Maintaining Carpets – 3 Ways to Keep Your Carpets Looking Like New

Carpet adds warmth, texture and design to a home. It helps muffle sounds and keeps floors warmer than other flooring materials. While many carpet materials are durable, you will need to clean your carpets to keep them looking good. Here are three things you can do to help your carpet last longer.

1. Vacuum Regularly

Overtime, dirt particles collect in carpet fibers. When people walk across the carpet, the dirt rubs against the fiber or crushes in closer to the pad. This can begin to degrade the carpet quality. To combat this, you should vacuum your floors at least once per week. Some carpet cleaners actually recommend that you vacuum one day per week per person in the house. So, if you have a family of four, you would vacuum four days per week.

For the best results, use a dual motor vacuum that has good filtration. You should be able to adjust the vacuum's height so you get the best suction for your carpet. Keep in mind that some attachments and brushes can damage carpets with thick loop piles.

2. Take Care of Stains Immediately

Carpet stains can ruin your carpet if you allow them to settle into the fibers and the carpet pad. You can keep this from happening by removing stains as soon as possible. You can purchase commercial cleaning products, like 409 Carpet, to remove spots and stains, or you can make a carpet-cleaning solution using items from around your home. For example, you can use Club Soda to remove some stains. No matter which option you choose, always make sure you test the solution in an inconspicuous area. Some carpet cleaners will fade or damage carpets.

To remove stains, follow these steps:

1. Remove any moisture from wet stains as soon as possible. You can use a sponge or another type of absorbent material to soak up moisture. In some cases, a wet/dry vacuum may work the best. As you do this, make sure you don't rub across the stain.


2. Use your carpet-cleaning solution, following all known directions. When you do this, do not soak or saturate the carpet. If the stain looks stubborn, you can gently massage the solution into the fibers.


3. Allow the solution time to work. This can be as quick as three minutes or a long as an hour.


4. Blot the area to remove any residue that will come lose. Remember not to rub!


5. Let the carpet dry and then vacuum the area.


6. Repeat the process as needed. Some stains will require more work than others. You may even have to hire a professional carpet cleaning company to remove the stain.

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3. Deep Clean the Carpets

Deep cleaning for your carpets is something you should do every 12 to 24 months, depending on your lifestyle. If you have children or pets, you should aim to hire a professional carpet cleaner every 6 months. This will help remove pet dander, dust mites, dirt, and other allergens that collect in carpet fibers. If you live alone or have low traffic in your home, once a year may be enough to keep your carpets in great shape.

Before you hire a company to clean your carpets, determine what services you need. Some companies offer to move your furniture for you, while others do not. You may have to pay more if you need rug cleaning or have stairs that will need cleaning, too. Floor cleaners can also add special treatments, such as stain guard or pet proofing, to help the deep cleaning last.

By taking the proper steps, you can stretch the life of your carpet to its fullest potential. Additionally, a clean carpet will help you breathe easier because it won't have trapped allergens. For more on home flooring, be sure to visit our DIY blog often.