet. 
• While treating with the cleaning product blot using a damp clean cloth, DO NOT rub this will just push any remaining vomit into the deeper fibres of the carpet. 
• Once treated leave the area to fully dry overnight, opening windows where possible to help remove the smell in the air. 
• If you have a steam carpet cleaner you will not need to open the windows as the high temperatures and products used will eliminate germs and bacteria, the two factors that create the horrible odors in the first place. 

Urine:

• Use a clean dry cloth to soak up as much of the urine as possible, remember DO NOT rub blot the area to remove, not penetrate deeper into the carpets fibres. 
• Mix up a solution of ½ cup warm water and ½ cup of vinegar. 
• Pour this onto the affected area, don’t worry about soaking the stain this is what we want. Let thai mixture sit on the carpet for approximately 10-15 minutes. 
• Using more clean dry towels blot the area dry. 
• Sprinkle baking powder or salt onto the area. 
• Next mix up a solution of ¾ cups of peroxide and 1 tablespoon of washing up liquid, stir the mixture then carefully pour onto the sprinkled baking powder / salt. 
• Wearing protective gloves (washing up rubber gloves) massage the solution gently into the carpets fibers. 
• Leave the area to completely dry, be sure to place a sign or something so people know not to walk over the area. 
• Once the area is completely dry you can vacuum the salt/ baking powder up leaving the area stain free and odor free. 

Cooking oil:

• Using dry paper towels boot up as much cooking oils as possible, ensure to keep doing this step until there is no more cooking oil transferring onto the paper towel. 
• Apply a small amount of alcohol rub onto a clean cloth and dab it knot the stained area. Again DO NOT rub as this will cause the oil to spread onto a wider surface, giving you even more to clean. 
• Create a mixture of ¼ cup of water and ¼ teaspoon of washing up liquid. We recommend using a washing up liquid that’s trusted and has high success in removing grease. It should also NOT include bleach as this will discolor your carpet. 
• Apply your well mixed mixture to the cooking oil stain using a clean sponge working from the outer edge into the middle.
• Using a small amount of water start to rinse the soap suds out by blotting the area, simultaneously blotting using a dry clean paper towel to minimize soaking. 
• Add a paper towel onto the affected area and leave to soak up as much moisture that is left as possible. 
• Leave the area to fully dry before walking on. 

So these are the more common spills and stains that you may encounter on a  day to day basis. Next we will look at some of the less frequent spillages that could occur in your home. 

Fresh Blood:

• Firstly, always wear protective gloves when cleaning up blood as it is classed as a health hazard. 
• Add clean water to the stained area, this will appear to spread the stain further, however you need to dilute the stain before being able to fully remove it. While adding the water, dab the stain using a wet clean cloth. 
• Rinse the area once as much has been dabbed up as possible with more clean water.
• Blot the area using dry clean towels and leave some paper towels over the area to soak up as much moisture as possible. 
• Once fully dry you can vacuum to fluff up the carpet fibers again. 
• Always dispose of the soiled paper towels and clothes correctly, i.e. in a tied carrier bag before throwing them into the bin. 

Dried Blood:

• Using a steel or hard bristle brush, brush the stained areas to loosen as much of the dried matter as possible. Vacuum up any loose debris this may cause. 
• Mix one teaspoon of ammonia or washing up liquid with two cups of cold water. 
• Soak a clean cloth or sponge into the mixture and blot onto the remaining stain until the stain disappears. 
• Leave the area to completely dry, if once dry the stain is still present add some hydrogen peroxide to the area and place a paper towel over the top. 
• Place something heavy on top of the paper towel so that it has contact with the wet solution allowing it to soak up the substance over time. 
• Leave to soak up and fully dry then vacuum the area once dry to fluff up the fibres. 

Acrylic Paint:

• Start by scraping as much of the wet paint off the carpet using a putty knife. Always attend to a spill as quickly as possible so it doesn’t have time to soak into the carpets’ deep fibres. 
• Once the paint starts to dry out, scrape away the dry flakes of paint using a steel or hard bristled brush. 
• Soak the area using alcohol isopropyl concentrate and blot onto the stain using a clean dry cloth. Leave this to sit for 20/30 minutes. It should help loosen the paint particles. 
• Once the time is up blot the stain using clean cloths removing as much paint as possible. Always blot DO NOT rub and scrub as this could damage the carpets fibres. 
• Using a steam cleaning machine would be most efficient at this point to help deeply moisten the fibres of the carpet and help break up and remove any remaining paint particles. 
•  Apply some glycerin to a clean cloth and blot up remaining paint. Repeat this step until the stain has been completely lifted. 
• Leave the area to completely dry for approximately 3- 4 hours then finally vacuum to fluff up the fibers again. 

Now moving on we will mention two of the commonly used household items for cleaning the carpets yourself, these ingredients can usually be found in your kitchens or under the sink. 

1.Baking Soda- this is an all time favorite in most households simply because it’s an excellent remedy for so many cleaning problems. It helps deodorize fabrics and fibres and also has great absorbency meaning that it can soak up moisture quickly. Great for oily and non-oily spills, and it’s so easy to use as you just sprinkle it onto the stain and leave overnight without the worry of causing further damage. Knowing that once the baking soda has become crusty and dry it is ready to be vacuumed up. 

2. White Vinegar- this is just as sought after at baking soda, for different reasons. Vinegar has great antibacterial properties meaning it is not only great for removing stains but also for removing bacteria and killing germs. Vinegar can be mixed with baking soda to create a great cleaning product. Always dilute vinegar with water so as not to cause staining or discoloration. The first go may not be fully successful however you can complete the cleaning process as many times as necessary when using vinegar. 

These next products should not be used unless as a last resort for cleaning your carpets, they have been tried and mostly have failed however sometimes they are successful so we advise only as a last resort to reach for these cleaning products:

1. Borax- although when paired with baking soda or vinegar it can create a great cleaning product however it can cause and pose health risks this is why we recommend using borax sparingly when cleaning. 

