• Updated automatically when refreshed • 3‑min read
- Why clean carpets regularly
- 90‑second quick‑start checklist
- DIY methods that actually work
- Seasonal hacks
- DIY vs. Rozie pro service
- Preventive care & waterproofing
- FAQs
1. Why cleaning carpets matters
- Health. Dust‑mite allergen load can be 2 × to 55 × higher in carpet dust than on smooth flooring surfaces [1].
- Air quality. About 50 % of fungi and mite allergens leave the pile only after four 55 cm/s vacuum passes [2].
- Longevity. Embedded grit shortens fibre life by up to 30 %—routine cleaning keeps colours vivid.
🔗 Related: How to Clean Your Dishwasher in Malta
2. 90‑second quick‑start checklist
| Action | Tool | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Vacuum high‑traffic zones | HEPA vacuum | 2 min |
| Blot fresh spill | Microfibre towel | 30 sec |
| Sprinkle baking soda | Pantry staple | 15 sec |
| Set dwell timer | Phone alarm | – |
| Finish with dry pass | Vacuum | 2 min |
3. DIY methods that actually work
3.1 Baking‑soda deodoriser (best for smells)
- Dust baking soda generously over the area.
- Mist lightly with warm water to activate.
- Leave for ≥ 4 h (overnight ideal).
- Vacuum slowly in overlapping passes (55 cm/s sweet spot [2]).
Pro tip: Add 5 drops of tea‑tree oil for natural anti‑fungal punch.
3.2 White‑vinegar lift‑off (fresh food & pet stains)
Mix 1 part white vinegar to 3 parts lukewarm water; spray edge‑to‑centre, blot; rinse and blot dry. ⚠️ Test colour‑fastness first.
3.3 Deep‑clean with a rental extractor
Pre‑vacuum, fill tank with 40 °C water + neutral detergent, run straight overlapping lines, ventilate for 6–8 h drying.
4. Seasonal hacks
| Season | Why it’s ideal | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Low humidity | Beat carpet outdoors, then vacuum |
| Summer | Fast sun‑dry | Wet‑extract & dry in shade |
| Autumn | Pollen drop | Apply fibre‑protection spray |
| Winter | Mild Maltese temps | “Snow‑clean” alt: place pile‑down on cool moist grass 30 min |
5. DIY vs. hiring a profesional cleaner
| Criteria | DIY | Pro Service |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | €10–€25 supplies | From €25 incl. detergent |
| Drying time | 6–24 h | ≤ 4 h (commercial dryers) |
| Mite‑allergen removal | ≈ 50–60 % | ≥ 90 % (truck‑mount extractor) |
| Effort | High | Minimal |
Call a pro when: expensive Persian rugs, water‑damage, persistent pet odour, asthma sufferers (84 % of homes have detectable mite allergen [3]).
6. Preventive care & waterproofing
- Apply a textile‑repellent spray in two light coats.
- Ventilate while drying.
- Set a reminder: vacuum weekly, book a pro deep‑clean every 24 months.
7. Frequently asked questions
Can I put a small rug in the washing machine?
Check the care label: cotton and synthetic runners under 3 kg often handle a 30 °C delicate cycle. Wool or jute rugs should never be machine‑washed.
Does baking soda fade colours?
No—sodium bicarbonate has a neutral pH and is non‑bleaching, unlike lemon juice or hydrogen peroxide.
How soon can children or pets walk on the carpet again?
Once the pile feels touch‑dry—about 4 h after a Rozie pro clean or 8 h after a DIY wet extraction.
Aleksandrs Tuls
| Author & Co-Founder, Rozie
Co-creator of Malta’s first on-demand cleaning app, Aleksandrs distils
real-world data into quick home-care hacks and business insights.
Featured in Yahoo Finance.
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