Get matched with top carpet cleaners in Elk Horn, IA

A carpet cleaner uses steam to penetrate the fibers of your carpet and remove dirt, while a carpet shampooer uses a detergent to clean the carpet’s surface. These are both efficient methods of cleaning your carpet, but steam cleaners do a better job of sanitizing the surface of the carpet.

The best solution for mopping floors depends on the type of floor you have, but a good all-around or multi-purpose DIY floor cleaner is 2 cups of warm water, 5 to 10 drops of liquid dish soap, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. This is safe to use on tile, laminate, wood, polished concrete, vinyl, and more, as it’s relatively neutral and lacks caustic and abrasive chemicals that could be harmful to children and pets. You can also use a multi-purpose commercial cleaner, but make sure to follow the directions for safety.

Typically, you should avoid using a traditional carpet cleaner on Oriental rugs because the chemical makeup of carpet cleaners can damage the rug’s natural fibers. You can, however, opt for a neutral pH cleaner, which can do a decent job of cleaning the carpet without damaging it. Always test whatever cleaning solution you use on a small, hidden spot of your rug first. That way, if any damage occurs, it doesn’t totally ruin your rug.

Carpets do best with non-abrasive cleaning solutions either purchased at the store or made at home. You can apply solutions of salt, water, vinegar, or baking soda to your carpet or choose a carpet-safe cleaner. Never mix the two. In between deep cleans, vacuuming twice a week should do the trick for a clean carpet.