2. Ammonia- Again ammonia can be a great cleaning product and many shop brought cleaning products contain ammonia. Ammonia is highly alkaline making it a corrosive liquid, it can cause discolouration to carpets and should never be used on wool or natural carpets. It can also cause headaches and respiratory issues when inhaled so always take correct precautions if using ammonia. 

3. Hydrogen Peroxide-  although this product is becoming increasingly popular on the market it can cause discolouration to carports if used incorrectly. Completing a test area before using is highly recommended. Hydrogen peroxide always needs to be dilute and should never be used in more than 3% concentrate. Always ventilate the room that is being cleaned also. 

Carpets can tend to get a little grubby from time to time, if high traffic areas this can occur pretty quickly too. How can you tell when a carpet has had its time? When do you know that replacing the carpet is the only option left? Replacing carpet can be very costly so you want to make sure that you have no other options before taking that leap. Sometimes carpets can be cleaned even if they look beyond that stage so we are going to discuss some key factors on how to determine when it’s time to replace that old carpet.

So what are some key factors to consider when deciding whether to clean your carpets? 

How old is the carpet? 

Firstly, let’s look at the age of the carpet. The age of the carpet can help decide whether it’s time to get new ones or not. We would usually recommend a well maintained carpet can last you approximately 10-15 years, this can be stretched even longer if the carpet is maintained regularly and cleaned professionally once or more a year. You may find that the closer your carpet gets to its 20 year old mark the more shaggy and worn it becomes. Once it starts to fray and tear this is when you would have no choice but to replace the carpet as this cannot be fixed via steam cleaning. Now the age of the carpet can be drastically jeopardized depending on the carpet’s location, for example, carpets in the bedroom will not receive quite as much wear and tear as say a carpet located in the hallway or stairs. We class these areas as high traffic areas. Areas that receive more wear than a bedroom as there are always people coming and going. Halls in particular being as people may walk in with the shoes on still from outside, this would result in a higher chance of staining. So to summarize a carpet that is only 6/7 years old should provide it has been looked after, be able to be steam cleaned and receive a great result when steam cleaned as a carpet that is nearing its end of life of 20 years may be better to replace. 

Staining and Odours

Carpets can easily fall victim to spills and staining from improper protection and maintenance. Homes with children and pets are even more likely to have more spills and dirt brought in. If left untreated these stains can penetrate the deeper fibres of the carpet making them harder to remove, and in worst cases might not be able to be fully removed. This means you may end up paying out for a professional cleaning company in London and then also having to fork out for a new carpet if the staining can not be removed. Attempting to clean the carpets yourself, although considerably cheaper, can also result in more damage being caused thus resulting in paying for replacements of the carpet anyway. Thai is why we always suggest getting your carpets clean using a trustworthy carpet cleaning company in London to complete the cleaning. Not only stains, too smelly odors can cling to the carpet fibres causing the entire room to smell. Odors are hard to remove when you don’t have the correct equipment to do so. Using professional deodorisers will help eliminate all odors leaving a sweet scent from the cleaning products used during the clean. 

What is the difference in cost?

When booking a professional cleaning company in London there are so many options out there when it comes to cost. What you have to remove is that the cheapest company available may not necessarily be the best one quality wise. You can accept the cheapest company but you may find that the results of the actual cleaning are lacking in many areas such as removing stains and odors. They may be able to get the carpet looking better but can they make it look brand new. This is why we recommend going in a middle ground, not the cheapest but also not the most expensive either. The key to finding the best carpet cleaning company is to do your research. Shop around , check their reviews and see what past customers have to say about their work. A great clean we would say would average between £50-£80 per room. This would be for a standard sized Bedroom/Living room. All great companies will also have a showcase on their webpage of their work. Before and after photos to show you just how well they have restored carpets in the past. 

The cost of completely replacing your carpets however can set you back anywhere between £300-£2000 this includes fitting of the carpets. So as you can see there is a huge difference

increase in pricing especially when booking carpet cleaners is so easy to do. The majority of the time carpets can be saved and this is why we try and persuade people to at least try carpet steam cleaning first. 

Assessing the Carpet before making a decision. 

Before making any choices lets go through what you should check for in your carpet. 

• Check the carpet for any stubborn staining, any spills that may have occurred over the years. Food, Drink, Urine. All of these can be treated with a steam clean. 
• Check for Odours, these can be caused by spills (Urine/Feces) or there can be odors from airborne scents such as cooking certain foods, old football boots/ shoes. All of these can be treated with a steam clean. 
• Water Damage or mold, This can be caused from spills that haven’t been cleaned up, damp conditions over time or Flooding that wasn’t completely dried. If your home experiences cold spots from outside usually on external walls but the temperature in the home is fairly warm the two temperatures clash causing dampness. This will cause mould spores to form. This is usually found in the underlayers between the carpet and underlay. This could be treated with a steam clean, however this would have to be assessed to see if it is too far gone to be rescued. 
• Rips, Fraying fabrics, Flat spots (where the fibres have been worn away) or Edging lifting. This is wear and tear and would not usually be able to be fixed with steam cleaning. Flat spots that are simply fibres of the carpet that have been flattened (by furniture)  however could stand a chance at being rescued with a steam cleaning. The brushes on the carpet steam machines will help brush flattened fibres back up and give it back its bouncy new texture. 

So all in all, Carpet Steam Cleaning can:

1. Revive the Carpets appearance by removing years and years of grime, dirt, staining and dust. 

2. Create a healthier living environment, removing all those dirt particles and spores that may be floating around in the air every time you walk on it. 

3. Give your home a fresh smelling home once again, removing all odors and replacing it with a sweet clean scent. 

4. Keep the costs down, reducing the cost dramatically as well as eliminating the stress of finding a new carpet you like. 

Should You Steam Clean Your Carpets Yourself Or Hire A Professional?

How important is it to have your carpets Steam Cleaned by a professional Steam Carpet Technician? We are going to look into the pros and cons of Steam Cleaning your carpets yourself and why we believe it’s always worth booking a professional for the job. So, let’s start with:

How Often should your Carpets be Cleaned?

