Even if your carpet doesn't have visible stains, bacteria, debris, hair, and unpleasant odours can linger in the fibres. While vacuuming does remove visible debris like lint, dust, and pet hair, it doesn't penetrate the carpet's fibres deeply. According to the National Carpet Cleaners Association (NCCA), carpets should be deep cleaned every 12 to 18 months using a carpet cleaner.
Meanwhile, vacuuming and light cleaning should take place at least once a week. Households with pets or children may need to clean and vacuum their carpets more regularly.
If you're looking to refresh your carpets without buying or hiring a carpet cleaner, this simple hack from Laura Harnett, founder of eco-cleaning brand Seep, could do the trick.
Laura champions natural cleaning methods that avoid using harsh chemicals in the home.
Rather than using spot treatments or spending hours on your hands and knees, Laura recommends using a natural household item: baking soda.
Baking soda, also known as bicarbonate of soda, is an ingredient commonly used in baking. It's naturally alkaline, which means it can help dissolve grease and grime, neutralise bad smells, and scrub away dirt.
The simple carpet-cleaning method involves sprinkling baking soda on your carpet before you go to bed.
Laura explained further: "The best thing for carpets and sisal is prevention not cure. Any spills should always be blotted up and cleaned up immediately to ensure they don't set and become stains.
"For a general refresh to lift any odours, especially important if there are pets in the home, is to use baking soda.
"Sprinkle it all over the carpet last thing at night before bed and let it work overnight to absorb the odours without the risk of anyone walking in it by mistake.
"Then in the morning, vacuum it up, and the carpet will be fully refreshed."
Before trying the hack, it's best to test it in an inconspicuous area of your carpet first.
This hack should be used to refresh carpets between deep cleans.
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