Introduction
Carpets can quickly accumulate dirt, dust, stains, and allergens, especially when used outdoors or in high-traffic indoor areas. Proper cleaning is essential for maintaining the appearance and longevity of indoor/outdoor carpets. With the right techniques and cleaning solutions, you can keep your carpets looking fresh and extending their life.
Here is a comprehensive guide on how to effectively clean indoor/outdoor carpets.
Regular Vacuuming
Vacuuming frequently is one of the best ways to keep indoor/outdoor carpets clean. Ideally, you should vacuum at least once a week. This will help remove loose dirt, dust, debris, and other particles that get embedded in the fibers.
Use a vacuum cleaner with a beater bar and strong suction designed for carpets. Adjust the height setting so the beater bar just lightly agitates the carpet pile as you vacuum. Slowly push the vacuum back and forth overlapping the strokes. Give extra attention to high traffic areas.
Vacuuming prevents dirt buildup which can degrade carpets over time. It also keeps allergens and pollutants under control.
Spot Cleaning
Inevitably stains will occur on indoor/outdoor carpeting from spills, mud, grease, food and more. It’s important to treat spots and stains as soon as possible before they have a chance to set in and become permanent.
Start by blotting liquid spills immediately with clean, absorbent white towels to soak up as much of the stain as possible. Do not rub vigorously as this can further grind the stain into the fibers.
For dirt or mud spots, let the debris dry fully then gently break up and vacuum away. For stubborn dried mud, lightly spritz with water to soften then blot with a towel.
There are also specialized spot carpet cleaners available. Spray a small amount directly on the stain, let sit briefly, then blot repeatedly with clean towels. Repeat application if needed. This will break up and lift many common stains without overly wetting the carpet.
Avoid using bleach or other harsh chemicals to spot clean carpets. Test stain removers first on an inconspicuous area before widely applying.
Deep Cleaning
While regular vacuuming and spot cleaning can keep carpets clean for awhile, eventually a deep clean will be required. How often you deep clean depends on the amount of foot traffic and exposure to elements. Typically, outdoor carpets and well-used indoor carpets will need a thorough cleaning every 6-12 months.
Deep cleaning is best performed by hot water extraction also known as steam cleaning. This method uses powerful equipment to inject heated cleaning solution deep into the carpet fibers and then extract it along with dirt back into the machine.
For DIY deep cleaning, use a rental cleaner from a home improvement store. Fill with the appropriate cleaning solution and hottest tap water allowed. Clean in small sections, fully saturating the area then making 2-3 extraction passes to remove the solution. Let carpets fully dry before using.
Another option is using a specialty cleaner formulated for outdoor carpets. Dilute as directed, apply over the entire carpet then scrub in with a stiff broom. Rinse thoroughly and allow to fully dry before walking on the carpet.
Professionally done hot water extraction is usually the most thorough method. Hire a reputable cleaner experienced with indoor/outdoor carpet. Discuss the appropriate cleaning method for your specific carpet material. After cleaning, don’t walk on the carpets until completely dry.
Sanitizing
Since carpets harbor dust, dirt, bacteria and allergens deep in the fibers, it’s a good idea to periodically sanitize them. This helps kill germs, odor causing bacteria and molds that vacuuming doesn’t remove.
- Baking soda is a gentle sanitizing carpet cleaner. Sprinkle liberally over carpets, let sit for awhile to absorb odors then vacuum up. The abrasive texture also helps loosen debris.
- White vinegar kills bacteria and fungi while removing residual odors. Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Lightly mist carpets then let fully dry. The vinegar smell dissipates as it dries.
- Hydrogen peroxide can be used to brighten carpets and remove organic stains. Lightly spritz on pure hydrogen peroxide. Let sit for 10-15 minutes before blotting up. Test for colorfastness first.
- Borax has natural antibacterial and odor removing abilities. Sprinkle borax powder over carpets, let sit 1-2 hours then vacuum up. Can also mix with water in a spray bottle to apply.
- Essential oils like tea tree, eucalyptus and peppermint have sanitizing properties. Add a few drops of oil to baking soda or diluted vinegar and shake into the carpet pile.
Protecting Against Future Stains
To make future cleaning easier, treat carpets with a stain-resistant coating. Use a spray-on treatment made for indoor/outdoor carpeting. Apply a thin even coating and let fully dry. This will allow future spills to bead up for quick wiping rather than absorb. Reapply coating every 6-12 months.
Also place mats at exterior doors and use runners on high traffic indoor carpeted areas. This helps collect dirt and moisture before reaching the carpet. Clean mats and runners frequently.
Rotate area rugs occasionally to even out wear patterns. Rearrange furniture periodically to avoid excessive wear in one spot.
When to Call the Pros
While regular cleaning can keep carpets looking their best, there are times to call in professional carpet cleaners:
- Heavy staining that require stronger treatments to remove
- Musty or sour odors indicating mold or mildew
- For annual deep cleaning maintenance
- If DIY efforts aren’t improving carpet appearance
- Large carpets or wall-to-wall carpeting in an entire home
- Before major events or gatherings
- Before replacing carpets to improve their condition
- Pet stains, vomit or urine odors that require enzyme treatments
Look for reputable professional cleaners experienced with both indoor and outdoor carpets. Discuss the most appropriate methods for deep cleaning and sanitizing based on your specific carpets. This will provide the deepest clean to keep carpets fresh and extend their lifespan.
Conclusion
Indoor and outdoor carpets require regular care and cleaning to maintain their appearance and durability over time. By following these techniques of frequent vacuuming, prompt spot cleaning, periodic deep cleaning and sanitizing, you can keep carpets looking like new and lasting for years of use. Pay attention to problem areas and stains quickly before they become permanent issues. With some elbow grease and the right cleaning solutions, you can restore and maintain clean, fresh carpets inside and out.