Steam Cleaning Carpets yourself might look easy but it really isn’t that much fun to do. Ideally Carpets require a Deep Steam cleaning at least once a year, this is going on a  household with no pets or children residing in them. For properties with children or pets or both you could need to steam clean your carpets a minimum of twice a year, however with loose pet hairs and dirt being brought in on their paws, or spills from food and drinks or arts and crafts this may even become a more regular chore to complete. Most Households that we have surveyed have admitted to either only cleaning their carpets properly every few years and some haven’t at all since laying the carpets. So while doing it yourself is cheaper it may not be the most efficient.

If you’re sitting there thinking ‘oh well it can go another year, it’s not even that dirty’ then don’t be fooled. There will be all kinds of dirt and grime hiding in the depths of the carpet fibres. Not only that but if your property is rented your warranty/ tenancy agreement may require a regular professional carpet steam cleaning to be completed to ensure the condition of the carpet is maintained to the highest standard. You may even be required to provide receipts for all the cleaning you have had completed throughout your time living in the property, if you complete the cleaning yourself you will not be able to provide that. 

Let’s Talk About Steam Cleaning, What Is Steam Carpet Cleaning?

Steam Carpet cleaning, also known more commonly as ‘Hot Water Extraction’ cleaning, is a specialised cleaning allowing carpet technicians to clean the deepest fibers of the carpets. The name ‘Hot Water Extraction’ name comes from the fact that steam is in fact not used to clean the carpets. It’s in fact hot water that is sprayed directly onto the carpet. Usually containing a special Carpet Cleaning Shampoo this mixture is sprayed onto the carpet using great force via a carpet cleaning machine, it is then almost immediately sucked back up through a second tube that directs all the loosened dirt and dirty water into a separate water tank ensuring that only clean treated water is sprayed onto the carpet.

You can indeed hire some carpet cleaning machines however these are usually nowhere near as powerful as the ones professional cleaners use and cannot usually provide great results like we can. They cannot reach the temperatures required to remove the toughest of stains and dirt, and usually do not have the suction power of our machines meaning that your carpets may be left wetter than needed. 

Why is it not a good idea to clean your carpets yourself?

As with doing anything yourself you run the risk that there may be mistakes made. Mistakes that could cause lasting damage to the carpets feel, look and lifespan. As mentioned before the rentable carpet cleaning machines can’t offer the temperatures required or suction required this then leaves the carpet quite damp running the risk of mould and further staining if left wet for too long. There is also a lack of experience, this means a limited understanding as to what cleaning product should be used on certain types of carpet fibres. If the incorrect product is used you risk causing damage to the carpet or even further soiling/ staining. Any of these mistakes could cause you to end up booking a professional steam carpet technician or worse having to replace the entire carpet which could end up costing a considerable amount compared to just booking a professional cleaning company in London like us in the first place. 

Why should you opt for a Professional Steam Carpet technician?

Booking a professional Steam Cleaner eliminates the stress of trying to do it yourself. You know from the start that your carpets are in good hands and that if for any reason there is an issue with the cleaning that you’re covered by the cleaning company’s insurance policy. Always do some research on the company you choose to ensure that they are professional, trustworthy and have proof of their qualifications. You can book the cleaning to be completed while you go about your day, no interruptions needed. Hiring a professional also means you can receive the receipts for the cleaning ensuring you have a log of when the carpet was last cleaned, some companies will happily book you in for annual cleaning so you don’t even have to remember to book it every year. All round booking a professional just makes our lives easier and ensures a pristine finish every time. 

Why is Steam Carpet Cleaning so Important?

Over time vacuuming just isn’t enough, dirt particles, germs, dead skin cells and dust mites inhabit the deepest fibres of the carpet and vacuuming just cannot remove that. Steam Carpet cleaning removes even the deepest of dirt and stains from the bottom fibres of the carpet. This not only improves the overall look of the carpets, it also will improve the feel and smell of the carpet fibres, bringing some bounce back to the carpet. It is important to ensure that as much dirt is removed as often as possible to minimise the risks of mould and smelly odors building up. The removal of dust, dust mites, dirt can also eliminate any allergies that are occurring especially if the property has pets present. Removal of any stray pet hairs and worst case fleas will ensure maximum health benefits for your family/ residents. So Steam Carpet Cleaning has its health benefits as well as the clean looking fresh smelling benefits on the surface. This is why receiving a professional Steam Carpet Clean at least once a year is so important for the carpeted life expectancy and the tenants.

Professional Carpet Cleaning, How much is reasonable? 

How to price your Carpet Cleaning. 

1. Price per square a metre

Each carpet cleaning company will price their work in different ways, some may price their work by room, some might price it by time taken to clean the area. However the most commonly used way to price up jobs is by measurement. Charging by the square meter. This way we will take the measurements of the area that is in need of a clean and we will times it by the price we charge per square meter. There are some jobs that we may adjust the pricing accordingly, for example if the area needing to be cleaned is a high traffic area it may require a deeper clean with a more intense stain removal treatment. Other factors we may also consider is how heavily furnished the room is, obviously moving an abundance of furniture may increase the pricing slightly as the clean will take considerably longer so a small charge may be added. Don’t worry we would discuss this with you before we start the cleaning process to ensure that you’re happy with any additional charges and give you a final cost so there are no surprises at the end.

2. Price per hour/day

Another way to price a job is Hourly Rates, This method for charge can be fairer for the technician themself, for example if they have a bigger job that is going to take them a whole day they might choose to charge hourly so they can ensure to make to amount they want for a whole day of cleaning even though it is at one job. This method could also be beneficial for the customer because they could book a technician for a set amount of time even just for one room. This will ensure that a thorough job is complete in the area required without the worry of running out of time if cleaning multiple rooms. An experienced Carpet Technician should be able to estimate how much time would be needed just by assessing the area visually. 

