How clean is your carpet?

Now that the summer holidays are over, the kids are back at school and your guests have all returned home, it is time to put the house back in order - which often means carrying out a thorough cleaning mission.

If weeks of heavy foot traffic, holiday parties and busy kids have taken their toll on your floors, it might be time for a bit of DIY carpet cleaning.

As a carpet cleaner is a machine you are likely to only need a couple of times a year, it makes sense to hire one rather than purchase your own - and when you choose a commercial-grade product, you will be able to achieve a professional result without calling in the experts.

Many portable electric-powered carpet cleaners combine the cleansing power of shampoo with the action of a rotary brush to scrub away dirt and unwanted marks, allowing you to vacuum away the dirty water when the job is done.

While you are at it, you might decide that your sofas and curtains also need a bit of TLC. Opting for a carpet cleaner that also has an upholstery tool can be the perfect solution if you are looking to remove persistent stains and get your home back to its best for the start of the new school year.