Cleaning the carpet might involve a lot of different soaps, shampoos, and cleaning agents that affect the carpet in various ways afterward. You might notice that even after a thorough cleaning, your carpet might get damp and sticky, and some dirt may still be left in the carpet. Therefore, you might wonder why your carpet gets sticky after cleaning and what you can do about it.
After you finish the process of cleaning the carpet, the water will start evaporating, meaning that the carpet will start to dry. At the same time, all of the chemicals and soaps that you have used will dry in the carpet fibers. This is a residual process that gives the carpet a sticky texture.
In this article, I will explain why your carpet might get a sticky texture even after a thorough cleaning process. I will also provide ways of how to deal with the sticky residue, so you can get it out of your carpet. Furthermore, I have given some methods that you try to prevent the sticky texture from creating into the carpet in the first place.
Why Does My Carpet Feel Sticky And Damp?
In the process of cleaning the carpet, a lot of dirt and liquified soil comes out of it with the aid of different soaps, cleaning agents, and a vacuum. However, even with the most thorough cleaning, some of the dirt gets left behind in the carpet.
Once you finish cleaning your carpet, it starts to dry with the evaporation of water. Therefore, all the soaps and residual agents, and chemicals that you have used start to dry in the fibers of the carpet. The sticky texture is created by this residual process, i.e. the residue is what makes the carpet sticky and damp.
To make this more clear, you can compare it to the process of washing your hair. For example, you might have washed your hair with shampoo and water, but you have failed to rinse it thoroughly. Therefore, instead of getting your hair fresh and soft, you end up with it being sticky and stiff since there is shampoo residue left behind.
Ways To Prevent Getting Your Carpet Sticky
In order to avoid the creation of the sticky texture in your carpet, there are some things you can do so you would not have to deal with the sticky feeling of the carpet in the first place. Below, you have the methods that you can try as a way of prevention:
- Do not walk on your carpet while it is still wet. Let it dry for one or two days.
- Always clean the residue thoroughly and in the proper manner. This way, you might need to do some more work, but you will definitely avoid the stickiness.
- Do not allow pets or kids to go near the carpet once you have cleaned it.
How To Fix A Sticky Carpet?
The first thing that you think of when you have a sticky feeling on your carpet is to rinse it. However, even though it seems the most logical solution, by rinsing, you will just waste time since it will not work. You will just add more water into the carpet, and ruin the fabrics altogether.
Therefore, if you want to get rid of the sticky texture, there are proper ways to ensure that without any consequences.
Step 1: Use Rubber Gloves
You need rubber gloves since the chemical used for carpet cleaning can be quite harmful to your skin. Therefore, do not start anything without using a pair of them.
Step 2: Find A Suitable Cleaning Solution
There are a lot of products available online; however, make sure that you find something based on ethanol alcohol since that is required for cleaning this kind of residue. Once you do that, read the instructions on the product, so you would know how to mix it with water.
If you do not want to use any kind of product, you can mix 1 cup of vinegar and 2 cups of water. This mixture will also do the trick.
Step 3: Apply The Cleaning Solution And Rub The Carpet
Use a clean white rag to apply the cleaning solution to the area, and leave it for 8-10 minutes. Once the solution enters the carpet fibers, you will be able to remove the sticky texture from your carpet. You should do so by rubbing the area with your gloves on.
Step 4: Use Soapy Water And Dry The Carpet
Mix a little bit of dish-washing soap and one cup of water, then apply it on the carpet with a white rag. After this, the stickiness will go away. Finally, you should just let the carpet dry for 8-10 hours.
Should I Vacuum My Carpet After Cleaning?
It is recommended that you vacuum the carpet before and after the cleaning so you can be sure that you have taken off the dirt entirely from the carpet. Therefore, before you apply any cleaning solution and soaps, make sure that you vacuum the carpet.
Once you finish with the cleaning process, leave your carpet to dry without walking on it. This usually takes around 10 hours. When the carpet is fully dry, you should vacuum it again, and your carpet will be as good as new.
How Can I Make My Carpet Soft After Cleaning?
Once you start the cleaning process, make sure that you rinse all of the soaps and cleaning agents that you have used, so you can avoid residue and the creation of sticky texture. Then, you can use a half cup of fabric softener mixed with one gallon of warm water and apply it to the entire carpet. You should leave the mixture to sit for about two minutes and, finally, rinse the carpet again.
This will give you a soft and fluffy carpet with a fresh smell. It will look almost like you have just brought it from the store.
Cleaning the carpet can be a delicate process; therefore, you need to do it thoroughly and in a proper manner. It might take a little bit more of your time, but in the end, you will be sure that you will avoid any stickiness and dampness of it.
