Good tips for do-it-yourself (DIY) carpet cleaning typically address ways to make the cleaning process easier and more efficient. Many also focus on avoiding damage to one's carpets. The best tips are often those that cover choosing carpet cleaners and preparing the area one will clean. Stain removal tips may prove helpful as well. Additionally, a person might benefit from tips that involve testing cleaning solutions before using them on large areas.
Research is often a good first step when a person is preparing for DIY carpet cleaning. As such, many of the best tips focus on considering the type of carpet a person has and his specific cleaning needs, and then determining which type of cleaner will be best for the job. An individual can rent or buy carpet cleaners, but they aren't all created equal in terms of the level of cleaning power provided, efficiency of water removal, or the difficulty of using the machine. Likewise, some may prove more difficult to use when it comes to cleaning in corners and on stairs. As such, searching for online reviews and comparisons may prove helpful.
Some of the best tips for DIY carpet cleaning may also involve preparation for cleaning. An individual will usually have to move all of his furniture out of the way prior to cleaning to ensure that he can thoroughly and efficiently clean his carpets. Many tips also recommend vacuuming carpets before running a cleaner over them. This removes debris and loose dirt, which helps ensure that the carpet cleaning job will prove as efficient and effective as possible.
Stains can present a problem when the time comes for DIY carpet cleaning. Even a powerful carpet cleaning machine and an effective cleaning solution won't always do a good job of getting rid of stains. Pre-treating stains with a reliable carpet stain solution can help ensure that carpets aren't left with any unsightly spots. It is important, however, for a person to make sure the product he chooses is safe for the type of carpet he has and won't damage it. A person can also use online reviews to select a stain remover that has worked well for other consumers.
Since it can prove difficult to determine in advance whether a DIY carpet cleaning solution will clean a carpet without damaging it, testing a small area first generally is a good idea. An individual can clean a small part of his carpet — usually an out-of-the-way area or a space normally covered by furniture — with the solution and let it dry to make sure no damage occurs. This way, if the solution does stain the carpet, it is easier to hide it from view and the entire carpet isn't ruined.
