Scotchgard is an aerosol-based stain and spill protection agent for furniture and fabrics. It's commonly sold in hardware and home improvement stores. Scotchgard makes a variety of products, some of which are designed specifically to protect rugs and carpets. You'll need to properly clean your carpets before applying Scotchgard, and you'll need to take extra care to keep that protective covering in place.
Furniture that is free of clutter
Remove any objects from the room before you begin cleaning your carpet. This protects your furniture from cleaning agents and Scotchgard while also allowing easy access to the entire carpet.
If you're moving exceptionally big furniture, enlist assistance.
If you can't get rid of any furniture or other items, cover them with a plastic sheet to preserve them while you clean your carpet and apply Scotchgard.
Thoroughly vacuum your carpet.
Pass your hand over your carpet slowly, being careful to travel in both directions. Vacuum in a straight line from one corner of the carpet to the other, traveling straight across the carpet.
Turn around and travel in the opposite direction of the path you just took. Step to the side and begin a fresh line parallel to the one you just vacuumed.
Continue cleaning and carpet scotchguarding the carpet until it is completely clean.
If you vacuum with a rug attachment, this will work best.
Older carpets should be steam cleaned
Of course, a new carpet won't need to be cleaned before Scotchgard is applied. Steam cleaners can be purchased at home improvement and hardware stores, but they can cost up to $300. Instead, renting the equipment might be a better option.
Some devices are more compact, featuring a nozzle that sprays steam mixed with a cleaning solution on your carpet.
Others are larger and pushed along the carpet, with the cleaning action usually located at the bottom.
You may also engage expert carpet cleaners to perform it for you; you'll be guaranteed to get a thorough clean with no mishaps.
Test the product
Always test a tiny, inconspicuous area before applying Scotchgard on your carpet. Scrub a hidden section of the carpet with a white cloth after spraying a little amount of the product on it. Avoid using Scotchgard on your carpet if there is any color transfer to the rag.
**The carpet should be sprayed
**
Turn the Scotchgard can upside down and place it about two feet (61 cm) above the carpet. Push down on the top of the can's button (now the bottom). The finished product should be a white foam. It should be sprayed evenly across the carpet's surface.
You don't want to spray a thick layer over the carpeting; just enough to cover it.
While the carpet dries, stay away from the area
The lotion can take anywhere from two to six hours to completely dry. If you have dogs or children, you should keep the carpet in a secure location. If the carpet covers the entire floor of a room, it may be necessary to close the door until the carpet has dried.
Allow for complete drying of the carpet
To assist the carpet dry faster, you'll want to increase airflow. Attempt to keep the room's windows open. If the room has a ceiling fan, turn it on. If not, a standing fan can be added.
Vacuum your carpet at least once a day
Even though your carpet is Scotchgard-protected, you need vacuum it on a regular basis to maintain it clean.
You should vacuum away any dirt or other particles that have fallen between the carpet fibers and spot clean the carpet.
To avoid odors and hidden debris from accumulating, vacuum the entire carpet on a regular basis.
Spills should be cleaned up as soon as possible
Liquids will not soak into the carpet fibers because Scotchgard will cause them to bead on top of them, making them easier to wash away. Any spills should be dabbed and wiped up with a clean rag. When it comes to carpets, you should avoid washing or wiping liquids because this can cause them to permeate into the fibers. Liquids will not be able to penetrate the carpet scotchguarding ardeerr layer, allowing you to securely wipe them away.
Scotchgard should be reapplied every six months
While a Scotchgard coating is durable, it is not as strong as professional-grade solutions and must be reapplied on a regular basis. Foot traffic, shifting furniture, and spills can all contribute to the coating's deterioration.
If you have to have your carpet cleaned professionally, you should reapply a Scotchgard application afterward.
