No matter how careful you are with candles, accidents can happen. While we usually think of the flame as the most damaging part of a candle, the wax can also damage your home when spilt. Hair removal wax, cheese rinds and earwax can also melt into your carpet, so it's important that you address the problem as soon as possible. Here is how to get wax out of carpet.
If your spillage is liquid wax from a candle, it's easier to clean if you let it harden first. You can speed up this process using a plastic bag filled with ice cubes. The plastic bag will make sure that your carpet doesn't get wet. Place the bag of ice cubes on the wax, and it should harden within about 10 minutes. If any water escapes the bag, use a paper towel to blot it away.
Your first line of defence against a waxy carpet is a blunt instrument like a spatula. Once the wax has hardened, break it up with a spatula. You should then be able to vacuum up the pieces.
Be careful not to scrape so hard that you damage your carpet. Loop pile carpets are especially susceptible to damage, so be gentle with them.
This technique is the best choice for coloured wax. If the wax has already begun to stain your carpet, it's best to call in a professional cleaner for help.
If the wax is clinging to the fibres of your carpet, you can use an iron to melt it away. However, this typically only works on wool-rich carpets.
Place some brown paper over the wax. As you heat it, the wax should adhere to the paper rather than the carpet. Make sure that your iron is not so hot that it damages your carpet fibres, and only use the tip of the iron. It's also important that you keep the iron moving, or this can lead to heat damage too.
If you don't have an iron, you can use a hairdryer. Make sure that you don't put this too close, as this can cause damage to your carpet, too. A terry-cloth towel can also be used instead of brown paper, but you risk ruining the towel, so an iron and brown paper are the preferable tools.
Don't try this method with coloured wax, as you could cause the colour to bleed.
To remove any wax residue, blot the area with a cloth soaked in surgical or white spirit. You can also use a mixture of vinegar and baking soda. Otherwise, the residue could lead to browning, resoiling and discolouration.
Whether your carpet is stained by stubborn residue or you need help with the wax itself, a professional carpet cleaner knows how to get wax out of carpet. Use the National Carpet Cleaning Association (NCCA) directory to find accredited carpet cleaners all over the UK. Every cleaner is insured and experienced in carpet cleaning and revitalisation.
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There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to carpets – and we’re not just talking about a room’s dimensions. Each type of carpet has its own qualities and advantages, making them more suited to different homes. Here are some common types of carpet and how they benefit your home…
Synthetic carpets are commonly chosen for their budget-friendly nature. They are also mould and stain-resistant, and don't attract insects in the same way as natural materials. In order to make them more sustainable, synthetic carpets can be made from recycled materials.
A lot of synthetic materials are hypoallergenic, helping to combat allergy symptoms for sufferers in your household.
Natural carpet is hard-wearing and tends to last a long time. Each natural material has its own properties – wool is fire-resistant, for example, and also naturally insulates against cold and noise. Sisal, another natural material, helps to dehumidify your room.
Natural carpets are also biodegradable, helping to prevent landfill build-up.
To benefit from both natural and synthetic carpet properties, you can choose a blended carpet. Nylon and wool are often blended together for a cost-effective carpet that is also durable. They fade less in sunlight than a 100% wool carpet. As a general rule, choose a higher percentage of synthetic materials for a more durable carpet.
Some blended carpets are made up of multiple different natural materials or a combination of synthetic materials.
A type of tufted carpet, cut pile carpet is very soft and durable. It's often easy to clean and the twists in the fibres hide dirt well. This is a good choice if you have pets, as there are no loops for claws to snag on.
Cut pile carpets – such as frieze carpets – hide footprints, stains and seams well. Frieze carpets are also very comfortable and dense enough to insulate against noise.
Another kind of tufted carpet, loop pile carpet has fibres that look like little loops – threading in and out of the backing material. It's a good choice for high-traffic areas, is anti-slip, and can be found in many weights and thicknesses.
Some carpets use a combination of cut and loop piles to create patterns, known as sculpted cut, or different levels of loop to create interesting texture. If you're looking for a robust carpet, choose something with a very low loop.
Woven carpets are durable and retain their colour well. They can be woven on a loom or by weaving through a backing material. Modern woven carpets are commonly sealed with latex, making them last up to three times as long as other carpets. They are often made in intricate patterns, for a striking addition to your home.
No matter what type of carpet you have, an expert carpet cleaner can keep it clean, fresh and looking its best. The National Carpet Cleaning Association (NCCA) has a network of trusted cleaners all over the UK. Every cleaner is accredited, experienced and follows our code of conduct, so you don’t have to waste time searching for the right company to clean your carpets.
Search the directory to find a carpet cleaner near you.
Even the best carpet cleaner is only as good as their tools. Choosing the right equipment can make your job much easier, while unreliable equipment may end up costing you money. Read on to find out what equipment you need to professionally clean carpets.
A vacuum is one of the most fundamental parts of carpet cleaning. Some cleaners use a canister vacuum, with a distinct suction wand and collection unit. Another option is an upright vacuum, where everything is all in one unit. Either way, you need something with reliable suction. You may also want to consider a vacuum with a larger collection unit than the average domestic appliance, as you will be vacuuming more than an average household.
