Keep Your Carpet Like New

Carpets represent a big investment, so they need care to keep them looking new. Routine maintenance and cleaning are vital regardless of the carpet type. Here are some tips to keep your carpet in good shape.

Vacuum

Vacuum high-traffic areas once or twice weekly. You may need to do this even more often if you have pets or children. Carpeting collects dust, lint, and other allergens, so waiting longer than a week could cause health issues.

If it is a room you seldom use, such as a guest room, you can commonly vacuum it bi-weekly. Sprinkle baking soda on the carpet and let it set for five to 10 minutes before vacuuming to help control odor.

Remove spills immediately

While it's impossible to avoid spills, don't delay cleaning them to avoid mold and permanent staining. If you act quickly, the chances are high that you will be able to remove the spills entirely.

Blot the spill using a dry cloth or paper towel, and start blotting from the outer edge. Digging or rubbing the spot only pushes the spill further into the carpet, causing a bigger problem. 

Keep carpets protected

Protect your carpet with throw rugs, which are easier to remove and clean than full carpets. Place them in front of doorways, hallways, stairs, or other areas with high foot traffic.

To reduce dirt coming inside, set a floor mat of rubber, vinyl, or carpeting outside the door. Encourage members of your household to avoid eating in carpeted areas, and train your pets to reduce accidents.

Remove indentations

If your furniture has left indentations in the carpet, you can remove them with a vacuum. If vacuuming doesn't help, melt an ice cube over them and gently blot the liquid with a paper towel until dry. To protect the carpet from more indentations, place a chair coaster or old carpet remnants under the furniture legs.

Trim snags

Use a pair of scissors to trim snags, holding the scissors perpendicular to the carpet, cutting close to it as possible. This improves the look of your carpet and helps reduce the risk of injuries from tripping and falling. However, avoid pulling the snag up since it may cause the carpet to come off the backing.

Professional cleaning

It is commonly suggested to have carpets professionally cleaned once a year by a company like The Maids. The time in between cleanings depends on your lifestyle, so your carpet may need a pro cleaning more often. Professionals have the necessary tools for deep cleaning, and they know how to clean different carpet types.

These tips should help keep your carpet looking new for a long time. Sometimes, professional services are needed for stubborn stains or very dirty carpets. Check out other tips similar to these on our Facebook page.