Regularly following these carpet care guidelines will ensure that your carpeting continues to look as lovely in the years to come as it does when you first have it installed.
Preventative maintenance
Carpet is one of the easiest types of flooring to take care of! Learn how to keep yours looking great over time with these easy steps.
Practice preventative maintenance with doormats and area rugs to protect your investment before problems occur. Place mats or area rugs at entrances. These will safeguard your carpet from soil tracked in from outside.
You might also want to rearrange your furniture every so often to give your carpets a break from heavy wear. A new set-up changes the foot traffic patterns in your room and can extend your carpet's life. Just be sure to be careful when moving furniture or other heavy objects across your carpet.
Keep your carpet looking like new
A good vacuum will be your new carpet’s best friend. Vacuum regularly to prolong the life and beauty of your floor, but be prepared for spot and spill removal when the unavoidable happens.
And if you don't have a vacuum already, be sure to buy a quality one. There have been significant improvements to vacuum cleaners in the past few years, making them easier to use. They’ve gotten lighter, stronger, and are loaded with high-tech and convenient features.
Some carpets have stain resistant treatments that improve stain cleaning ability stains, but not prevent them. Similarly, carpets with soil-resistant treatments reduce the rate of soiling, but all carpets require regular care and maintenance.
Dealing with spills & stains
Be sure to treat any spills as soon as possible! The longer you wait, the more likely it will soak into the carpet and become a stain. Blot up as much of the liquid as possible with a dry cloth. Don't rub or scrub the area. This will damage the carpet fibers and may create a permanent mark.
Use warm water to rinse the stained area completely. Avoid hot or cold water, which can set the stain and make it almost impossible to remove.
If a stain remover is needed, blot up excess moisture before applying. Then, work gently and do not over-apply the stain remover. Rinse the area thoroughly with warm water before absorbing the excess dampness with a clean cloth. After your carpet has dried, vacuum to restore its texture and appearance.
The majority of everyday stain complaints are actually soil-related. Many sugar-based spills, such as soft drinks and coffee, leave a sugar residue after removal if not cleaned thoroughly. This sticky residue readily attracts soil from ordinary shoe traffic and results in discolored areas.