3. Price per room

Lastly and another very commonly used method is charging a set amount per room, this method is usually easiest for customers to navigate if booking online, they can list all the prices on the website and customers can total up themselves before calling or making contact to book. This allows customers to shop around multiple cleaning companies before contacting one they decide to use. This is however a tricky method to use as you are pricing a room before seeing it. This means that the carpet could be in awful condition which would require a much more in depth clean that would take a longer time to complete, whereas a lightly used carpet could only take 15-30 mins to clean.. This can sometimes result in some conflict between Carpet Technician and Customer as some customers have unfair expectations that are not possible to complete at a lower price range. 

So what is a fair price for a Professional Carpet Cleaning Company to charge? 

Obviously there is no right or wrong answer here however there is a sweet spot when it comes to pricing to ensure that your services are affordable to as many people as possible. We would say that for Regular domestic Carpet Cleaning using the most common charging method (charged by the square meter) that approximately £4/£5 per square meter is an affordable price for most. This will usually get you an average min price of £70. This is just for a regular cleaning of the area; this wouldn’t include any stain protection for the future. As a example on Upholstery lets say a Sofa and Armchair would take you around 1.5 Hours this would amount to £85/£90 for a Steam clean (without stain protection) 

I would say from experience a newly qualified Carpet Technician should be earning approximately £250 per day, however this might not be the case everyday. Some days will be slower than others so what you do to earn out cleaning needs to cover for the days when you have no jobs booked. Don’t forget even though you’re not out cleaning carpets some days you will still be working completing paperwork and spending time in the office replying to customers’ quotes, booking new jobs and improving your webpage or socials for the company. These figures are based on a new Carpet Technician, there are many Fully qualified Experienced Carpet cleaners that would charge a lot more, but remember they have built up a trust with customers over time and may be very well known for the areas they cover thus being able to charge a little more because customers know what they are getting. Once you have built up a good name for yourself you may need to re look at the prices you charge. 

Types of Customers and what to look out for. 

Let’s talk about customers, there are usually at least 3-4 different types of customers.

1. Value shoppers

First you have your Value for money customers. Value for money customers are usually willing to pay more than average for the carpets to be cleaned, however they tend to be more interested in the quality of service they are receiving. These types of customers need to be shown why you’re the best option for cleaning their carpets. You need to sell your services to them, tell them you have the best of the best cleaning equipment, show them your 5 star reviews and explain in detail the method and process of your cleaning. You will need to win them over on this before they are satisfied with their choice. These customers usually have the more expensive types of carpet, wool and natural fibre carpets that require much greater care when cleaning. They will want to know what training the carpet technicians have received and may even ask for proof of this. They would rather pay more money for a reputable cleaning company, one that has been recommended by friends and family in the same nature. They are actually more likely to be put off choosing you if your prices are too low as this may make them believe that your equipment and service is cheap. 

2. Price shoppers

Customer number 2, the Bargain Hunters. These types of customers look for the best price available. They look for the cheapest available price for the most amount of service. These types of customers may be easy to grab the attention of but they are actually the hardest customers to please, sometimes complaining about the service in any way possible later to try to get discounts or refunds even though the cleaning service was already priced cheaply. This makes carpet cleaning hard to earn a living from as you might not cover the price of materials ,travel and equipment if you go too cheap. Don’t forget  there will always be someone cheaper than you and this means it’s hard to find loyal customers that will stick with you when targeting this type of customer. They will likely look for someone even cheaper the next time they need a carpet cleaning service. 

We suggest going for a higher price and a loyal customer that is likely to use you over and over again. If you start off with cheaper prices then decide to up the price. Ask yourself are your customers going to stay and pay a slightly raised price for your amazing service or are they going to just look for the next cheapest company? 

3. Premium shoppers

Finally customer number 3, The premium customers, these are the customers that just want the best service possible no matter the cost, they are actually more likely if given the option of a £100 price or a £200 price they will actually go for the higher price just to ensure the better service, They are all about just getting the job done right the first time. They will have almost always heard about your company from a  trusted relative or business and because they have that trust with those people they will automatically trust that you’re the best of the best and cost will not make a difference. These are the types of customers you want to impress because they are the ones that will take the time to leave the amazing reviews and spread a good word about you if you satisfy them with the cleaning service. They are however also the ones that will not hesitate to leave an honest review good or bad so be sure to provide your best work when booking these types of customers. 

No matter the customer you have to ensure that your prices are in that sweet spot that will draw in the premium customers and even change the minds of some value for money customers, once they experience your work and have been amazed by the results they will want to come back to you. 

Carpet Cleaning Packages and how to appeal to each customer type. 

So how do you appeal to every type of customer? Well you can offer multiple cleaning packages, just like when you book a hotel or a break away the accommodation comes in a range of packages, standard and premium. You can use the same types of packages with cleaning services. Different packages will draw in each type of customer without the worry of losing customers because your prices aren’t right for them or their service isn’t included enough. This way customers can add and remove some additional services allowing them to create a more tailored package suitable for their needs, for example standard would be your standard Steam cleaning, but you could then add Drying to the package or Stain protection options this would push that up to maybe a premium package because your offering the cleaning, stain protection for after the clean and a quicker drying time.

Some package ideas for you would be:

Standard package: Standard steam hot water carpet cleaning. 

• Using the most common carpet steam cleaning method. 
• Use a powerful carpet cleaning shampoo.
• Lemon scent shampoo 
• Good cleaning result
• Package includes vacuuming before steam cleaning, left to dry naturally (time dependent on room ventilation conditions)

Ideally you want this package to be minimal so that it isn’t chosen so much, this is the bare minimum for a carpet cleaning package, offering good results. 

Premium Package: Premium Steam Clean Hot water Carpet Cleaning. 

• Using the most common carpet steam cleaning method
• Use a Premium Grade carpet cleaning shampoo
• Choice of Scent (subject to availability)
• Great cleaning results
• Package included vacuuming before steam cleaning
• Quick dry drying machines (drying in a few hours) 

This package has everything the first package has and extras, this makes this package more desirable and therefore more customers are likely to go for the higher priced package. This package offers excellent results. 

