Get matched with top carpet cleaners in Algona, IA

Vinegar and baking soda work well at lifting old stains from carpet.

• Pour a generous layer of dry baking soda over the old stain.

• In a spray bottle, combine distilled white vinegar with 1 cup of warm water. Add a few drops of liquid dish soap.

• Spray the baking soda area thoroughly with the vinegar solution.

• Let the vinegar and baking soda sit for a few hours.

• Wipe or vacuum up the baking soda once it dries, then blot the area with a clean, dry towel.

• Repeat as needed to lift the stain.

Professional carpet cleaners may use steamers or a dry cleaning method for your Berber carpet. A cleaning company will use a commercial-grade steamer, which is more powerful and takes a fraction of the time to use as the steamer you may have at home. The steam draws out all the dirt and stains to help your carpet look new again.

Alternatively, the cleaners may use a dry cleaning method. This is when chemicals are applied to the carpet to help draw out the dirt and stains. Afterward, they use a high-powered vacuum to suck up all the debris.

Many household items neutralize the smell of urine, including fabric sprays and baking soda, a great odor absorber. Or try combining baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to cut through the smell. If these items don’t work to completely remove the smell of pet urine, try an enzymatic cleaner, which works to break down organic matter such as urine, and is readily available at most pet stores.

It’s not necessary to tip an upholstery cleaner, and it’s usually not expected by the professionals in the industry. However, tipping between 10% and 20% of your total cleaning cost is a nice gesture and a good way to show your appreciation. You might consider tipping if the cleaner gets a particularly stubborn stain out without damaging the material, or if they go above and beyond to clean an antique piece of furniture using special methods to keep your furniture safe from damage.