Carpets are an integral part of our homes and offices. They add value to our property and provide comfort to our feet. However, carpets also harbor bacteria and germs that can cause illness if left untreated.
If you want to keep your home clean and healthy, then you should regularly clean your carpets. Carpets require special care because they trap dirt and dust particles. These particles can get stuck between the fibers of the carpet and become a breeding ground for bacteria and germs.
To ensure that your carpets stay clean and germ-free, you need to use a professional carpet cleaner. The best way to clean your carpets is to hire a professional carpet cleaning company.
However, it’s also important to know how to sanitize your carpets yourself. Here we have listed some tips on how to sanitize carpet without steam at home.
How to Sanitize Carpet Without Steam
Things you’ll need:
- A bucket
- Some rags
- A scrub brush
- Liquid dish soap
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
1. Clear the area
All furniture must be removed from the carpet. Then, vacuum the entire carpet thoroughly to remove any dirt or other debris that may be lying around and could easily be vacuumed away. Vacuum in four different ways (top to bottom, front to back, left to right, etc.) and in really slow motions to make sure everything is cleaned out.
After vacuuming, sprinkle some baking soda on the floor and leave it there for a few minutes. Meanwhile, mix together the ingredients for the cleaning solution.
2. Mix the solution
Make a solution of equal parts of cold tap water, vinegar, and liquid dish soap in the bucket. Whip the mixture in a bucket until you get a foam-like consistency. These ingredients are well known for their disinfecting properties.
These are great for that purpose, but you need to test them on a small inconspicuous area first. If there is no discoloration or damage, you can proceed with the entire carpet. Usually, the delicate fabrics that don’t stand this cleaning treatment are those made from organic materials, such as wool or silk rugs, etc.
3. Gently scrub the carpet
It’s now time to use some elbow grease! Dip your scrub brush into the foam mixture and start gently scrubbing the carpet. Don’t saturate the brush with the liquid, we only want to make the carpet a little bit damp.
Work your way around the carpet starting from one corner and working your way to the other, re-saturating the brush when needed. When you’re done, let it sit for 5 minutes so the cleaning agents can do their job.
4. Rinse the carpet
Change your mixture to cold fresh tap water and then start rubbing the carpet with a rag to get rid of the dirt and bacteria that the cleaning solution picked up. Start again from one corner and work your way to another, re-saturating the rag or changing it for a clean one if needed.
5. Let it dry
If possible, try to clean your carpet when the weather is dry. You may want to use a fan to help speed up the drying process.
If you still have difficulty getting the carpet to dry fast, read our article on how to get carpets to dry faster.
6: Vacuum the carpet
When the carpet is dry, you simply vacuum the whole area to get rid of any residue and fluff it up to make it look new again. Now you’ve finished! Isn’t it incredible what you can do with items that you already have in the house?
How to Disinfect a Wool Carpet Without Steam
If you want to disinfect a wool carpet, you may need to use a different method than the one mentioned above.
The first step in cleaning your wool carpet or rug is to remove any pet hair and debris. Pet hair and debris can easily become embedded into the fibers of your carpet or rug. To do this, simply grab a lint roller and gently roll away any loose hairs. Make sure to work all-around your rug or carpet, including under the furniture legs.
When it comes to wool carpets, it is important not to saturate the carpet or rug. Therefore, you may want to opt for a “dry” carpet shampoo when cleaning your wool carpets. Sprinkle the dry carpet shampoo onto the carpet or rug and allow it to sit for the recommended amount of time. Then, simply vacuum it up.
How to Disinfect Carpet With Commerical Spray
Commercial carpet cleaning sprays come in different sizes and scents. They are designed to be sprayed directly onto the carpet, to kill bacteria and germs that can cause illness or disease. They are also safe for people with allergies.
Before spraying, remember to remove all furniture and items from the carpet. Then, most importantly, vacuum the carpet to remove any loose dirt or debris.
To disinfect a carpet, simply spray the solution onto the carpet and allow it to sit for the recommended amount of time. Once the time has passed and the carpet is dry, vacuum again to get rid of the dead germs.
Disinfecting Your Carpet With Snow
If you have never tried this before, you might be surprised at how easy it is to clean your carpet with snow. All you need is dry, powdery snow and a clean broom.
1. Take your carpet or rug outside and shake it well so the loose dirt and dust come off. Lay the carpet in the snow and put a good amount of powdery snow on the entire surface.
2. With the flat side of a clean broom, beat the snow all around the carpet. The trace amounts of ammonia in the snow will cause any dirt or grimes to become frozen and fall off the carpet.
3. Allow the snow to sit on the carpet for a bit. Then, flip the carpet over and repeat on the other side.
4. Before bringing the carpet inside, shake off the snow and then beat the carpet with a broomstick. The carpet will be damp but should dry within an hour or so. Carpets do smell nice after this kind of cleaning.
Get Professional Help
Sometimes the best solution to disinfect your carpet is to have your carpet professionally cleaned. Carpet cleaners come equipped with everything they require to complete the job – high-quality detergents, professional equipment and experience.
You can rest assured that your carpet will be left clean and looking great after being professionally cleaned.
Professionals recommend that you get your carpet professionally cleaned at least twice per year.
How to Keep Germs off Carpet
There are many ways to keep germs off the carpet. One way is to vacuum regularly. This keeps the carpet clean and also helps remove dust mites and other allergens that can cause health problems. Another way to keep germs off your carpet is by keeping the area around the house clean. If there is clutter or dirt in the area, it could be a breeding ground for bacteria and viruses.
It goes without saying that to have a germ-free carpet, you need to remove your shoes before stepping on it. Walking on the carpet with dirty shoes or feet is a sure way of introducing germs into the fibers of the carpet.
FAQ’s
Does vinegar kill germs on carpet?
Yes! Vinegar is an effective disinfectant. It can be used in place of bleach.
Vinegar has a pH level between 2 and 3, which means it’s acidic enough to kill bacteria but not so strong that it will damage the fibers or cause discoloration.
Mix up some solution with equal parts warm water and vinegar before spraying on the carpet. Be careful not to over saturate the area as too much moisture will cause mold growth.
Read also:
Do’s and Don’ts of Cleaning Carpet with Vinegar
Does baking soda kill bacteria in carpet?
Yes! Baking soda is an effective disinfectant for carpets besides also removing stains and odors from the carpet. However, baking soda alone won’t be able to remove all of the dirt and grime.
To clean a carpet effectively, use a solution of equal parts of vinegar and water mixed together. The mixture should be applied to the carpet using a spray bottle. Then, sprinkle baking soda on top of the solution. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes, then vacuum up the baking soda.
Read also:
Quick Tips for Cleaning Carpet with Baking Soda and Vinegar
