How to Prepare for Carpet Cleaning
Professional carpet cleaners are trained to work around furniture but it's best if you move as much of it as possible before they arrive. This will give them a better chance to do their job without worrying about knocking over china or porcelain knick-knacks that might fall off your coffee table and break.
Move Any Heavy Furniture
If you want to make sure that your carpets are getting a thorough cleaning, you'll need to move any heavy furniture. This will allow the cleaners to reach all areas of your carpet without having to struggle with furniture in the way.
You should also relocate any breakable items on tables or side-stands, such as glass figurines, china vases and porcelain knick-knacks. These can be easily knocked over during the carpet cleaning process, causing them to get wet and damaged.
It may seem like a pain to have to disassemble your furniture for the carpet cleaners, but it can help you avoid having to worry about them damaging your belongings. Plus, it will allow them to do their job faster and more effectively. This will mean that you'll be able to enjoy your clean carpets sooner! And who doesn't want that?
Remove Any Breakable Items
When you have children, the carpet is often riddled with toys, books, crafts projects and more. These should be removed from the area so that they don't get sucked into the vacuum cleaner or accidentally broken by a cleaning technician. While most professional carpet cleaners are insured and careful, it's always best to be proactive to make sure your items are safe.
This is especially true of your kids' rooms. Ensure that everything is cleared off the floors, especially under furniture, so that the carpets can be thoroughly cleaned.
Also, it's a good idea to remove any decorative items from the areas being cleaned. This includes photo frames, floor lamps and other delicate objects. Additionally, it's a good idea to dust all surfaces before the carpet cleaning professionals arrive. This will prevent dust from falling back onto the clean carpet and may help it to dry faster. It will also save you from re-dusting these spaces later.
Vacuum the Rugs
Vacuuming rugs regularly is the best way to keep them clean. Regular vacuuming removes large dirt particles and prevents them from getting locked in by moisture during cleaning. If you have a vacuum with an adjustable head height, use the highest setting to ensure that you are picking up all of the dirt.
If there are any spots on your carpets that you know can't be removed with water (like candy stuck in the carpet from a child's birthday party), pre-treat them before you begin shampooing. Choose a spot that's hidden and out of the way, and apply carpet stain remover or a mixture of one part white vinegar to three parts cold water. Make sure you test the spot on a small corner of your carpet to see if it is colorfast.
Ensure that you have plenty of ventilation during and after the carpet cleaning to avoid mold or mildew under your rugs. Open windows, and bring in fans and a dehumidifier if you have one to help the rugs and carpet dry thoroughly. Don't replace your furniture or walk on the carpets until they are completely dry–this can take 6 to 12 hours.
Protect Your Furniture
If you have furniture in the room that needs cleaning, it is a good idea to protect it from the water and chemicals used by carpet cleaners. This is especially important for expensive or antique pieces. If you have time, you can move the furniture to a different area. This will help the cleaners work more quickly and efficiently. Alternatively, you can use furniture coasters or place cardboard or blankets underneath your furniture to protect it from getting wet.
After the carpet is cleaned, you should wait at least 24 hours before putting your furniture back in the room. This gives the carpet time to dry completely before you walk on it. If you have to walk on the carpet before then, you should wear socks and remove your shoes.
You can also use high resilience foam to put under your furniture. This will protect your furniture from damage, and it is easy to reassemble when the carpet has dried.
Professional carpet cleaners are trained to work around furniture but it's best if you move as much of it as possible before they arrive. This will give them a better chance to do their job without worrying about knocking over china or porcelain knick-knacks that might fall off your coffee table and break. Move Any…