Removing stains from the carpet is a challenging task that requires special care and effective strategies. Using the wrong cleaning materials can affect the shine of the carpet and reduce its lifespan. In this article, we will discuss the consequences of using a laundry detergent for carpets and analyze whether it is suitable or not. We will also tell you the alternative strategies to clean dirty carpets without damaging their quality and looks. So stay with us!
Laundry Detergent Suitable For Carpets Or Not?
No, laundry detergent is not suitable for cleaning purposes and should not be used under any circumstances. Laundry detergents are usually made with surfactants, builders, and other additives. These materials are ideal for clothing fibres but not for carpets. Laundry detergents create excessive suds in the carpet and make it difficult to rinse out. They don’t clean the carpet properly and do not remove the stains and spills. These household cleaning products are harmful to the carpet quality and damage its soft fibres. For safe cleaning, you can use the specially designed detergents for your carpets and achieve amazing results.
The Risks of Using Laundry Detergent
Using laundry detergent on your regular carpets is a risky task and must be prohibited at any cost. It not only ruins the appearance but also reduces your carpet lifespan. Originally, laundry detergents were made to cope with the body oils and to remove the stains from the clothes. These detergents are not recommended for the delicate carpet fibres of the carpets and can harm their integrity. The high foaming action might work perfectly in machines, but it is dangerous for the floor coverings. The presence of optical brightener in these detergents distorts the carpet color. They affect its performance; therefore must be avoided.
How To Clean The Carpet Perfectly
Cleaning your carpet is easy once you understand the requirements of your carpet. Following a proper routine will help you increase the life of your carpet and make it work efficiently. The following are some tips for better cleaning, and by adopting them, you can enhance the functionality of your beautiful carpet:
Vacuum Regularly: Clean your carpet daily for its efficient working. If your carpet is placed in a high-traffic area, it requires regular vacuuming and can harbor germs. For low-traffic areas, you can vacuum them twice a week for better use.
Remove Stain Immediately: Don’t wait for professional help, and clean the spills and stains immediately. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to remove the carpet stain, so quick action is required for the neat look of your floor coverings.
Suitable Detergents:
Finding the right detergent plays an important part for your carpet quality. Never go for laundry detergents or other harsh chemical detergents to save your money. It may look cheap at the initial stage, but it spoils the carpet’s appearance, and in the end, you have to get a new carpet.
Test Cleaning: Don’t apply the cleaning detergent directly on the entire carpet. First try in a smaller area for testing. Trying it in an inconspicuous area will help you check the functionality of the detergent. You can analyze whether it is good for your carpet or not.
Best Alternatives For Laundry Detergents
As a substitute for harmful detergents, you can use the following solutions for your beloved carpets. These alternative solutions help to maintain the carpet’s functionality:
Dedicated Carpet Cleaning Solutions
Instead of using toxic chemicals and harmful detergents, you can use the dedicated cleaning compounds for the carpets. These affordable cleaning solutions are designed for the cleaning of delicate carpet fibers. Get these for your carpets and lessen the risk of damage.
Dishwashing Detergent
In case of emergency and lack of dedicated detergents, you can also use dishwashing detergents for the carpets. These liquid detergents can be used in a small amount for temporary use, but don’t overuse them. Dishwashing detergents are not suggested for daily use and can only be used for the removal of tougher stains.
Baking Soda
If you are one of those people who believe in homemade solutions, then this one is for you. You can use baking soda as an alternative to powder laundry detergents and remove the stains and dirt from your carpets. It also prevents the odor and offers a neat and fresh look for the carpets. For cleaning, mix the baking soda with salt in equal parts and sprinkle it over the stained area. Let it sit for hours, and then clean the carpet with the help of a vacuum cleaner. Baking soda acts as a deodorant and removes the odor from the carpet completely.
Vinegar
Vinegar is also an alternative cleaning solution for carpet stains. For cleaning, mix the white vinegar with water in equal parts, sprinkle it on the carpet, and then gently rub the carpet with a clean cloth. Vinegar is a natural disinfectant that removes the odor without changing the appearance of the carpet.
Borax
Borax is also a natural cleaning agent that fights against hard and stubborn stains and spots. Just like any other detergent, mix it with water and apply it directly on the carpet for better results. It also tackles the smell of the carpet and deodorizes it for better use.
Lemon Juice
You can also use lemon juice in the absence of vinegar and baking soda, as it offers the same results as them. It works perfectly on the lighter color carpets and eliminates the dust and dirt, but should be avoided on the darker color carpets. Lemon juice is the perfect replacement for harsh chemicals or laundry soap, and can be used for the cleaning of carpets.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen Peroxide is a colorless liquid chemical compound that is used for hard and fatty stains. It easily removes the stains of blood, urine, or vomit when diluted with water. For cleaning, mix it with plain water and spray it on the spot, and let it soak the stains. Once it absorbs the stains, gently rub that area; you can also wash it to extract the dirt completely.
Conclusion
The use of laundry detergent is not suitable for homemade carpet cleaners and must be avoided. It may look easier and cheaper to use, but it is harmful to the soft fibers of a carpet. There are multiple alternative products of laundry detergent available in the market. You can use those substitute cleaners to remove the dust from your carpet perfectly. You can also adopt home remedies and save both your time and the quality of your carpet.
