Debunked: Carpet cleaning hacks from TikTok
Carpets are one of the trickiest things to keep clean, and unfortunately are susceptible to lots of different stains.
Whether it’s children with snacks and drinks, dogs with hair all over the place, or a messy partner – carpets usually face the brunt of the mess.
With the summer holidays here, we thought it would be good time to examine some of the carpet cleaning hacks going viral on TikTok and weigh up whether they’re worth trying at home.
Adrian Brown from Urmston Carpets shares his professional take on some of the most viral carpet tricks.
Cleaning a carpet with bleach
@empresswax #carpetcleaning #bleach #cleaningwithbleach #cleaninghack #fyp #cleantok ♬ original sound – EMPRESS WENDY
Bleach is a godsend for bathrooms, sinks and other household items that need a harsh clean. For carpets, no.
Adrian agrees: “I hope this isn’t real!
“Bleach is far too strong and can permanently damage the fibres and backing of your carpet.
“Even if it’s diluted, there is a huge risk, especially if you have a coloured or patterned carpet.
“If you’re trying to remove a tough stain, choose a carpet-safe cleaner or consult a professional.”
Using shaving foam to clean carpets
@lynsey_queenofclean ♬ The Look – Instrumental – Metronomy
This is highly unusual but with a consistency similar to some carpet cleaners, could it be a good hack if you’re out of carpet cleaner?
Adrian explains: “This one has gained popularity in recent years, but it’s hit or miss.
“The chemicals in shaving foam aren’t abrasive, so wouldn’t damage the carpet fibres.
“But, shaving foam isn’t formulated for carpets, and while it might temporarily lift surface dirt, it can leave behind some residue that attracts more grime over time.
“Plus, if not rinsed thoroughly, it could discolour some fibres.”
Use ice cubes for furniture dents
@organizedandsimplified4u Use ice cubes to remove furniture dents in carpet. Once melted, use a dry cloth or sponge to remove water.👌🏼 . . . . . . . . . . . #carpet #furniture #hometips #homehacks #lifehack #didyouknow #tips #tipsandtricks #ice #icecubes #lifehacks #homedecor #homefurniture #fyp #foryou ♬ Woop Baby – Letherette
Come the summer, everyone has a freezer filled with ice.
“Ready and waiting for the next heatwave to hit, it’s something we have aplenty.
“Especially if you have a fridge that will make them for you!
Thankfully Adrian believes this trick has merit, too.
“Moisture and time can help the carpet pile lift back up slightly.
“But, don’t expect a full recovery, especially if your carpet is older or flattened.
“You should use a spoon, fork or coin to gently fluff the fibres once the area is dry.”
Use an iron and fork for furniture dents
@creativesaint Remove a furniture marks from a carpet! #hack #homehacks #cleancarpet ♬ Messy (Extended Instrumental) – Express Groove
When a step up from the ice cube method is needed, although this definitely warrants more risk.
Adrian explains: “The steam from the iron can help, but too much heat will melt synthetic fibres or damage the carpet backing.
“Also, using a fork to lift the fibres can fray or snap them if you’re not really careful.
Instead, opting for a gentle brush or steam cleaner will be a safer alternative.”
Using washing up powder for cleaning carpets
@carlychristinek #fypシ #walkyourwonderful #clean #cleantok #cleaningtiktok ♬ original sound – carlychristinek
This unfortunately is unlikely to work.
Adrian says: “It will make the room smell nice, but washing powder if difficult to vacuum up, and not designed for textiles like carpets.
“It can also be a nightmare for any visitors or residents with sensitive skin or allergies.
“Choose bicarbonate soda instead, as a safer, more effective and cheaper method.”
Use an iron on carpet wax
@foxy.the.decorator Remove wax from a carpet & a bonus decorating hack’ #remove #wax #carpet #hack #decorating #diy #foxy ♬ Blood Is Pumping – Voodoo & Serano
This hack predates TikTok and even social media itself, although it works, it does need a warning!
Adrian explains: “You need to place a cloth between the iron and the wax to avoid direct contact. One slip and you could singe or melt the carpet.
“In many cases, a safer alternative would be to gently scrape it off.
“However, if you do slip and cause carpet damage, you may need to get the entire carpet professionally replaced. Tread carefully!”
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