Your Ottawa area home is where you relax, so you want it to be comfortable and inviting. Because of this, it is your responsibility as a homeowner to maintain your home regularly, particularly regarding cleaning. There are plenty of ways to clean your home, such as sweeping, vacuuming, and scrubbing with cleaning solutions. However, those with carpets in their homes are a different story.
Carpets are a great way to add a cozy, warm atmosphere to your home. However, they require special attention when it comes to cleaning because they are prone to dust, dirt, and other debris that can be difficult to remove. When this happens, the carpet may smell bad, which spreads to the rest of the room. While vacuuming is recommended, there are times when it is not enough, and chances are you may not have the necessary equipment to clean your carpets. To help you with this, one must know what causes bad smells in carpets, such as:
#1 – Mould or Mildew
Mould and mildew are among carpets’ most common causes of foul odours. They thrive in damp, warm areas and can quickly spread if not treated. If you have a leak or spill in your home and it’s not cleaned up immediately, mould and mildew can quickly grow and spread in your carpets. If left unchecked, your carpet can become a health hazard if it harbours mould or mildew because it can cause respiratory problems, skin irritation, and allergic reactions.
Removing mould and mildew from a carpet is tough, but you can try scrubbing it with carpet cleaning products and using a HEPA vacuum to remove the particles.
#2 – Smoke
Smoke is another common cause of foul odours in carpets. While smoke from fireplaces is common, cigarette smoke is tough to remove because the particles can become embedded in the carpet’s fabric. If you smoke in your home, you must reduce the smell by opening windows and using air purifiers. You should also have your carpets professionally cleaned regularly to help remove the smoke particles.
#3 – Food and Drink Spills
The smell can linger for days or weeks when you spill food and drink on your carpet. The best way to remove these odours is to clean the spilled area immediately, using a mixture of warm water and detergent. You should also use a carpet cleaner to deep-clean the entire area, which can help remove any odours that remain after the spill.
#4 – Pet Waste
Pet waste, particularly urine, is a highly odorous nuisance that can be hard to remove from carpets and can be harmful to live with. The best way to clean up pet waste is to use a cleaner specifically designed for pet odours. This will help break down the proteins and bacteria found in pet waste and eliminate the odour. You should also rinse the area thoroughly to remove any remaining particles.
#5 – Aging
Carpets may be beautiful, but they can also show their age. Over time, carpets can start to look dull and faded due to sun damage, foot traffic, and more. To help reduce the signs of aging, you can use a carpet cleaner designed to help restore the original colour of your carpet. You can also use a carpet shampoo and HEPA vacuum to deep-clean and remove any dirt, dust, and allergens.
Tips to Maintain Your Carpet
Cleaning your carpet is one thing, but maintaining it is another. To help you with this, here are some practical tips:
Prioritize Ventilation
Carpets need to be able to breathe to stay in good condition. Because of this, you should regularly open your windows and doors to allow air to circulate to prevent mold and mildew growth.
Avoid Heavy Foot Traffic on Your Carpet Frequently
While a carpet is meant to be stepped on, heavy foot traffic, especially with shoes and abrasive footwear will wear it down over time. Avoid excessive foot traffic on your carpet as much as possible, and use a rug or mat to keep outdoor contaminants from getting on your floor.
Avoid Placing Heavy Furniture Directly on Your Carpet
Heavy furniture can also damage your carpet over time. Because of this, you should avoid placing furniture directly on your carpet. Use furniture pads, rugs, or mats to protect the floor if you put furniture on your carpet.
Minimize Its Exposure to Sunlight
Sunlight is a natural enemy of carpets. Over time, it can fade and discolour your carpet. To minimize your carpet’s exposure to sunlight, keep it out of direct sunlight.
Conclusion
Carpet maintenance is never easy, but it can work wonders in extending your carpet’s life. Many things can damage it, but the good news is that there are plenty of ways to clean it. If all else fails, you can always schedule your carpet to be professionally cleaned.
Chem-Dry Imperial provides top-quality services for carpet cleaning in Ottawa. We use safe cleaning methods to ensure your carpet will look as good as new for affordable prices. Call us today for an estimate.