Offering different package options makes the customers feel they are in control with their budget of spending and also opens up affordability for a wider variety of customers. 

Starting up your Carpet Cleaning Journey. 

So if your thinking of starting up your own carpet cleaning service our top tips are:

• Get trained up and receive the relevant certificates to prove you’ve put in the hard work. 
• Acquire a top of the range Carpet Cleaning machine (you wont regret it later)
• Start building Cleaning packages that are affordable for all types of customers. 
• Find a reliable source for professional cleaning products and equipment. 

Dedication, perseverance and patience is a must have when starting out. It takes time but will be worth it in the end. Get your quote today.

Professional Carpet Cleaning

Carpets are often prone to spillages, dirt, wear and tear, and even damage so we recommend that as well as regular vacuuming yourself with the highest quality vacuum cleaner possible, it is great to get a professional carpet clean every one to two years. There are two main methods that professionals use to clean carpets – dry cleaning and wet/steam cleaning. The method they choose usually depends on the material your carpet is made from. At Premium clean we have certified technicians who are trained to complete a special ‘burning’ test on a strand of your carpet or rug to determine which type of carpet you have as it is imperative that the correct methods, temperatures, and products are used on some types of carpet to ensure there is no damage or discolouration. Our qualified technicians complete this test by locating a loose strand of fabric or cutting a small piece off of an inconspicuous place, and then setting fire to, or burning that piece of material. They will then assess the smell of the smoke and the way the fabric feels after burning and from that, will be able to ascertain if your carpet is made from natural or synthetic materials. Although setting fire to a strand from your carpet may sound a little worrying, don’t worry, all of our technicians have qualified in training courses for this, and they are always fully insured. So once they know which type of carpet they are working with, they will advise you of whether dry or steam cleaning would be best and then they can choose the correct machinery and products. Here we will look at both types of carpet cleaning, stains removal and carpet repair.

Wet / Steam Cleaning for Carpets

Steam cleaning will provide the most thorough clean for your carpet and usually leaves outstanding results. After a steam clean, you will not believe the colour of your carpet and you will finally remember what it used to look and feel like when it was brand new. We recommend the steam cleaning method for most types of carpet (with just a few exceptions) but still have to treat different fibres with different machines, temperatures and products. It is very important the correct machines, temperatures and products are used on your carpet to avoid any damage or discolouration – especially on carpets such as cotton and wool, which are delicate and gentle. On those types of carpet we will use a maximum of a pH8. Here at premium clean, our technician will choose which products etc, will work best for your carpet and begin the clean with a thorough hoover of the carpet to lift any initial dust or dirt sitting on top of the carpet. We use a professional SEBO Automatic X 7 ePower 91591GB Upright Vacuum Cleaner which we believe is the best on the market. We then use a pre-spray which we brush into the carpet using a machine which will lift and treat any stains, and after that is when we use our hot water extraction machines installed with heating elements, meaning they can clean with temperatures between 0 and 120 degrees. We only use professional products and machines that are Eco Friendly and totally safe for children, pets and allergy sufferers. The largest machine we use for domestic cleaning is the Prochem Steempro Powermax, this is a high power steam cleaner and we usually use this when cleaning an office or many carpets in a large house. The next machine we have, which is used for smaller areas, is the Prochem Galaxy steam cleaner which is smaller but almost as powerful. We also use a special spots and stains remover machine which is called the Prochem Bravo which is used specifically for targeting hard to remove stains. Most of our machines stay outside, even in bad weather – they have special waterproof protectors, so it is just the hoses and products that will be bought in.

After the correct machines and products have been used on your carpet, the carpets can take between 2 and 24 hours to dry, dependent the material of your carpet (synthetic carpets will dry more quickly that natural ones) and what condition the carpet was initially in (a carpet in great condition will usually dry within 4 hours). To speed up the drying time, we can provide specific turbo heaters which will dry the carpets within 30 minutes.  Customers can walk on the carpets during the drying process, but they become slippery and we would recommend wearing plastic overshoes, which we can provide and we can also provide plastic protectors so that your furniture can go back onto the carpet immediately after the clean. If you will need help with moving your furniture, please mention this at the time of booking. Depending on the type of carpet you have, it can smell during the cleaning process but as soon as the carpet is dry, the smell will disappear and we can also use deodorisers at the request of the customer. 

Dry Cleaning for Carpets

Dry cleaning is usually best for some natural carpets such as viscose and sisal but some customers will opt for dry cleaning over wet cleaning purely because of the drying time, which is instant because the powder we use to clean the carpet with, is dry.  The dry cleaning method tends to be less effective than steam cleaning but will still provide your carpet an excellent uplift if you do not wish for your carpet to get wet. When using the dry cleaning method for cleaning a carpet, we apply a unique powder by hand and then we use one of special machines that brushes and imbeds the powder into the carpet which is then left on for roughly half an hour. It cleans the carpet by drawing out the dirt and grime and treats the carpet. Our professional SEBO vacuum cleaners are then used to remove the powder, containing the muck, from the carpet and the carpet will look instantly cleaner and brighter. As mentioned above, there is no drying time, so the furniture can instantly go back and they can be walked on immediately.

Carpet Stains Removal

There are many things that can stain a carpet, but thankfully here at Premium Clean we are experts in removing stains even the toughest. We highly recommend that you do not use any shop bought products to remove stains yourself, as this is one of the most common causes of carpet discolouration that we come across, but you can try to avoid calling out a professional by seeing to any spillages that happen immediately, as the longer the stain is left on the carpet, the harder it will become to remove. We would advise you to use kitchen roll to dab up as much excess fluid as possible. Take your time with this, it can be a long process, but it is a worthy investment of your time. Never scrub the area as this can cause the liquid to seep deeper into the carpet. Once you are satisfied that you have soaked up as much as possible, rinse the area with a little clean, warm water, and repeat the process of soaking up with the kitchen towel again. You may need to do this again depending on the spillage – obviously red wine will take a lot more effort than a spillage of squash. After the carpet has been left to dry, vacuum the area thoroughly. If you follow this procedure carefully, hopefully you will be left with no visible stain, but if you are, please free to call us out to get rid of the stain for you, using our professional technicians, machinery and products. If your carpet has not had a steam clean in the last year, we will usually recommend that you choose the full carpet clean even if your main objective is just to remove stains. This is because the stained area will come very clean and then could appear a different colour to the rest of your carpet, which half defeats the object of removing the stain in the first place.

