Keeping the Carpet Clean
FOR RENTERS: March 2023 Substack Exclusive
By Mel Childs, Go4Rent Guest Writer
Before house keys are exchanged, both the landlord and tenant should make sure that the carpet is in good condition. A well-written lease will spell out what becomes the responsibility of the property owner versus the renter. In that agreement, the tenant will usually be held accountable for keeping this flooring clean.
Unfortunately, carpet is one of those floor types that may not look unclean because it absorbs a lot of dirt, germs and bacteria like a sponge. For this reason, it’s a good idea for tenants to clean carpet regularly and regardless of its obvious appearance.
Why Carpet Cleaning Is Essential
A clean carpet isn’t just important because of aesthetics. There are also health benefits to neat flooring.
Poor Indoor Air Quality
Carpet can be a significant source of indoor air pollution, which could ultimately lower the air quality in the home. It can trap various allergens and pollutants, such as pet dander, particles, dust, mold spores, dirt and pests. Some carpet may even harbor volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which could cause headaches, and damage the kidneys, the liver, the central nervous system and even cause cancer after long-term exposure.
Minor amounts of VOCs may already be within the carpet. Or, they could come from product spills, such as paint with VOCs in them. As people walk across floors or use dry vacuums to clean carpet with these items sullied in them, the pollutants can become airborne, creating poor indoor air quality.
Respiratory Issues
The most common health problems related to poor indoor air quality are those that trigger respiratory issues such as asthma and allergies. However, people who don’t have these chronic diseases can also suffer from respiratory problems similar to the common cold. In addition, digestive issues such as diarrhea or irritable bowel syndrome could also arise from homes where the carpet harbors an enormous amount of dirt and other filth.
Pests
Carpet beetles, dust mites and bed bugs can all linger in the fibers of the carpet, invisible to the naked eye. Not only are these critters destructive to carpet fibers, but they can take a toll on people’s and pets' health.
Develop a “No Shoes in the House” Policy
Preventative measures are also a way to keep carpet clean. One preventative measure that can help to keep carpet clean and improve indoor air quality is to develop a “no shoes worn in the house” policy.
Unfortunately, the bottoms of shoes harbor a lot of dirt and germs. Throughout the day, a person may step on saliva, excrement, gum, oils and urine. Tracking this back into the house will not only dirty the carpet but could allow these things to get into the carpet and start developing germs and bacteria within the carpet. This could also find its way into the air around the home.
According to CNN, “drug-resistant microbiological pathogens, cancer-causing toxins from asphalt road residue, and endocrine-disrupting lawn chemicals” may also be on the bottom of the shoes.
Adapting a “no shoes worn in the house” policy can help reduce the possibility of spreading germs and viruses around the house. If your friends or family aren’t on board with taking shoes off in your home, consider providing them with slippers to wear or shoe covers so they won’t track germs around when they visit.
Clean Stains and Spills Immediately
Once stains dry, they can be hard to remove. So, it is ideal to spot-clean stains immediately to avoid them from settling into the carpet. Here are some ways to spot-clean the most common stains tenants may have.
Red Wine Removal from Carpet
Step 1: Combine two cups of water, a tablespoon of dish soap, and a tablespoon of white vinegar in a bucket or spray bottle to create a dish soap vinegar solution.
Step 2: Pour or spray a little of the mixture onto the stain.
Step 3: Blot the area until the stain is gone. (Source: Home Depot)
Juice and Soda Removal from Carpet
Step 1: Start by getting up as much of the juice or soda stain as possible by gently blotting the area with a white cotton cloth, being careful not to rub as this may drive juice further into the carpet.
Step 2: Combine 4 cups of water, a tablespoon of dish soap, and ¼ cup of white vinegar in a bucket or spray bottle. Apply the mixture to the stain for up to ten minutes.
Step 3: Blot the area with a clean cloth. Repeat as necessary until the stain is gone. (Source: Consumer Reports)
Pet Poop Removal from Carpet
Step 1: Start by using a scoop or putty knife to carefully remove the waste from the carpet and place it into a plastic bag. If the excrement isn’t solid, use paper towels to get as much up without pressing it into the carpet fibers.
Step 2: Dampen the area with an enzymatic cleaner. Use paper towels to continue to clean the pet poop stain on the carpet.
Step 3: Spray the area again and allow the enzymatic cleaner to sit for up to 20 minutes to allow the enzymes to break down the molecules in the organic matter in the excrement.
Step 4: Blot the area and keep repeating step 3 if necessary.
Step 5: Sprinkle some baking soda on the area and allow it to completely dry. Then use a vacuum to remove the baking soda. (Source: Reader’s Digest)
Pet Urine Removal from Carpet
Step 1: To eliminate pet urine stains, use a clean, white cotton cloth to plot the urine. Then, combine one part white vinegar and one part water together in a spray bottle and spray the area to neutralize the uric acid.
Step 2: Mix a teaspoon of bleach-free laundry detergent into four cups of water into another spray bottle or bucket and apply it to the stain.
Step 3: Rinse the area and press with a clean cloth to absorb the water. Repeat until the stain is gone. (Source: Consumer Reports)
Use a Quality Dry Vac For Regular Cleaning
Regular vacuuming is another excellent way to keep the carpet clean. According to the Carpet and Rug Institute, high-traffic should be vacuumed daily, medium-traffic carpets twice a week and low-traffic carpet once weekly. Using a vacuum with a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter is ideal, which can remove 99.7 of airborne particles.
Shampoo Carpet With a High-Quality Wet Vac
There comes a time when vacuuming with a dry vac isn’t always sufficient. Occasionally, carpet will need shampooing to clean the dirt, grime and dust particles. In such cases, it is critical to use a high-quality wet vac that shampoos carpet and dries it as much as possible.
Carpet can be a major source of dirt and potential for illness. However, by making sure the flooring is well-kept, this ensures the security deposit will be returned in full and helps to maintain healthy living habits at home.
Do you want more information about Go4Rent’s services? Are you a Texas or Florida resident looking for a new home? Visit Go4Rent.com today!