Carpet Cleaning And Repair: Budget Guide

Although hiring a company to clean your carpet is not expensive as it once was, carpet cleaning and repair can be simple to do yourself. Follow these tips to learn to use many household products to create simple ways of cleaning and repairing your carpets.

Easy Stain Removal

Wet a paper towel with water to blot the stain and lift up as much of it as possible. Do not rub or apply pressure, as this will only make the stain set into the carpet.

Once you have lifted as much as you can, apply rubbing alcohol to a paper towel or cloth and blot the stain. If you still see the stain, create a solution made up of 3/4 cup of water and 1/4 cup of white vinegar. Allow the solution to soak into the carpet, and then blot with a dry paper towel to remove the extra liquid. In case of emergency, keep some of this solution on hand at all times. Also, putting the solution into a spray bottle will allow you to spread it around the stain more evenly. 

If the stain still doesn't come up, try some dish detergent. Mix a teaspoon into a quart of water and shake well. Soak the area with the solution, and then blot with a dry cloth or paper towel. Repeat these steps until the stain is gone. 

Repair a Ripped Carpet Yourself

If you have a rip in your carpet, you can repair it as though it is a cut being stitched up at the hospital. Pull each side of the tear towards each other and pin them into the ground (with nails or pins) in order to keep them steady while you work. 

Use a large needle and strong thread or string to sew the tear together. You can think of this is a large version of a ripped pair of jeans.

If you work carefully, you will not need to spend the time or money to replace the segment of carpet.

Extra Tips

If someone drops gum or glue on the floor, set an ice cube on the problem area. Once the substance has frozen solid, shatter it with something hard, like a screwdriver. You can pick up the pieces or use a vacuum cleaner. 

When you install new carpeting, be sure to save a few spare scraps that can be used in case of emergency.

Shades, blinds or UV treatments on your windows can help prevent fading in the color of your carpet.