Carpet Repairing Service

We also offer two carpet repairing services here at Premium Clean for stains or damage that are uncleanable – The colour carpet repair (this is for discoloured carpets that are not damaged or worn) and the full carpet repair (This is essentially a replacement section of carpet for a piece of carpet when there are missing or damaged fibres).  We are able to repair any carpet and the original stain or damage will not be at all visible. Carpet discoloration can be caused by many things such as spillages of bleach, general wear and tear, shop bought carpet cleaning products or sun damage. In the case of one of these discolorations, our technicians will use their skills they have learned in months of training, to dye the carpet an exact match to the original carpet colour.  The full carpet clean may be required in the case of tearing, burning (hair straighteners tend to be the top culprit for this, but we also see a lot of damage from irons and plug in heaters) or again, general wear and tear. For this process, our technician will locate an exact match of fabric, colour match, cut out the damaged carpet and then cut the new piece of carpet to fit precisely in the space. It is then glued in and heated to ensure it stays down and merges together. 

We understand that picking the right carpet for your home or office is important and we hope you have enjoyed reading all this information and have learned enough to make the best, informed choice for you. Remember to consider the room your carpet will be going in and if it will be in a high or low traffic area and also how prone your carpet will be to spillages, stains and damage. If your carpet type is not listed here or you wish for additional advice or information, then please feel free to give us a call here at Premium Clean, and our friendly team will be more than happy to advise you on any aspect of carpeting, or we can get booked in for carpet clean at your earliest convenience with our trained and qualified technicians.

Semi Synthetic

These carpets are made from a mixture of natural and man-made materials so can share some of the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Viscose Fabric

Viscose is another type of very soft fabric and it comes from pulp from trees such as the pine, beech and eucalyptus trees, or the bamboo plant. It is mainly used for making clothing and accessories but is also used in the manufacture of memory foam and for making rugs and carpets. Because pure natural viscose is extremely sensitive to water damage and losing it’s shape, when it being used to make carpets, it is often combined with other materials using an artificial method, which involves chemicals, making most viscose carpets semi-synthetic. They often have a silky look but can feel quite like cotton and these carpets have become very popular due to their remarkable appearance and are often woven into stunning patterns, shapes, drawings and even works of art – if you ever see a carpet or rug hanging on a wall, it is likely to have been made with at least part viscose. The main fabrics that viscose is mixed with are silk, cotton and wool and each give the viscose mixed carpet or rug a different vibe. Mixed with silk it becomes luxury and expensive, with cotton it is made into nice thick carpets which retain heat, and wool provides an extra comfort factor when combined with viscose. Each of these combinations of fabrics provide a long lasting carpet if looked after correctly. Any spillages on a viscose carpet or rug would need to be soaked up immediately or they could become long lasting stains, and it is not recommended to attempt to clean a viscose carpet without the help of a professional. When we are called to clean a viscose carpet here at Premium Clean, we prefer to use the dry cleaning method, but if we must steam clean then we always use our turbo dyers to dry the carpets quickly or they can dry with unevenly with patches on them. Viscose contains no allergens and is particularly great for allergy sufferers and children.

Rayon Fabric

Rayon is also considered to be a semi-synthetic fibre and on the surface, can appear very similar to viscose but there are some subtle differences. They come from same origin – Rayon is made from purified cellulose fibres, also from tree pulp but chemicals are used to make it into the Rayon we use for carpets, rugs, upholstery and clothing that we use today. Rayon was first invented in the 1800s but became less and less commonly used due to all the new types of synthetic carpets that were coming out. In recent years it has seen a big rise in popularity and it is known for being very similar to cotton and has even been called ‘synthetic cotton’ in the past, until it was given the name of Rayon in the 1920s. Rayon is an absorbent fibre and is known for taking to dye very well, which means they comes in a range of fabulous colours, but absorbent fibres also absorb more of spillages so this is something to be careful of with. Rayon carpets must be well looked after, including regular vacuuming and annual dry cleaning or they can be prone to mould and mildew. The fibres also tend to shrink when they are wet so best to try and avoid any spillages or steam cleaning the carpet in London without the help of a professional.

Synthetic Carpets

This carpets made with manmade materials.

Nylon Fabric

Nylon was invented in 1935 and was most commonly used for ladies stocking then but has since been found to be suitable for many more things and it has become the most common man-made fibre that there is. It has superb strength and is highly resilient and durable which means it does brilliantly for a carpet in high traffic areas, holding its original form because even when it is walked over thousands and thousands of times or compressed down by heavy furniture, the fibres bounce back to their original shape. It also means that the carpet should last a long time so it would be a good choice for a investment that will last. Nylon carpets need regular vacuuming to prevent any dirt becoming embedded deep into the carpet and a steam clean (which they usually respond very well to) once a year or so. They are generally a child friendly carpet but they can, however, be stained by grease and oil so be careful not to spill any of these substances on a Nylon carpet. Nylon carpets tend to be more expensive than other types of synthetic carpets but if you are willing to compromise on quality, you can find less expensive ones. They are not as soft but they come in a huge range of colours, patterns, styles and quality which makes them extremely popular. Unfortunately, they do also generate static electricity by walking on them with socks or shoes on and the static electricity then transfers to other nearby materials and can cause static hair or even the occasional static shock. These are harmless, but an unexpected buzz is never nice. Another disadvantage of a nylon carpet is that is does not retain heat so will feel cold on your feet in the winter, whereas a natural carpet would feel warmer. 

