Are you cleaning your carpets enough (the right way)? Pros weigh in

Learn how to remove dirt and stains from carpets and rugs using these expert tips and tricks.
Do you know the correct way to vacuum?
Do you know the correct way to vacuum?Vivian Le/ TODAY
/ Source: TODAY
By Karen B. Gibbs and Hannah Baker

Dirty carpets not only look bad, they’re also loaded with pollutants and grime. These dirt particles act like sandpaper, breaking down carpet fibers every time you walk on them. That’s why it’s important to clean carpets regularly.

We asked Dean Carter, owner of Carter’s Carpet Restoration, as well as Steve Leasure, vice president of operations at Rainbow Restoration, and Marla Mock, president of Molly Maid, to share some of their carpet-cleaning savvy with us.

How often should you clean your carpet?

Carpet manufacturers typically recommend deep cleaning carpets every 12 to 18 months, says Mock. "Hot water extraction is the most common method used. You can hire a professional, or you can purchase or rent a cleaner from your local home improvement store to DIY."

She also advises vacuuming your carpets and rugs at least twice a week, using slow, repetitive strokes. "On average, it takes about 15 minutes to clean 300 square feet of carpet," she adds.

What should you use to clean carpets?

Mock explains that hot water extraction is the most effective method used. Steam cleaning penetrates deep into the carpet fibers to lift dirt and other pollutants. "If after you vacuum, or even before, you see spots on the carpet, spot treat with the appropriate product."

Other products the experts call out to effectively clean carpets include baking soda, hydrogen peroxide and white vinegar (to no one's surprise).

How to clean your carpets with baking soda

  1. Dampen the spot or area you are cleaning with lukewarm water.
  2. Blot up the spot or area with a paper towel.
  3. Sprinkle baking soda on the area you want to clean and let sit until dry.
  4. Vacuum up the baking soda.

Leasure says this method will safely and effectively remove and sanitize the stain. For deeper set stains, he also suggests treating the surface with a reputable carpet cleaning solution, if needed.

How to clean a carpet by hand

Baking soda can also be used to clean carpets by hand, according to Mock. "It's an excellent cleaning agent because its abrasive nature helps remove dirt and stains," she says.

She also calls out a few other household items that are good for tackling carpet stains: "Hydrogen peroxide is also effective, as it helps kill bacteria and mold. White vinegar is also great for eliminating odors and loosening food stains, and club soda after a spill also works well to lift stains from the carpet."

Here are the steps Mock recommends for cleaning carpets by hand:

  1. Make a baking soda and hydrogen peroxide solution by mixing one part baking soda with two parts hydrogen peroxide.
  2. Apply the solution to your carpet and blot it with a clean white towel (use one with no print or writing).
  3. Let the solution sit for 30 minutes before rinsing it with water.

How to clean carpet with at-home steam cleaners

Sure as the sun rises, there will be times when your carpet needs an emergency cleaning. For larger messes, an at-home steam cleaner works, but Carter cautions against using the cleaning solution that typically comes with it to shampoo carpets. He says this may leave behind a soapy residue that will attract dirt.

Instead, use water and, if you need a boost, a drop of dish detergent or even a bit of white vinegar when you steam clean. Carter also advises that you take care not to apply too much water when using an at-home steam cleaner. Water left in the carpet can cause mildew and odor.

If one of those “emergency” cleanings is due to muddy footprints, Carter offers a time-saving tip for your carpet steam clean: Allow mud to dry first, scrape dried mud off the carpet, then vacuum. Clean remaining stain with steam cleaner or with the water/drop of Dawn solution and a cloth. Blot dry.

Frequently asked questions

If you want to extend the life of your carpets, it is important to have the carpets cleaned by a professional at least once a year, Leasure advises.

According to Carter, most carpet manufacturers recommend the steam-cleaning method. This penetrates deep into the fibers and lifts out the dirt and the many pollutants we track in on our shoes. It also removes most of the moisture, so carpets dry fast. (Always check with your carpet manufacturer before cleaning.)

“Over time, even if you vacuum regularly, carpets become home to dander, dust mites, bacteria, pollen and other allergens,” explains Leasure. He says that the best way to thoroughly clean carpets is to have them professionally cleaned. (Professional carpet cleaning removes collective debris and helps sanitize the carpet.)

“The best way to deep clean and sanitize carpets is to use an industrial-grade agitating vacuum equipped with high-quality filters designed to remove allergens and particulates,” he says.

Preconditioning the carpet is important, along with agitation of the preconditioning solution. “Professional carpet cleaning usually involves a hot water extraction using truck-mounted equipment. Carpet grooming is used to restore the pile and overall appearance of the carpeting, followed by thorough drying,” adds Leasure.

How we chose

TODAY.com consulted cleaning and carpet experts about everything you need to know to clean your carpets efficiently. Based on their guidance, we found fan-favorite and tried-and-true products to help you get the job done.

Meet the experts

  • Dean Carter is the founder and owner of Carter's Carpet Restoration, a company based in California.
  • Steve Leasure is the vice president of operations at Rainbow Restoration.
  • Marla Mock is the president of Molly Maid, a professional home cleaning service.