Clean carpet is something most homeowners strive for and each new season presents new challenges and obstacles to that clean carpet. When there is snow and ice there is salt, calcium chloride and in some instances sand added to that mix. While the salt and chemicals work wonders for keeping ice off of walkways and driveways, they wreak havoc on our carpet.
When left unattended, salt and calcium chloride not only stain the carpet but also lead to discoloration and damage the carpet fibers. The salt penetrates the carpet fibers, typically nylon or wool, and causes them to breakdown much faster than what is considered normal wear and tear. The longer the salt stays in the carpet, the more salt damage occurs. Salt and carpet simply do not mix.
Keep your carpet clean by using a simple solution of white vinegar and warm water. Before you begin to clean the salt stains, make sure you thoroughly vacuum the area to remove any freestanding particles of dirt and salt. If not removed, the salt and dirt will simply dissolve when exposed to the water mixture leaving you a bigger stain to clean up than when you started.
Combine equal parts of white vinegar and warm water in a bucket or bucket. Keeping the carpet as dry as possible is key, so avoid using a spray bottle to apply the mixture. Dip a sponge in the water and vinegar mixture so it is wet rather than soaking, and scrub the stain. Let the homemade cleaning solution sit on the salt stain for approximately 15 minutes then use a clean towel to press against the carpet and remove any excess water.
Repeat the sponge and towel technique again to remove the remaining stain if necessary. After the carpet stain is satisfactorily removed, simply press a dry, clean towel on the area to continue removing the moisture. Getting as much moisture out as possible is important to avoid additional carpet stains.
For more information and tips on keeping your home ready to sell in the Northwest Washington, Chevy Chase, Bethesda, Trinidad or Palisades area, contact Buckman Realtor. With more than 25 years living in the Northern Virginia area, Michelle Buckman can help you find the home you need in the neighborhood you want.
Homeowners throughout the Northern Virginia area seek a clean carpet, especially when trying to sell their home. These tips are designed to provide solutions for everyday stains that make their way to your carpet, just in time to get your floor in tip-top shape to prepare it for a quick sale.
- When kids roam the halls of your Washington DC area home, you are likely to encounter stains from crayons, school glue or gum. The best approach for each of these stains is to clean the area with undiluted vinegar. Crayon stains can be spot cleaned by dipping an old toothbrush into the vinegar and then scrubbing the dirty area. Equal parts of vinegar and water can also be used to clean school glue and gum from the carpet. If the stain refuses to release, try warming straight vinegar in the microwave or on the stove and then blotting the area with a sponge after 10 to 15 minutes.
- For food stains that leave a greasy mess, sprinkle the area with cornmeal and allow it to remain covered for approximately five minutes. Follow that with a sponge using a vinegar and water mixture. Allow the carpet to dry completely and go over it with the vacuum cleaner to remove any remaining cornmeal.
- When the carpet in your Chevy Chase, MD home is impacted with mildew, that must always be cleaned as quickly as possible before attempting to sell your home. Whether the moisture in the carpet is from a leaky roof, an overfilled bathtub or even something as simple as a spilled bottle of water, if left unattended, the water will lead to mildew in your carpet and the carpet pad. Kill the mildew with a mixture of equal parts of vinegar and water. Sponge the area with the solution thoroughly, and then allow plenty of time for it to dry. If extra air circulation is needed for thorough drying, use a fan, ceiling fan, hair dryer on a low setting or any other air-producing piece of equipment.
For more information and tips on keeping your home ready to sell in the Northwest Washington, Chevy Chase, Bethesda, Trinidad or Palisades area, contact Buckman Realtor. With more than 25 years living in the Northern Virginia area, Michelle Buckman can help you find the home you need in the neighborhood you want.