Acrylic Fabric

Acrylic is another transparent thermoplastic that it is made from polymers of acrylic acid or acrylates. It is often used to make paint, false nails, and windows so you may be surprised to hear that it can also make fabrics that are used for clothing and carpets. Acrylic carpets actually have properties and an appearance close to wool carpets so you can often find the two mixed together.  They share some of the same advantages but do also have some major differences. Acrylic carpets have good strength and retain their shape quite well in their early life, although unfortunately, they do generally have a relatively low life span which on average can be around 5 or 6 years. They are hypoallergenic which means they will not cause any problems for allergy sufferers and they are considered safe for young children and pets and they are also resistant to mould and moisture which makes them even more safe. They can even be used in bathrooms due to their rare quality of mould and moisture resistance. Acrylic carpets are easily dyed so come in a wide range of colour and patterns which do not fade in sunlight, and they can also help to keep the heat in your house on a cold winter’s day. On the downside, acrylic is definitely not one of the most fire-resistant types of carpet unless it is specially treated at the time of manufacture, which we would always advise to double check before buying this type of carpet. They are also not stain resistant unless treated at the time of manufacture too so that is another thing to consider, as if spillages and stains are not looked after immediately they can end up being there forever due to the carpets high absorbency levels (which also means you are looking at a long drying time after a professional clean. Acrylic carpets usually come with a budget price tag due to their short life span and is used far more commonly for rugs than carpets but it can be a good inexpensive choice if you are not looking for a carpet that will last for years and years.

Polyester Fabric

Polyester is a popular choice for carpets and is also becoming a more common choice of material for upholstery too. One of the best things about polyester carpets are that they are (more often than not) made using from recycled materials! This makes them a good choice for anyone who is considering the environment, although they cannot normally be recycled after use, which is a shame, but they are definitely one of the more cheaper, eco-friendly options (Polyester does tend to be considerably less expensive than some other synthetic carpets).  Considering their low price tag they are often smooth and comfortable but are available in a wide range of qualities. They also come in many different patterns and colours so you will be able to choose something that is a perfect fit for your home. Polyester has natural stain resistance, which can also be enhanced at the time of manufacture using a chemical treatment. This means that spills are easily mopped up and they do not usually seep as deep into the carpet and cause long lasting stains, making polyester carpets a good choice for parents and pet owners. The main disadvantage of a polyester carpet is that they crush easily, so if furniture is placed on the carpet and moved a later date, the carpet is unlikely to spring back to its original form. They are also not as durable and long lasting as other carpets and are definitely less ideal for high traffic areas but may be a good, inexpensive option for a bedroom or study.

Types of Carpets

Until the 1950s carpets were most often made with cotton but nowadays, carpets can be made from numerous different types of material, so it can be overwhelming even thinking about getting new carpet! Thankfully, here at Premium Clean, we are experts on all the different types of carpets there are, from wearability to price to how to clean, and we have made this book for anyone who is thinking about purchasing a new carpet or wants to know more about their current carpet. First, we will look at the types of material carpets are made from. They can be natural carpets made from renewable materials, synthetic carpets made from manmade materials, or a mix of both. We will then take a look what the different options for the pile of the carpet are, and lastly, we will focus on the up keep up and cleaning of your carpets. If you would like to know any additional information, please feel free to call us at any time. Professional carpet cleaning in London service is available with our experienced technicians.

Natural Carpets – these are carpets made from natural materials without the use of any manmade chemicals.

Wool Fabric

Wool is one of the more well-known types of natural material and a lot of people are aware that wool is made to make clothing, blankets, rugs and carpets. Wool carpets are most often made from the strands of a sheep’s woolly coat, but also can be made from goats’ fur and even (although less common), rabbits fur. Carpets made from a natural material can often be more high maintenance than synthetic carpets, and this does include wool carpets, but wool carpets are a timeless, popular choice for many reasons.  They provide excellent insulation which helps to keep your home nice and warm (without putting or keeping the heating on), they are hypoallergenic, so they are good for people with allergies and asthma, and they are fire and dirt resistant. Wool carpets can be expensive in comparison to some other types of carpets but if a wool carpet is well looked after and cleaned often, it will last a very long time so they can be well worth the extra pennies. If a wool carpet is not looked after properly, they can be prone to shedding which can become troublesome and cause the carpet to get thin and look worn. Wool carpets are very absorbent which means they do unfortunately absorb spillages quickly and can therefore be more prone to stains. They will also take longer than the average carpet to dry after a steam clean, we usually advise 8 to 24 hours, depending on the condition of the carpet before the clean – a cleaner carpet will dry more quickly. The plus side of being a very absorbent carpet is that they are a natural humidifier which means they will help your house to stay cooler on hot days as well as warmer on hot summer days. Unfortunately, a wool carpet can sometimes attract insects who will mistake the carpet for a live mammal, but thankfully infestations are unlikely as long the carpet is regularly vacuumed.

Sisal Fabric

Sisal is another type of natural, organic carpet. They are made from long, strong, tough fibres from a desert plant with spiky leaves called the agave sisalana plant which is native to hot countries such as America, Africa, and the Caribbean. The fibres are often woven into carpets and rugs, but Sisal is used to make a number of other things too such as bags and ropes. It is arguably one of the most durable types of natural carpet there are due to its rugged fibres and is a great option if you are looking for a low maintenance carpet as regular vacuuming will keep the carpet in good condition. Sisal is respected for its quality look and characteristic tan, beige and off-white shades (which it inherits from the plant it comes from). It is popular in its original colours as it will go with almost any interior decoration, but it can also be dyed or woven into stunning patterns. Some other advantages of a Sisal carpet are that they are non-toxic (which is great for anyone but particularly for allergy sufferers, people with eczema or asthma and children) they are also biodegradable, which is better for our planet, non-static and not highly flammable. However, Sisal is not the softest most luxurious type of carpet and can often feel quite rough underfoot and therefore not the best for overall comfort. They are super absorbent, which means they absorb spills quickly, are prone to water markings and take longer to dry after cleaning. Some manufacturers of Sisal carpet advise for the carpet to be treated with a polymer protector to shield it from stains, but if you do that, then you are conceding some of the carpets highest attributes as you would no longer have a fully natural carpet. The sisal on the stairs carpet cleaning service is a very common carpet to be used.

