Keeping carpets and hard flooring looking their best does not always require expensive products. Many of these tried-and-tested tips use simple household items to tackle everyday marks, spills, and general wear, organised here by carpet care, hard floor care, and general maintenance.
Carpet Care
Flattened Carpet Pile
Where heavy furniture has left flattened patches in carpet pile, hold a steam iron just above the surface (without touching the carpet directly) to build up steam, then gently brush the pile back up with your fingers or a soft brush.
Candle Wax Spills
Place a brown paper bag over the wax and run a warm iron gently over the top. The heat lifts the wax into the paper as it melts, rather than pushing it deeper into the fibres.
Pet Stains
Blot up as much moisture as possible with a paper towel, then apply club soda to the area and continue blotting. Lay a clean towel over the spot and place a heavy object on top to help draw out the remaining moisture.
Grease Spots on Carpet
Sprinkle baking soda or cornmeal over the grease spot and work it gently into the pile with a brush. Leave overnight, then vacuum thoroughly.
Reviving Limp Shag Rugs
If a shag throw rug has gone limp from repeated washing, brush a strong liquid starch over the back to help restore some body and texture.
Curling Throw Rugs
If throw rugs curl or wrinkle at the edges, applying a few coats of shellac to the underside can help them lie flat. Make sure the shellac is completely dry before returning the rug to the floor.
Caring for Foam-Backed Rugs
Never wash foam-backed throw rugs in hot water, and always dry them on an air-only setting. Heat can cause the foam backing to break down and deteriorate.
Hard Floor Care
Wood Floors
Avoid water or water-based cleaners on wood flooring, since repeated moisture exposure can cause warping and swelling over time. Use cold tea, applied sparingly with a cloth, to clean and freshen varnished wood floors instead.
Crayon Marks on Vinyl or Linoleum
A small amount of silver polish rubbed gently onto the mark can lift crayon from vinyl tile or linoleum flooring.
Spilled Nail Polish
Allow the polish to almost fully dry, then carefully peel it away from waxed floors or tile rather than wiping while wet, which can spread the stain.
Tar Spots
A small amount of paste wax rubbed over a tar spot can help lift it from flooring, and works equally well on shoe soles.
Black Heel Marks
A pencil eraser is often enough to lift stubborn black heel marks. For more persistent marks, a small amount of lighter fluid on a cloth can help, though it should be used sparingly, in a well-ventilated room, and kept well away from any naked flame.
Spilled Grease on Hard Flooring
Rub ice cubes over the grease to solidify it, then scrape away the excess before washing the area with warm, soapy water.
Garage and Basement Floors
Oil Spills on Garage Floors
Lay several thicknesses of newspaper over the spill, saturate it with water, and press it flat against the floor. Once fully dry, remove the newspaper. It will have drawn much of the oil stain out with it.
Oily Spots on Basement Floors
Sprinkle sand or unused cat litter over oily patches to absorb the oil, then sweep up once it has soaked in.
General Floor Maintenance Tips
Dusting Without Scattering
Lightly dampen the inside of a dustpan before sweeping piles of dust and dirt into it. The moisture stops fine dust scattering back out as you sweep.
Protecting Floors When Moving Furniture
Slip thick old socks over the legs of heavy furniture before sliding it across a floor to prevent scuffs and scratches.
Cleaning Your Floor Polisher’s Felt Pads
Sandwich the felt pads between layers of newspaper and press with a warm iron. This draws out built-up wax residue, extending the life of the pads.
Quick Shine With a Dust Mop
Slip a sheet of waxed paper under your dust mop before use. It picks up dirt as you mop while leaving a light shine behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use water to clean wood floors?
It is best avoided. Repeated exposure to water or water-based cleaners can cause wood flooring to warp or swell over time. Cold tea or a proper wood floor cleaner, used sparingly, is a safer option.
What is the safest way to remove old heel marks from flooring?
Start with a pencil eraser for light marks. For more stubborn marks, a small amount of lighter fluid on a cloth can help, but always use it in a ventilated space and away from any flame.
How do I stop foam-backed rugs from deteriorating?
Always wash them in cool water and dry on an air-only cycle. Heat is the main cause of the foam backing breaking down over time.
Related Reading
- How to Get Blood Out of Carpet: Proven Tips and Techniques
- How to Make a Natural Carpet Cleaner at Home
About the author: This guide was written by the Routen House editorial team.