Flooring

Expert advice on hardwood, laminate, carpet and other flooring solutions for homes.

Deep Clean Your Carpets: Tips for a DIY Clean Fit For Professionals

9th September 2022

Carpets are undoubtedly a great way to make a house feel warm and cosy, especially when it is cooler outside. However, keeping carpets in their original, fluffy condition can be a challenge, especially if you have lots of feet (and paws) running through your house. Investing in a professional carpet cleaning service is a great way of giving your carpet a new lease of life. But once that is done, there are things you can do to keep your carpet looking great. Check out these top tips from pro cleaners.

The rubber glove trick

If you are tired of stuff such as pet hair or general household debris marring the edges of your carpet, particularly your stairs, try taking a rubber glove to it! Use the glove like a cloth and rub vigorously over the entire carpet surface; you will be amazed at how much debris is lifted from the carpet. (This also works with a squeegee or anything else made of rubber).

Tackle stubborn stains with heat

We all have that stain that we have decided we just have to live with as no amount of carpet shampoo or bicarb has managed to touch it. Well, don’t give up until you have tried to iron it out! Start by giving the area a thorough vacuum, then dab vinegar water made up of three parts water and one part white vinegar over the stain(s). Switch the iron on and wait five minutes while the iron heats up and the vinegar water works its magic. Finally, place a clean tea towel or towel over the stained area and apply firm pressure with the iron. In theory, the heat + vinegar combination will transfer the stain from the carpet to the towel – magic! (Tip: don’t use your favourite towel!).

Baking soda isn’t just for cakes

If you get an oil-based product on your carpet, don’t panic! This is one time when you shouldn’t dab. As soon as the spill happens, grab the baking powder and sprinkle it liberally on the stain. Wait for the powder to absorb all of the oil and until it has formed a dry crust, then just vacuum it up. With luck, the oil will be sucked up with the powder. Baking soda is also a great deodoriser. Sprinkle liberally on pet accidents; make a paste and rub into stubborn stains, or pop some in a flask with a few drops of lemon juice and some water.

A close shave…

Did you know that shaving foam is in fact just very strong soap? What’s more, the bubbles help the soap to penetrate deep into a carpet, tackling the most ingrained stains. You don’t need to worry about brands, go for the cheapest, but make sure you get foam and not gel.

If your carpets need a little TLC, check out our directory of trusted local carpet cleaners and professional cleaners, who have the tools and the know-how to get your home sparkling in no time.

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Looking for more flooring advice?

Find clear, practical answers to common flooring questions, helping homeowners understand everyday issues, know what checks they can carry out safely, and when it is best to contact a qualified professional.

How do I know when my flooring needs professional repair rather than DIY?

A loose plank or a surface scratch? DIY products can handle that. But widespread lifting, buckling, soft or spongy patches underfoot, or visible water damage are signs of something deeper - a subfloor issue or damp - that needs proper assessment. Patching the surface without fixing the underlying problem just means you'll be dealing with it again soon.
How do I fix squeaky or uneven floorboards?

Squeaks usually come from boards rubbing against each other or against fixings as they move. Screwing them down more firmly or applying a lubricant between boards often solves it. Uneven boards are more of a concern - they can point to subfloor movement or joist problems that need looking at properly. If the issue is spreading or getting worse, don't just patch it.
Can I lay flooring myself or should I hire a professional?

Laminate or click vinyl in a straightforward rectangular room? DIY is doable if you're handy. Solid hardwood, natural stone, large-format tiles, or anything in a room with tricky angles - get a professional. The materials cost enough that a fitting mistake is expensive to put right, and subfloor prep is the bit most people underestimate.
Can damaged or uneven flooring be a safety hazard?

Yes, genuinely. Raised edges, buckling boards, loose tiles, and soft patches are all trip hazards - particularly for children and older people. Lifting near water sources can also mean there's a damp or drainage issue making things worse underneath. If the same problem keeps coming back despite fixes, it needs a proper assessment rather than another patch.
What subfloor preparation is needed before new flooring is laid?

The subfloor needs to be clean, dry, flat, and solid - this matters more than most people realise. Even small dips or bumps can cause laminate, tile, or vinyl to crack, creak, or lift over time. In older homes you might need to secure or replace existing floorboards, and moisture should always be checked before laying wood or engineered flooring over concrete. A good installer will assess the subfloor before quoting, not after.
What type of flooring is best for kitchens and bathrooms?

Both rooms need something water-resistant. In kitchens, luxury vinyl tile (LVT) is currently the go-to - fully waterproof, warmer underfoot than tile, and available in loads of finishes.
Porcelain tile is excellent if you like a harder, easy-to-clean surface. In bathrooms, the same options work but slip resistance becomes more important - particularly around the shower or bath.
Avoid regular laminate and solid wood in bathrooms, and only use properly sealed engineered wood in kitchens. Factor in underfloor heating compatibility early if that's something you want.
How do I choose between laminate and hardwood flooring?

Hardwood is the real thing - solid timber that can be sanded and refinished multiple times, so it can genuinely last generations.
The downsides: it reacts to moisture and moves with the seasons. Laminate is more resistant to scratches and damp, cheaper, and easier to fit - but once it's worn, it's worn. You can't refinish it.
Engineered wood is a solid middle ground - real wood veneer on a stable plywood core that handles moisture and underfloor heating better than solid hardwood. If longevity matters and you're happy to invest, hardwood or engineered wood is worth it. If you want a good-looking, practical floor at lower cost, quality laminate is absolutely fine.

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