As the back-to-school season kicks in, so do the potential carpet messes caused by our little learners. From art projects gone awry to accidental spills, maintaining clean carpets while embracing the joys of childhood can be a challenge. But fear not! We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of potential messes and quick cleaning solutions to keep your carpets looking their best.
Every house with pets or kids should have a green machine. No, we are not sponsored by Green machine As parents of kids and grandkids we know the value of a quick and easy cleanup. This article is for those without a green machine. If you have one, just use your machine instead of “blotting” and “drying”.
Crayon Creations: Dealing with Colorful Artwork
Kids’ artistry knows no bounds, sometimes extending to your carpets. For crayon marks on carpets, gently scrape off excess crayon using a plastic card, then blot the area with rubbing alcohol using a cloth. Rinse with water, or use a Green Machine and blot dry.
Ink Accidents: Erasing Pen Marks from Carpets
Ink mishaps are a common occurrence. Act quickly by blotting the area with a cloth dipped in coconut oil. The oil can help lift the ink. Follow up with a mixture of Laundry detergent and water (2 parts water to every one part laundry detergent), blot, and rinse. Do not use dish soap on your carpets!!
Food and Snack Spills: Navigating Lunchtime Mishaps
Lunchtime spills are part of the back-to-school routine. Blot the stain gently with a cloth and a mixture of 2 parts laundry detergent and 1 part water. Rinse, blot dry, and repeat if necessary.
Glue Mishaps: Cleaning Up After Craft Time
Glue can be stubborn, but not impossible to remove. Heres our shamless plug: we strongly recommend calling a professional as quickly as possible but you still need to do a little “ground work” to ensure that glue spot isn’t permanent. Gently scrape up glue as quickly as possible with a plastic card or spoon. Be carful not to spread the mess, then apply warm water and suck out the excess using a green machine or a shop vac. Repeat this process at least 6 times, and call a professional! If possible keep the spot damp until Britcan arrives.
Mud and Outdoor Adventures: Handling Footprints and Dirt
Active kids often bring the outdoors messes inside. Allow mud to dry and then gently vacuum to remove excess dirt. Blot with a mixture of 1 part water and 2 parts laundry detergent, then blot dry. Getting the dirt out of the carpet ensures that the particles don’t damage the fibers in your carpet. If the fibers become damaged it can trap dirt and bacteria in your carpet, affecting the air quality in your home. So some basic maintenance is required right away and then your yearly cleaning and carpet protector will do the rest.
Accidental Spills: Dealing with Drinks Gone Astray
Spilled drinks are inevitable. Quickly blot the area with paper towels, then use a cloth dampened with a mixture of water and Laundry detergent. Blot, rinse, and blot dry.
Play-Dough Puzzles: Managing Squishy Situations
Let dry play-dough completely dry and then use a spoon to crumble, then vacuum to remove most of it. Dampen a cloth and blot to soften remaining particles, then gently pull them out.
Scuffed Shoes: Erasing Footwear Marks on Carpets
Footwear marks can appear after a day of active play. Gently scrub with a mixture of water and laundry soap using a soft cloth. Blot dry and repeat if needed.
Pencil Perils: Cleaning Up Broken Pencil Tips
Broken pencil tips can leave marks. Vacuum to remove debris, then blot with a mixture of water and laundry detergent. Rinse, blot dry, and repeat if necessary.
Sticky Situations: Tackling Tape and Sticker Residue
Tape and sticker residue can cling to carpets. Gently peel off as much as possible, then blot with coconut oil. Leave the coconut oil to sit for 10-15 minutes to help breakdown the glue. Apply warm a warm solution of laundry detergent and water. Blot out the excess and repeat until satisfied with results. Blot dry.
With the new school year in full swing, these handy tips will help you stay on top of the inevitable messes that come with the territory of raising kids and supporting their learning journey. Embrace each moment, tackle messes with confidence, and keep your carpets looking fresh and clean throughout the school year!