How To Clean Carpet Tiles?

Sydney residents and commercial establishments prefer carpet tiles for their homes and offices. They look great and handle foot traffic well. But they need some cleaning from time to time to maintain their appearance at its best. Perhaps you are thinking of cleaning these carpets without stress. Don’t worry! Explore this guide to help you keep your carpet tiles clean and fresh at all times.

Do you need to remove the carpet tiles for cleaning?

Similar to Lego, this type of carpet is easy to remove and put back. However, whether you need to remove them depends on the cleaning method. Here’s the lowdown:

• Vacuuming: No need to stress about it. Just grab your reliable vacuum cleaner, give those tiles a good once-over, and you’re done!
• Spot duty: Spills happen, but usually, you can tackle them without needing to pull up the tiles. However, if it’s a massive mess or needs a more intense cleaning, lifting the tile might be easier.
• Deep Clean Champs: Some deep cleaning methods, like the fancy hot water extraction some professionals use, might involve removing the tiles for a more thorough job.

Heads up: Before you become a tile-lifting pro, check the manufacturer’s instructions. Some have special interlocking edges that need a specific removal technique.

How often should you vacuum carpet tiles?

If you want to keep your carpet tiles clean, vacuuming is a great choice. How often you gotta whip it out depends on how much action they see:

• High-traffic areas (entryways, hallways): These are practically footpath central, so vacuum them daily or every other day.
• Medium-traffic areas (living rooms, bedrooms): These areas get a decent amount of use, so 2-3 times a week with the vacuum is a good idea.
• Low-traffic areas (spare rooms, studies): There is not much happening here, so a once-a-week vacuum should do the trick.

Top tip: Pay extra attention to areas where dirt loves to gather, like around furniture or doorways. Use that upholstery attachment on your vacuum to properly clean these areas.

What cleaning products should you use?

It is important to note that not all cleaning products are the same. Your high-quality carpet tiles might be ruined if you use the wrong one. Remember the following:

• Manufacturer knows best: Most carpet tile makers have the inside scoop on what cleaning solutions work best for their products. Check their recommendations before you grab anything off the shelf.
• Mild manners are key: Harsh chemicals are like bullies to your carpet tiles, causing fading and damage. Stick to gentle, pH-neutral cleaners.
• Test before you unleash the cleaning power: Always test any cleaning solution on a hidden area of the tile first. This way, you can check for any weird discolouration or reactions before giving the whole tile a bath.

How do you deal with matted carpet tiles?

Carpet tiles are not immune to busy areas where they can turn into a tangled mess. Here’s how to get them looking smooth again:

• Prevention is key: Place mats at the entrance to minimise the amount of dirt and debris that gets a chance to matt down your tiles.
• The power of the brush: It is advisable to use a stiff brush to untangle the fibres. Always work in the direction of the nap, which are the little hairs on the surface of the carpet, to prevent them from getting ruined.
• The help of baking soda: Apply baking soda to the matted area and let it sit for 30 minutes, then vacuum it. Baking soda is a natural deodoriser, so it can also come in handy to remove unpleasant odours from the tiles.

In cases where the matting is really bad, it may be advisable to take the carpet to a professional cleaner.

How do you deep clean this type of carpet?

Here’s how to keep your carpet tiles looking good through regular maintenance and when it’s time for a deeper clean by the professionals:

DIY Deep Cleaning:

1. Vacuum like a champion: Give the tiles a thorough vacuuming before you start.
2. Choose your weapon: Opt for a cleaning solution recommended by the manufacturer or a mild, wool-safe cleaner.
3. Patch test, always: Before you apply throughout the tiles, make sure to test the solution in a hidden spot first.
4. Cleaning time: Following the product instructions, apply the cleaning solution to a small area at a time. Use a clean cloth or a soft bristle brush to gently work it in.
5. Rinse and repeat: Don’t forget to rinse the cleaned area well with clean water and a damp cloth. Blot with a dry cloth to remove excess moisture.
6. Air drying marathon: Let the tiles air dry completely before walking on them.

Calling in the Cavalry (Professional Cleaning):

For heavily soiled tiles, extensive pet stains, or if you’re short on time, professional carpet cleaning is the way to go. They underwent residential and commercial carpet installation training plus cleaning, so you can rest assured that the work is done well. They use hot water extraction methods that can remove deep-seated dirt and revive even the most neglected carpet tiles.

How do you maintain the look of your carpet tiles?

If you want to keep your carpets looking their best for longer, follow some of the preventative measures to avoid carpet tile wear:

• Regular furniture rearranging: This helps prevent furniture legs from matting down specific areas of the carpet tiles.
• Take off your shoes at the door: It’s just a tiny thing, but it helps to cut down on the dirt brought into your home.
• Spot clean spills right away: The faster you clean them, the less chance they have of leaving a permanent stain.
• Doormats are your friend: They stop dirt and debris before they can get to your tiles.

Keeping your carpet tiles looking their best

Our team at Floor Zone NSW offers different flooring services, which include helping you select the perfect carpet tiles for your Sydney property. With a little TLC and the right knowledge, your carpet tiles can look their best for years.