Jute Fabric

Jute also comes from a plant – the Corchorus plant, which flowers and grows in the wet, monsoon climates of countries such as Bangladesh and India. However, this time, it is made with the stalks of the plant instead of the leaves, using a unique weaving process which leaves you with of the smoothest natural fibres you will come across. Jute carpets have an extremely soft texture and are feel luxurious to walk on bare foot, with the little knots almost kneading your feet. You may think this would mean that they come with an expensive price tag, but Jute is actually one of cheaper types of natural carpet as the plant it comes from grows in abundance. It is exceptionally eco-friendly and also fully biodegradable so another great choice of carpet when keeping the environment in mind. Jute is best used for low traffic areas, such as bedrooms, because they are not hardwearing in comparison to other carpet types and raw Jute does not accept dye as well as some other types of carpet so tends to come in more neutral colours. Try to prevent getting a jute carpet wet, as much as possible, as water can release the natural oils from the carpet which can stain the carpet a brownish colour and if drenched, they are also susceptible to mould and mildew which can, unfortunately, destroy the carpet very quickly. You must also avoid scrubbing a jute rug or carpet as this can often cause irreparable damage and they are also prone to sun damage so they may not be the best choice if they are situated next to patio doors, where the sun comes through.

Cotton Fabric

As mentioned above, most carpets were made with cotton until the middle of last century. Cotton is an essential, almost silky fibre that is used for many different things, including almost every type of clothing, bedding, curtains, and of course, carpets. It grows in a case around the seeds of the cotton plant, which belongs to the mallow family, and is really quite astonishing to look at with its fluffy cotton wool ball type flowers. It is made into the fabric we use by discarding the seeds and interweaving the fibres into lengths, then spinning the lengths into threads which can then be dyed or mixed with other materials and made into a luxury carpet. Most of the world’s cotton comes from countries such as India, China, and The United States. Cotton carpets are best used for low traffic areas as they can wear quickly, and cotton can actually shrink when it gets wet through cleaning or even humid weather. Unfortunately, they can also be a magnet for dust which means they need more regular vacuuming that most other types of carpets and any spillages must be dealt with immediately to prevent long lasting stains as it is also a carpet with an absorbent nature. However, having said all this, they are extremely soft and comfortable carpets which come in a range of different colours and looks. Cotton is more often used in rugs than carpets but we think a cotton carpet can be a good choice for a child and pet free home.

Velvet Fabric

A velvet or velour carpet can also be known as a plush pile carpet. They are tremendously soft to touch, and the fibres are cut to an exact and equal level and then densely packed together, so the carpet feels cushioned and luxurious on your feet. Velvet carpets are more common in bedrooms than living rooms and almost never chosen for the stairs, hall or landing or other high use area. This is because they wear easily, and the soft fabric can become rough over time they are not taken car of. They can also show all kinds of marks, such as vacuum marks or footprints and they are also not the easiest carpet to remove stains from so if you have a velvet carpet, you need to look after it exceptionally well – they are definitely a ‘no shoes’ kind of carpet. Velvet carpets usually come with a hefty price tag, but are well worth it, if you can afford one due to their unique look and feel. 

A lot of you don’t know how useful white vinegar can be around the house, it can be used for so many different things from cleaning the toilet and sink to counter tops and inside of electrical appliances. Due to it being very high in acidic properties it works as a brilliant antibacterial cleaner. It also has antiseptic ingredients meaning that it can also tackle and kill mould. But this is not what we are here to explain today, today we are focusing on how to clean your carpets using white vinegar.

How to clean your carpets using white vinegar

Removing carpet stains and odours from your carpets is made easier using white vinegar as a cleaner. As well as it being extremely easy to get hold of from most of your supermarkets and corner shops, being made of natural ingredients it is perfect to be used in households  with children, pets and allergy sufferers. So onto the carpet cleaning.

Whenever cleaning a carpet for the first time like with any products you should always complete a test patch first, this needs to be a patch of carpet that cannot be seen that you can test the cleaning process on to ensure that your carpet will not be damaged by the process. Usually inside of a cupboard or behind an item of furniture will be best suitable.

To complete the test, moisten a towel and dampen it with the white vinegar, apply directly to the carpet and let it sit there for a few minutes before blotting it up. Don’t rub it to remove it blot it.  After 24 hours have passed, return to the tested area and look for any colour change or fading and feel for any texture change between the tested area and an area that hasn’t been tested. 

Stain Removal

White vinegar is particularly useful at removing Fresh stains from your carpet fibres. These spills and stains can include food spills, pet urine and feces, or just your everyday muddy footprints. It’s always best to tend to the stain as quickly after it has been caused as possible. This is to ensure that the spillage does not have a chance to set into the deeper fibres of the carpet, the longer that a stain is left the more the stain has a chance to bond with the fibres making it considerably more difficult to remove. So please tend to it as quickly as possible. 

Any solid matter from the spill should be scooped up and any remaining liquid should be soaked up before the cleaning process is started, remember always blot any liquid up do not rub at it. This will cause the stained area to spread and you may end up with a bigger area to treat than to begin with. Always use colourless towels to clean the area, coloured towels could cause colour run and leave you with a stained carpet.

Once all the solid matter and liquid has been soaked up you can spray a 100% solution of white vinegar onto the stained area for a few minutes and then blot it up with a clean towel, repeat this process until the stain is no longer visible. Lastly, allow it to completely dry. You will be left with a strong odor of vinegar whilst the carpet is still wet, however once completely dry this should disappear. Due to the strong scent of the vinegar that will also eliminate any odors that may be present before the clean, leaving your carpet smelling fresh once the process is complete. 

Using this method is perfect for in-between deep cleans and for attacking spills quickly. It’s so simple that anyone can complete this cleaning process meaning that you don’t have to call a professional carpet cleaner every time something is spilled. White vinegar is alway a useful item to have stocked in your kitchen cupboard, for many reasons.