A flattened carpet not only looks old, but it can also harbor extra dust, dirt and debris that may further deteriorate its condition. Carpets with deep piles are prone to flattening over time and if you happen to face this issue, then don’t worry. There are a couple of steps you can do to help fluff it up. Follow this guide and your carpets will look new in no time.
Step 1:
Remove all the clutter prior to cleaning the carpeted area and clear it from any furniture like beds, sofas, and dressers. Often times, areas underneath furniture tend to accumulate the most dust and debris. The last thing you want is to leave behind hidden spots that may flatten or wear out even more.
Step 2:
Carefully examine the carpet pile. If there are any loose threads hanging, you want to cut it with a pair of sharp scissors. Cut any threads that are sticking up make sure the scissors are in line with the rest of the pile when cutting.
Step 3:
Look for hardened stains and treat them with a stain remover that’s formulated for carpets. Allow the cleaning agent to sit for at least 5 minutes or depending on the manufacturer’s instructions. Use a rag to blot the treated stains. Do not wipe the stains to avoid spreading it over a larger surface.
Step 4:
For areas that have been flattened by heavy furniture, use an ice cube to fluff up the carpet pile. Let the ice cube melt completely before blotting the wet area with a paper towel. Use gentle pressure when blotting the carpet pile to prevent reinforcing the dent. Using a metal spoon, run it against the direction of the carpet pile to fluff it all up.
Step 5:
If you don’t have any ice cubes, you can use a wet hand towel. Soak the hand towel in water and wring out the excess liquid. Lay the wet towel over the flattened carpet pile before placing a clothes iron on top. Set the clothes iron at a low heat and iron the towel gently for one minute, focusing on the area above the dent. Leave the towel to dry and fluff up the carpet pile with your hand afterwards.
Step 6:
Grab a carpet vacuum and run over the carpet, making sure to vacuum all four corners before shampooing. If necessary, use an attachment to get into hard-to-reach areas and remove debris as much as possible. Pay attention to areas that receive constant foot traffic which have a tendency to flatten severely.
Step 7:
Use a carpet shampoo that’s formulated for your specific type of carpet. Follow the instructions on how to apply the formula correctly. Start shampooing the area that’s farthest to the entrance. Go back and forth slowly while making sure to apply the formula evenly. Avoid stepping on the damp carpet to prevent reintroducing dust and debris.
Step 8:
Allow the carpet to air-dry completely. This is a very crucial step in the entire process as you don’t want to encourage mould growth and cause health risks for your family. Open the door (and windows, if any) to encourage airflow and dry the carpet much faster. You can use a fan to speed up the process by placing them in strategic areas like the corner of the room and near the entrance.
Step 9:
Grab a scented or unscented carpet deodorizer (depending on your preferences) and sprinkle it all over the carpet. Let the power settle in for at least 5 minutes or depending on the manufacturer’s instructions. Using a carpet deodorizer helps neutralize any foul odours and help freshen it up. You can add your favorite essential oil into the mix for that long-lasting fragrant effect.
Step 10:
Vacuum the carpet one last time to suck up the remaining vestiges of carpet deodorizer and other small particles. Start from the corner of the room and work your way to the entrance to ensure all areas have been thoroughly vacuumed. This leaves you with a fresh-smelling carpet that’s fully fluffed up and looking like new!
Pro tip:
To prevent your carpet pile from flattening quickly, you can rotate your furniture once every few months and move them in a different place. You can also consider installing a short-pile carpet which is very resistant to flattening due to their short carpet pile. Lastly, you might want to wear indoor slippers to limit the tracking of dust, dirt, debris, and mud inside your home. Often times it’s these small particles that can flatten a carpet pile, especially on areas that receive constant foot traffic.
If you’re dealing with a flattened carpet, these tips will help recondition your flooring and revitalize its look! Should you need any additional advice from a carpet cleaning professional in Perth for more information and tips to help recover your carpets and rugs.