How to easily clean carpets and rugs — and how often to do it

Learn how to remove dirt and stains from carpets and rugs using these expert tips and tricks.
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.

Dirt and stains left untreated will permanently harm your flooring. These carpet cleaning strategies will protect your carpets while also making your home look cleaner.

A filthy carpet may make your entire house look chaotic because it is the largest surface in the house. To make matters worse, every time someone walks across a soiled floor, dust is kicked up into the air and settles on your furniture.

The good news is that you don't need to vacuum your carpets every day to keep them looking nice. Following these guidelines will keep the bulk of dirt out of your home, safeguarding your flooring, furniture, and indoor air.

Vacuum

The best way to keep a carpet clean is to vacuum it s-l-o-w-l-y, back and forth in repetitive strokes. How slowly? Carter says it should take about 15-20 minutes to properly vacuum a 300-square-foot room. Doing so removes 83 percent of the dry soil in the carpet. In the average household, vacuuming should be done at least twice a week.

Professional cleaning

Now here’s a surprising bit of advice. 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. 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. Also, it removes most of the moisture, so carpets dry fast. (Always check with your carpet manufacturer before cleaning.)

DIY steam cleaners

Sure as the sun rises, there will be times when your carpet needs an emergency cleaning. For larger messes, a DIY steam cleaner works, but do not use the cleaning solution that comes with the steam cleaner to shampoo carpets, cautions Carter. This leaves 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 a DIY 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 the remaining stain with a steam cleaner or with the water/drop of Dawn solution and a cloth. Blot dry.

For this How to Clean Carpet Project, you'll need the following materials.

Prepare all of your materials for this how-to-clean carpet project ahead of time to avoid last-minute shopping trips. Here's a list of them.

Soap for cleaning carpets
Mats for both indoor and outdoor use
Towels made of paper
Cleaners for spot treatment
Filters for vacuums