Most carpet cleaners use portable extractors. These are suitable for both carpets and upholstery. They help you to get the deepest clean possible without removing the carpet.
The pump part sprays cleaning solution onto the carpet, so it’s an important consideration. Different machines have different pressure levels, measured in pounds per square inch (psi). Higher-pressure machines are best for hard floors, while you need much lower pressure for stairs.
Vacuums and carpet cleaners come with a variety of attachments to make your job easier. Brushes, wands and specialised hoses can be used for stairs, upholstery and hard-to-reach areas. Some of these come with the machine itself, whereas others can be bought separately.
A good place to start is a hand tool for your carpet cleaning machine, in order to clean stairs.
Agitating carpet fibres is an important part of cleaning and maintaining carpet. Some cleaners prefer to do this by hand with a pile brush, while others appreciate the efficiency of a CRB machine. That’s short for contra-rotating brush, if you were wondering. You may even want to have both to hand, for different circumstances.
There's no point in having all this equipment if you can't take it anywhere! Owning your own van also allows you to advertise on the go. Make sure that your van is big enough to hold all of your equipment. Consider how you'll keep everything still and upright – you don't want spilt cleaning solution while driving!
Overshoes are elasticated covers that go over your boots, allowing you to keep your feet protected without bringing dirt in. Make sure that you choose waterproof overshoes, as dirty rainwater from outside may seep through permeable ones.
You will need at least two buckets – one for clean water, and one for dirty water. Smaller buckets are easier to carry, but will require more water-fetching trips.
Terry cloths or Terry towels have many different names and fulfil several key purposes. They can be used to apply cleaning solution to a specific area, wipe down surfaces and also be placed under buckets to prevent drips.
A furniture block goes under furniture to hold it off the ground. This protects both the furniture and the floor while you clean. You want quite a few of these, in case someone has a lot of furniture.
The pH of a solution impacts how well it will clean a carpet. Some carpets are more fragile, and require a more neutral pH to avoid damaging them. You can either buy single-use pH indicator sticks, which require you to judge the colour yourself, or digital readers that give you a number.
Chemicals do a lot of the heavy lifting when cleaning a carpet, so it's important that you have the right ones. Always do a patch test to avoid accidental damage.
Pre-sprays are used before extraction cleaning to help lift dirt. The dirtier the carpet, the stronger the pre-spray that should be used. Pre-sprays are often manufactured for specific purposes, so it's worth checking their recommended use.
Deodourisers deal with unpleasant smells, while sanitisers help with bacteria. Sometimes referred to as odour neutralisers, deodourisers aren't always suitable for every carpet, so make sure you choose one designed for the right material. Some sanitisers tackle a range of growths such as mould, pathogens and algae, whereas others are more focused towards allergens.
It's common for customers to want help with stains, so a good stain remover is key. Many of them use enzymes to break down stains. Different types of enzymes break down different substances, so it's important to make sure that you choose a product containing enzymes that focus on the stain at hand.
The exact type of cleaning solution that you need will depend on what machine you use. It's most commonly found in liquid form, but you can also get powdered cleaning products that you mix yourself.
Once you've cleaned a carpet, there is often residue left behind by cleaning chemicals. An acid rinse will help to neutralise carpet after using alkaline solutions and wash away residue from detergents. It can also be used to treat discoloured areas of carpet, particularly when browning has occurred.
Many cleaning products come in spray bottles, but if you bulk-buy chemicals, they may come in a larger container. You can then pour chemicals into your own spray bottles, ready for use.
Different spray bottles can have their own spray strengths, so it's worth having a range for different purposes. You can also buy bottles with adjustable nozzles.
Finding the right equipment is as much about preference as it is about quality. It's worth trying out a few machines from different brands before you make a big purchase.
During National Carpet Cleaning Association (NCCA) training courses, participants are given the chance to try equipment from multiple manufacturers. Members pay a discounted rate, and also gain access to exclusive resources, along with appearing in our directory.
Join the NCCA today to take the hassle out of finding the right equipment.
Carpets absorb many nearby smells, and cigarette smoke is no different. Whether you're a smoker looking to make a change or a non-smoker who's just moved into a smoke-scented home, removing this odour can be difficult. In this post, we’ll cover three methods to try – but first…
Not only does cigarette smoke smell bad, but it can be dangerous. Studies have shown that nicotine and other chemicals can cling to fibres, and continually release carcinogenic particles. This is sometimes referred to as ‘third-hand smoke’.
Babies are at increased risk because of how much time they spend on the floor and how much they put in their mouths. It's been suggested that it can even impact people who aren't in the room where smoking occurred!
These facts make it very important to make every effort to remove cigarette smoke from your carpet.
There are multiple methods that you can try to remove lingering cigarette smoke. Some of them use items that you already have in the house, but make sure that you do a small patch test to make sure that they won't change the colour of your carpet.
Another household item that's helpful for getting smoke out of carpet is white vinegar. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water, then spray it onto your carpet. The white vinegar will neutralise the smell. Be careful not to saturate your carpet, as this can lead to a discoloured, vinegar-scented carpet. If you use the right amount, the smell should dissipate on its own.
