How to Clean Tufted Carpet

Whether you're cleaning tufted wall-to-wall carpet or an area rug, keep a few simple things in mind. Since tufted carpet is longer and shaggier than short, woven carpet, it's easy for dirt to hide deep in the fibers. Fortunately, vacuuming the fibers lifts dirt and keeps your tufted carpet looking its best. If you regularly clean the carpet and treat stains, your carpet will look great for years.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Vacuuming the Carpet

1. Use a suction vacuum and turn off your vacuum's beater bar. The brush on a beater bar can twist or break the tufted fibers, so use a suction vacuum that doesn't brush the carpet. If you have a stand vacuum, you might have the option to turn the beater bar off. Look for a button or switch on the side or top of your vacuum that allows you to turn the bar off.^[1]
   
   • Some vacuums also let you adjust the level of suction. Set it to a low level so the vacuum doesn't pull hard on the fibers.
2. Avoid using a rotary brush nozzle attachment. If you need to spot clean a small area of tufted carpet, don't reach for the rotary brush nozzle attachment on your vacuum. The small brush attachment can tangle and damage the fibers of the carpet.^[2]
   
   • It's better to simply use your vacuum to clean a small area of tufted carpet.
3. Run the vacuum over the tufted carpet 3 to 5 times. It's easy to rush when you're vacuuming, but take the time to pass over the same area of tufted carpet 3 to 5 times. Vacuuming slowly sucks up the most dust, dirt, and hair. Work from left to right in straight lines that overlap to ensure that you don't miss a spot.
   
   • Check the vacuum hose occasionally so you can clean out clogs that prevent your vacuum from working efficiently.
4. Vacuum your carpet or rug at least once a week. Vacuuming is one of the most effective ways to clean your tufted carpet, especially if you make it part of your weekly cleaning routine.^[3] If your tufted carpet is in an area that doesn't get a lot of use, vacuum it once a week. If it gets light use, vacuum every 2 to 3 days.^[4]
   
   • You won't damage your tufted carpet if you vacuum it every day. If the carpet or rug is in a high-traffic area that frequently gets dirty, vacuuming daily helps to maintain the fibers.
5. Lay down an entrance mat to protect the tufted carpet in your entryway. Prevent people from tracking dirt onto the tufted carpet by placing a walk-off mat in your entryway. Remember to vacuum the mat every few days so it continues to protect your carpet.^[5]
   
   • You can also lay mats in high-traffic areas of your home to extend the life of your tufted carpet.

[Edit]Removing Stains

1. Work on the stain right away so it doesn't set. Most stains are harder to remove if they dry and set into the fibers. As soon as you notice the stain or spill, get out cleaning supplies and start lifting the stain.^[6]
   
   • If the stain is dry, spray hot soapy water onto it and blot the tufted carpet to lift the stain.
2. Dab a cloth on the stain to soak up liquid. If you've spilled wine, coffee, soda, or another staining liquid, immediately lay a clean, dry cloth on the carpet. Press firmly onto it so it absorbs the liquid and stops soaking into the carpet.^[7]
   
   • Use a clean cloth so you don't put dirt or bacteria onto the stain.
3. Spray diluted vinegar on water-soluble stains like juice, dirt, or mud. Fill a spray bottle with of white vinegar and of water. Shake the solution and spray the stain until the carpet is damp. Then, blot the stain with a clean, dry cloth.^[8]
   
   • You won't use all of the diluted vinegar solution, so save it for another cleaning project.
4. Spread soapy water on dark stains like coffee, wine, or chocolate. Mix of liquid dish soap in of water. Then, pour it over the stain and let it sit for 5 minutes before you blot the area with a damp cloth.^[9]
   
   • You may need to repeat this if the stain is still visible.
   • Press a dry cloth over the area once you've lifted the stain.
5. Sprinkle baking soda over urine stains before you vacuum the carpet. If the urine is still wet, sprinkle an even layer of baking soda over the carpet. Let the baking soda sit for a few minutes and vacuum over the area. The baking soda helps absorb moisture and neutralizes the odor.^[10]
   
   • If the stain isn't wet, spritz it with a little water before you sprinkle baking soda over it.
   • Call a professional floor cleaner if you're dealing with a pet that repeatedly pees in the same spot on your tufted carpet. The professional will apply an enzyme that completely removes traces of the odor before they steam the carpet.
6. Avoid rubbing any type of stain. Remember that you're trying to lift a stain to the surface so you can remove it. If you rub back and forth or in a circular motion, you're pushing the stain down where it's harder to remove. Always blot or dab the stain to work it to the surface.^[11]
   
   • Never use brushes to scrub the stain either since brushing can also twist and tangle the fibers.

[Edit]Tips

• Don't panic if you see your new carpet shedding fibers. Tufted carpet loses fibers for the first few weeks, so just vacuum 2 to 3 times a week after installing the carpet or laying down the rug.^[12]
• Empty your vacuum's dirt canister or bag before it gets half full since this can help it run more efficiently.

[Edit]Warnings

• If you're struggling to remove a stain, don't use harsh cleansers on the carpet. Call a professional carpet cleaner for advice or hire them to safely deep-clean your tufted carpet.

[Edit]Things You'll Need

• Suction vacuum
• Cloths
• Walk-off mat
• Spray bottle
• Vinegar

[Edit]References

1. ↑ https://youtu.be/EiEWfmvwaqM?t=92
2. ↑ https://kasthall.com/sites/default/static/pdf/Care-advice_hand-tufted-rugs_en.pdf
3. ↑ [v160993_b01]. 15 April 2019.
4. ↑ https://static1.squarespace.com/static/530ec286e4b0d21c5296be17/t/5924d87ce6f2e1b328442cdf/1495586959107/Hand+Tufted+Carpets+%26+Rugs_OA_2017_lo.pdf
5. ↑ https://static1.squarespace.com/static/530ec286e4b0d21c5296be17/t/5924d87ce6f2e1b328442cdf/1495586959107/Hand+Tufted+Carpets+%26+Rugs_OA_2017_lo.pdf
6. ↑ https://youtu.be/D8VqzV940Gs?t=10
7. ↑ https://kasthall.com/sites/default/static/pdf/Care-advice_hand-tufted-rugs_en.pdf
8. ↑ https://youtu.be/D8VqzV940Gs?t=37
9. ↑ https://youtu.be/D8VqzV940Gs?t=54
10. ↑ https://youtu.be/JWD-4iRoJ_E?t=139
11. ↑ https://kasthall.com/sites/default/static/pdf/Care-advice_hand-tufted-rugs_en.pdf
12. ↑ http://sonyawinner.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/SonyaWinnerStudioRugCare.pdf