- Written By R Mark • Posted on June 13, 2026 at 7:30 AM
Little habits go a long way—vacuum regularly, at least once a week. High-traffic areas (entryways, play areas, and areas near couches) should be vacuumed 2–3 times a week. This routine helps to stop dirt and pet hair from becoming embedded. Move light furniture and vacuum the area underneath every month.
Regularly check for stains and clean up spills promptly. You can also sprinkle some baking soda lightly onto carpets to absorb odours — leave it for 15 minutes, and then vacuum it.
Spills happen, so act fast. That’s the key to preventing stains from setting in:
Blot, don’t rub: Blot the spill with a clean white cloth or towel. Rubbing spreads it.
Work your way in: Begin blotting from the edge of the stain inward to the centre to prevent rings.
Diluted soap solution: Add a few drops of dish soap to warm water. Dab it onto the stain, then blot it away.
Vinegar and baking soda combo: To neutralise rotten smells or stubborn stains, identify the problem area and spray with a 50/50 mix of water and white vinegar. Scrub gently, sprinkle some baking soda on the area, and reapply the paste. Allow it to fizz and dry, then vacuum up the powder.
Do not over-wet the carpet. Use just enough liquid to clean. Using too much water can cause mould, especially in humid places.
For deeper cleans, you don’t always need a professional. These carpet cleaning DIY tips are great for regular upkeep:
Rent a carpet steamer: You can rent a steamer from most hardware stores. Get yourself warm water and a carpet shampoo. Go slowly in straight lines.
Always Rinse: If your machine allows, perform a clean-water rinse when you’re done washing. This removes leftover soap.
Dry well: Open windows or flip on fans. A carpet’s smell can become trapped in its fibres, and when it’s wet, it's even possible for mould to grow.
Brush and vacuum individual stains: For minor stains, scrub with a carpet brush, using a bit of water and soap. Once it’s dry, vacuum up any residual mould.
Even something as simple as a mixture of warm water and dish soap can help lift fresh stains. Let it dry, then vacuum. These carpet cleaning DIY tips are ones that should work for most homes, but huge carpets or those with especially heavy soiling might still require professional assistance.
Here’s how to clean specific stains the smart way:
Mud or dirt: Let it dry completely. Vacuum up the bits. Use mild soap and a damp cloth to finish.
Ink or marker: Dab gently with a cloth soaked in rubbing alcohol. Then rinse with clean water.
Wine or juice: Blot first. Then pour on club soda or cold water and blot again. You can also try the vinegar-and-baking-soda method if needed.
Coffee or tea: Use the dish soap and warm water mix. Sponge it on, then blot dry.
Grease (like cooking oil): Sprinkle some baking soda or cornflour over it. Let it sit for 10 minutes. Vacuum it and then wipe with soapy water.
Pet urine: Blot well. Use an enzyme cleaner or vinegar solution. Sprinkle baking soda afterwards to neutralise the odour.
Dry and vacuum again after treating any stain. If a spot remains after you have done regular home cleaning, a professional can remove it altogether. A professional steam clean can remove over 90% of built-up dust and dirt, reviving your home and helping to reduce allergens.
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