4 tips for deep cleaning your carpets

Carpets are a real treat underfoot and while they add a lovely cosy feel to a room, they certainly need more maintenance than hard floors. Whether you have awkward teenagers, pets or just a regular group of friends visiting, carpets are the first to bear the brunt of foot traffic through our homes.

Investing in a high performance hoover is a great way to keep up with daily dust and dirt, but a more thorough cleaning is needed to tackle stains, spills and embedded dirt. Baiyi recommends deep cleaning your carpets twice a year, or more frequently if you have pets or children.

Allergy sufferers will also benefit from a deep carpet cleaning. According to Allergy UK, vacuuming alone does not remove dust mites from carpets, which can trigger allergic reactions such as asthma and eczema.

What is the best way to clean your carpets yourself?

Invest in one of our top of the range carpet cleaners and use it every three to six months to give your carpets a thorough cleaning. Choose a good quality carpet shampoo that includes a stain inhibitor to help prevent future stains. Always allow the room to air out and let the carpet dry thoroughly before replacing the furniture.

If you don't have many carpets, or if you are short of space, hire a carpet cleaning machine. Carpet doctors can be hired from many high street shops for around £25 a day.

How can I get rid of indentations in my carpet?

Anyone who likes to rearrange their furniture will be no stranger to the stubborn indentations left by heavy objects. To remove these indentations, simply place an ice cube on the affected area and allow it to melt slightly, the moisture will then restore the carpet pile.

How do I treat stains on my carpet?

Certain stains, such as chocolate and mud, should be treated after the stain has dried and you can pick out or vacuum up the dried residue. However, foods like ketchup, coffee, tea and red wine should be removed when wet. Spills should be handled with care - over-scrubbing may allow the spill to get further into the carpet fibres and make the stain worse. If you have a carpet cleaning machine, use it to lift the liquid straight up.

Please note that cleaning stains on old carpets on the spot may leave lighter spots, which means you will have to clean the entire carpet.

If you intend to use a carpet cleaner to treat the whole carpet, you may want to use a pre-treatment first on the heavily stained areas. This will help to transfer the stain from underneath and make it ready to be lifted by the carpet cleaner.

When should I call in a professional to clean my carpets?

If you have very expensive carpets or stains that cannot be transferred, it may be time to call in the professionals. The National Carpet Cleaning Association is the best place to find professionally trained and insured carpet cleaners in your area.