DIY Network

Cleaning Tips Cleaning Tips From "Talking Dirty With the Queen of Clean" episode DQOC-104

Figure A

Before you roll out the red carpet, make sure it's clean. Today we are talking dirty about carpet: how to buy it, how to clean it and how to protect it from everyday wear and tear.

The carpet industry began in the late 1700s in Philadelphia, and today almost half of the carpet in the world is made in the United States (most of it in Dalton, Georgia). Even homes without carpeting most likely have area rugs on their floors. But whatever you have, you have to keep it clean -- and our audience members have questions about how to do just that (figure A)!

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Q: Why do new carpets sometimes produce excess fibers in high traffic areas?

A: It sometimes takes a period of time for the excess fiber in a carpet to work to the carpet surface. Vacuum frequently using a vacuum with a beater bar, and over time the excess fiber will be eliminated.

Q: How do you remove the carpet "dimples" made by furniture legs?

A: Put ice cubes in the dimples and let the ice melt overnight, then fluff the depressed area with the tines of a fork.

Q: What is the best way to spot-clean carpets?

A: Different kinds of spills require different kinds of stain removal. For example:

• Juice spills: Generously pour club soda over the juice; the carbonation in the soda causes the juice to bubble up, and the salts in the soda prevent the spill from staining (figure B). Blot thoroughly. For larger stains, stand on the blotting cloth to help wick the liquid into the cloth.

• Mystery stains: Add 1 teaspoon ammonia to 1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide and pour on the stain (figure C). Blot immediately. If all the stain does not lift out of the carpet, add more solution to the stain and let it set for approximately 30 minutes, then blot again. Flush the area with cool water.

  Figure B

  Figure C

  
  
• Mud and dirt: Sprinkle a heavy layer of table salt over the mud and dirt and let it dry, then vacuum (figure D).
• Coffee: Squirt shaving cream on the stain and work in with a damp cloth. Rinse with water.

• Red wine: Neutralize with white wine, then blot. Keep adding white wine and blotting until the stain is removed. All-natural wine stain removers are also available and work quite well.

• Nail polish: Pour acetone into a spoon and drip the liquid onto the polish (figure E). Tap the stain with the spoon to help loosen the stain. Begin to blot, pulling up slightly on the carpet nap. Repeat until the stain is removed. This can be a tedious procedure, so take your time and take breaks if necessary, since overexposure to acetone can cause irritation to the eyes, nose and throat. Also, make sure the area you are working in is well ventilated. When the stain has been removed, flush the area with club soda to remove the acetone.
  

Carpet Cleaning Tip: Vacuum across the nap of the carpet; then vacuum in the direction of the nap to restore it to its original appearance.

Figure D

Figure E