When (and How) to Disinfect Carpet
We’ve talked a lot about the difference between plain old cleaning and more intensive disinfection, and why it’s important to disinfect a lot of things you probably don’t disinfect. And one thing that gets cleaned regularly but rarely disinfected is your carpet, which, come to think of it, is fucking disgusting. As a soft material, it’s great for all kinds of dirt and germs, but vacuuming only fixes half of that problem. Here’s how to disinfect carpet.
How often should you deep clean your carpet?
According to The Spruce , you should disinfect your carpets at least twice a year, although you should aim to do so seasonally. Add this to your spring cleaning checklist at the very least, and if you don’t use an app to help you manage your various cleaning schedules, download it now so you don’t forget to clean your carpets next quarter too. ( Here’s our list of the best apps based on your cleaning style.)
How to disinfect carpet and rugs?
First, the good news: After a quick vacuum or shake, small rugs and rugs can be sent straight to your washing machine and washed in hot water to be disinfected. If you don’t have a large center agitator washing machine, consider taking your carpets to the laundry ( and read our guide on how to save money once you get there ). Be sure to use a laundry detergent that you can find in the detergent section of the store. The bad news is that not all of your carpets will be miniature.
For larger ones, you need to remove all furniture from it and vacuum it first. You will also need an EPA-recommended disinfectant. The EPA has a searchable list , and you can sort it by “carpet care”. There’s no way you can get by without a steam cleaner for the next part, but luckily you can get one for as little as $189 on Amazon , or even $119 at Harbor Freight . These are the smaller versions, but if you are looking for a more powerful machine, it may be more profitable to rent one. For example , Bissell rents carpet cleaners for $34.99 for 24 hours and $39.99 for 48 hours. Plus, you can add their EPA-certified products for an additional fee of $13.99 to $34.99, depending on how much you need.
The sanitizer you choose should have instructions that explain exactly how to use it with the steam cleaner, but for the most part, you can expect the device to be filled with water and a solution or, in some cases, spray the sanitizer directly onto your carpet and leave. over it.
From here you should air dry the carpet, so open some windows or install a large fan in the room. This will take some time, so for best results, let it dry overnight and don’t put furniture back in place until you’re done.
One note: while some may recommend vinegar – and it’s a powerful cleaner that can fight some bacteria – you need an EPA-certified product to really disinfect, so don’t waste time and punish your nostrils unnecessarily with this kitchen product.
When to Call a Pro
If this all sounds like a lot, it’s because it is. If you don’t have time to check EPA certifications and rent a bulky machine, or don’t feel like keeping a big old steam cleaner, you can always turn to a professional. To decide if this is the best option for you, take an inventory of your home. Angi, who connects people with professionals , notes that you should contact a cleaner who will give you clear estimates, whether it be square meters or rooms. Please note, however, that these may vary from supplier to supplier and depending on the specifics of your space. For example, an L-shaped room may be considered by the company and billed as two “rooms,” so know your square footage and call numerous local vendors for quotes and information.
According to Home Advisor , the average cost for a professional is $180 for a three-bedroom home, but you can expect to pay between $123 and $240.