Yes, carpets should be replaced after a house fire or significant smoke damage, even if they appear undamaged. Smoke, soot, particulates, and chemicals can penetrate deep into the carpet fibers and padding, making complete removal a complicated and time-consuming process. If water was used to extinguish the fire, it can also soak through the carpet and padding, creating a risk of mold and mildew growth. Due to these challenges and potential health risks, replacing the carpet is the safest and most effective solution.
Furniture cleaning is a relatively inexpensive home project, but it’s helpful to find ways to keep these services within your budget. Some ways to save on furniture cleaning include:
Cleaning multiple pieces of furniture at once to save on trip fees and cleaning minimums
Using slipcovers on furniture when possible to avoid stains and dirt
Blot, never rub stains, to try to lift the mess out without spreading it deeper into the fibers
Choose easy-to-clean furniture materials
The difficulty of cleaning a wool rug will depend on how dirty it is in the first place. For instance, if a wool rug has a build up of stains, this will add to the labor required to clean it. However, cleaning wool rugs should be pretty easy overall as wool naturally repels stains and is a generally durable material.
To maintain your mattress and keep it fresh, you should aim for a deep clean at least twice a year. However, if you have allergies, pets, or sweat heavily at night, you may want to clean it more frequently, such as every three to four months. In between deep cleanings, it's a good practice to vacuum the mattress surface regularly and spot-clean any stains as they occur. Using a mattress protector can significantly help by minimizing the buildup of allergens, dust mites, and bodily fluids, which can make your cleaning routine more effective. Remember to launder the protector regularly, as some dirt and sweat can still get through to the mattress.
To remove pet urine stains and odors from a microfiber couch, first blot the area to absorb as much liquid as possible. Then, generously cover the spot with baking soda and let it sit for a few hours to absorb the odor before vacuuming it up.
For cleaning the stain itself, you can use a commercial urine stain and odor removal spray—be sure to follow the product's instructions.
Alternatively, you can use a DIY solution based on your couch's cleaning code:
For 'S' code couches: Lightly spritz the stain with rubbing alcohol and gently scrub with a microfiber cloth.
For 'W' or 'S-W' code couches: Use a mixture of one cup of vinegar and one cup of rubbing alcohol, spritzing and scrubbing the area gently.
The Wamsutter, WY homeowners’ guide to carpet cleaning services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Sometimes, you need to give your carpet a deep clean. This guide breaks down the best way to clean carpet to make your floor sparkle and remove hidden dirt.
Some homeowners wonder if professional carpet cleaning is worth the cost. We break down the pros and cons so you can decide what works best for your home.