Do not put this directly onto your carpet, as it will stain it. Activated charcoal naturally absorbs pollutants, so just having it in the room is helpful. Place a few bowls full of natural activated charcoal on the floor, then leave it to absorb for a few days. You can also do the same thing with white vinegar, but that has its own scent, which is less pleasant to live with. Alternatively, you could use an apple or an onion. Whichever you choose, make sure that it is out of reach of children and pets.
If you're struggling to remove the smell of cigarette smoke from your carpet, a professional carpet cleaner can help. The National Carpet Cleaning Association (NCCA) has a directory of accredited carpet cleaners, which you can use to find cleaners in your area. Every cleaner in the directory is trained, insured and follows our code of conduct.
Search our directory by postcode to take the first step towards a fresh, clean and smoke-free carpet.
Whether it's a small spill or a full-on flood, water can soak your carpet in an instant. You might be thinking “it's only water”, but an excessively wet carpet can lead to mould and discolouration. The floor underneath your carpet can also be warped and damaged by water. To prevent this, you need to act fast!
Remove any furniture from the damp area, as this will prevent it from drying and potentially lead to further damage. If the weather is warm, opening your windows and doors will help to evaporate the water quicker. You should also use a fan to help circulate air, but make sure that no electrical cords touch any water. If it's a cold day, turn your heating on, as water evaporates slower in a cold environment.
Wet rugs should be removed as soon as possible and taken to a dry, ventilated area. If your carpet can be lifted, it's helpful to pull it up and take it outside to air. However, this is not always possible, and if it's raining outside, will only make your problem worse.
You should use towels to soak up as much excess water as possible. Apply a small amount of pressure to increase their effectiveness. A good way to apply this pressure is by walking over the towels. Keep in mind that a wet towel can't dry, so make sure that you change towels regularly.
A wet vacuum is designed to remove water from the floor. Don't use a regular vacuum, as this could damage it. If you don't have a wet vacuum, you may be able to hire one, but it may be difficult to get hold of one at short notice.
A dehumidifier is great for lowering the humidity of a room. This helps the water to evaporate quicker and prevents it from lingering in the room and causing mould. As with any electrical appliance, make sure that the dehumidifier and all of its cables are kept away from the water.
Not only will walking around on damp carpet lead to wet socks, but it can bring in dirt. A wet carpet is much more vulnerable to damage, so make sure to walk on it as little as possible. Use light steps and don't wear dirty shoes.
If the flooded area in your property is not completely dried, then there is a possibility of mould growth. Having difficulty removing water? It’s recommended that a professional cleaning company is called.
A professional carpet cleaner can help to remove residual moisture and prevent damage going forward. By using a National Carpet Cleaning Association (NCCA) cleaner, you are choosing an accredited, insured cleaner with experience and specialist training.
Finding a cleaner in your area is easy – all you need is your postcode. Search our directory of carpet cleaners to get started.
Anything underfoot is likely to get dirty, and rugs are no different. If it’s time to give your rug a deep clean, always start by consulting care labels for advice on the best cleaning method. If you have antique rugs or your rug is very delicate and/or valuable, it’s always best to speak to a professional. If you would like to clean your rug yourself, please check out the advice below.
When washing a wool rug, you need to be careful not to saturate it, as it will take a long time to dry and it could shrink. Fill a bucket with cold water and add one cap of laundry detergent. Don't apply this directly to the rug – instead, dip a microfibre cloth into the bucket. Wring it out to remove excess water, then use it to blot the mixture onto the rug. Be gentle and focus mostly on areas which are soiled or stained.
Once you have worked on the whole rug, fill your bucket with just cold water and repeat the process with a fresh cloth. You will then need to hang it somewhere ventilated to let it dry. Don't place it back on the floor until it dries, as this could delay the drying process significantly.
Sheepskin rugs must also be washed in cold water, or they may shrink. Make sure that any detergent you use is suitable for sheepskin. Fill a bath with cold water, then pour some detergent in. You can then put the rug into the bath, moving it around to dislodge dirt.
Drying a sheepskin rug can take a while, but must be done this way to ensure that it keeps its shape and texture. First, squeeze out the water and then blot the rug dry with towels.
Find a place for your rug to dry that isn't too warm, avoiding direct sunlight. Lay it out on a towel, gently pulling it into the right shape. Every so often, use a sheepskin brush to fluff the wool.
While these types of rug feel very different, they have a similar response to water. This means that they require dry methods of cleaning. You can buy dry shampoo or dry cleaning powder, but make sure that it's suitable for the material of your rug. It's also a good idea to patch-test it to ensure that your rug won't get discoloured.
Spread the powder over your rug, brushing it in, then leave it for the amount of time specified on the packet. If the pile length of your rug is too long for vacuuming, you can shake out the powder. Other rugs can be vacuumed, instead.
Many professional carpet cleaners are experts in rug cleaning and will know how to identify and clean your rugs. The National Carpet Cleaning Association (NCCA) has a directory of cleaners all over the UK, which you can search easily online. Every cleaner follows our code of conduct and is insured and trained to ensure a smooth experience.
Find local rug cleaners today!