Carpet flooring is an increasingly popular choice in homes today due to its warm, comfortable comfort. Unfortunately, however, carpeted floors can be challenging to keep clean in some ways; especially around their edges where they meet walls where dirt, dust, and other substances may accumulate and make maintenance challenging.
As someone who strives to keep my home as tidy as possible, I have experimented with various ways of cleaning carpet lines along the walls in search of an effective method. After much trial and error, I have identified five tried-and-true ways that help keep my rugs neat and tidy.
This blog post will discuss my top five ways of cleaning the edges of a carpet that touches a wall. From vacuuming to steam cleaning, these methods will show you step-by-step how you can restore its edges back to new ones. Whether it be pet hair, spots that won’t come out, or simply general dirt and dust buildup on your carpet surface.
5 Effective Solutions to Clean Carpet Edges Near Walls
I will demonstrate five tried-and-true strategies I use to keep my carpets tidy and clean.
Method 1: Start off by purchasing a vacuum cleaner
One of the easiest and most efficient ways to clean carpet lines along walls is with a vacuum cleaner. It’s equipped with a crevice tool attachment, designed specifically to reach small spaces like carpet edges along walls.
Start by connecting the crevice tool to your vacuum and switching it on. Position the tool at 45-degree angles against a wall, moving along the edge of your carpet in short strokes so as to not damage its fibers. Do this until all parts of your area have been covered.
After you are done cleaning, use a stiff-bristled brush to stir up fibers along the edge of the carpet to loosen dirt from deep within its fibers. Pick up any loose debris with your vacuum cleaner. Finally, vacuum again so any loose dirt is picked up!
Method 2: Use a steam cleaner
Steam cleaning carpet ends along walls is another effective method for keeping them looking their best. Not only does steam cleaning remove dirt and dust, but it can also kill bacteria and dust mites that have been collected in them.
First, vacuum your carpet to remove loose dirt and waste. Next, fill up your steam cleaner with water and turn it on. Wait until there is lots of steam generated, and slowly move it around the edge of your carpet.
Utilize the brush attachment of your steam cleaner when moving along the edge of a carpet to stir up fibers, and remove any dirt or debris. Be sure to move slowly so that the steam has plenty of time to penetrate carpet strands.
Once you’ve finished steam cleaning your carpet, wait until it has fully dried before walking on it. This may take anywhere from one hour or more depending on how humid and warm the environment in which your home is.
Method 3: Try mixing baking soda and vinegar
Baking soda and vinegar are two everyday home items that can be used to clean the edges of carpet where it meets a wall. Baking soda offers natural ways of eliminating smells while vinegar helps kill germs effectively.
First, scatter baking soda along the edge of your carpet in an even layer, spreading a thin coating across all areas. Next, mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle and spray over the baking soda for the best results.
Let the mixture rest for several minutes, before stirring carpet strands with a stiff-bristled brush using short strokes so as to not damage the fibers of the carpet. After brushing is complete, use a vacuum to eliminate dirt and baking soda from your carpet strands.
Method 4: Use a Carpet Stain Remover
If there are stubborn spots along the edges of your carpet that simply won’t come out, use a carpet stain remover. There are numerous varieties available, make sure that you choose one suitable for both your carpet type and the type of spot being treated.
To use a stain remover effectively, start by applying it directly to the area requiring treatment. Be sure to follow label directions regarding how much and for how long to leave it alone. Blot with a clean cloth or paper towel as soon as the stain has had its chance to work, do not rub more! Repeat this process as necessary until all colors have disappeared from the fabric.
Not all carpet stain removers can be trusted to work on all kinds of carpeting. Always do a spot test first on a hidden part of the carpet to ensure it won’t stain or damage it.
Method 5: Hire a professional carpet cleaner
If all other methods fail to help clean your carpet lines, professional cleaners have special tools and solutions designed to remove dirt, debris and spots from along the walls of carpet edges.
Before hiring a professional carpet cleaner, ensure to do your research and select an established and reputable service. Check reviews online as well as ask friends or family who have used such services before for recommendations.
How should I clean the ends of my carpet where it meets the wall?
How often you clean the carpet lines along the wall will depend on a number of factors. Including foot traffic in that area, pets or children, allergies or breathing problems in your household, and whether anyone needs allergy medication.
As a general guideline, carpet ends along the wall should be professionally cleaned at least every two to three months in order to eliminate dirt, dust, and other pollutants that build up over time in these spots. Doing so will remove the build-up of dirt and dust as well as prevent further wear and tear from taking its toll on these vulnerable places.
But if your area includes pets, children, or a lot of foot traffic, the frequency may need to increase. For instance, if you own a dog that sheds excessive hair regularly, cleaning its edges more frequently might be necessary. So as to not cause breathing difficulties among family and guests.
If anyone in your home suffers from allergies or breathing problems, carpet lines along walls should be thoroughly vacuumed on an ongoing basis to remove allergens. It aggravates these problems and other potential allergens that could aggravate symptoms further.
How often you clean the edges of the carpet along the wall will depend on your unique situation. But by committing to this job and cleaning this area frequently, you can help maintain clean carpets while decreasing the risk of breathing difficulties, or other health concerns that come from having dirty carpets.
How can I prevent dirt from building up along the edges of my rugs next to a wall?
Maintaining clean carpet edges next to walls by keeping dirt and waste from collecting can keep them looking new. Reduce respiratory health risks associated with dirty carpets, and help your carpets last longer. Here are some ways you can prevent waste accumulation:
Employ Doormats: Place doormats at all of the entrances to your home in order to prevent dirt and debris from being tracked inside, helping reduce how much ends up on rugs and carpets. This may help decrease how often new particles arrive.
Take off Your Shoes: Before inviting anyone into your home, ask everyone to remove their shoes as this will prevent dirt, mud, and other unpleasant materials from landing on your rugs and carpeting.
Vacuum Your Carpets: Vacuum carpets on a regular basis to prevent dirt and debris from building up along the sides near walls, or creating crevices around edges and tight spaces. Make sure that you use your crevice tool attachment for optimal cleaning results in these tight areas.
Clean Up Spills Promptly: If something spills, be sure to clean it up right away so it doesn’t soak into the carpet fibers and cause permanent staining.
Hire a professional carpet cleaner: Hire a professional carpet cleaner on an ongoing basis to have your carpets professionally cleaned. Clearing out dirt and other substances that have built up over time. A pro can also offer guidance as to how you can prevent more debris from collecting over time.
Utilizing these tips and taking good care in maintaining your carpets regularly, you can help them remain clean and fresh for many years to come.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning carpet lines along the walls may seem daunting, but with the appropriate tools and methods, it can be completed efficiently. There is likely one that works for you. Be it vacuuming, steam cleaning, baking soda and vinegar, or professional cleaners.
When cleaning carpet edges near walls, take care not to damage the carpet strands. Use light lines when pressing too hard or using rough tools, light is best.
By following these five tried-and-tested ways to clean the edges of your carpet near walls, you can keep it looking stunning for years. Give them a try yourself and see for yourself.
