Understanding How to Protect and Maintain Your Carpeting

Understanding How to Protect and Maintain Your Carpeting

Without a doubt, most new things are look great – the challenge is to keep them that way. We say knowing how to maintain them is the answer.

Carpet is one of America’s most popular floor covering choices that enhance virtually any room and add value to your residence.

Carpeting is warm, cozy, and inviting. Notably, it is the flooring that welcomes stocking feet and worships bare feet.

Keeping that feeling and your carpet in beautiful condition is challenging if you don’t know the proper maintenance steps.

That is why we created this section.

With the care guidelines below, your new carpet can stay attractive for many years.

Entrance Protection is Essential

Place walk-off mats anywhere there are entrances to your home from high-soil areas like backyards, garages.

With a few dollars invested in these mats, you can prevent a lot of dirt and grime from being tracked across your beautiful new carpet.

A must-use Tool

A quality vacuum cleaner can be your carpet’s best friend if you use it regularly.

There have been substantial improvements to vacuum cleaners in the past few years, making them easier to use and better at doing their job.

They have gotten lighter in weight, more reliable in suction, and loaded with convenience features.

There are even unattended robotic vacuums that can do the vacuuming work while you are sleeping!

In-depth vacuuming removes loose dirt and dust from the fibers. Over time these particles dull your carpet’s appearance. Frequent vacuuming maintains the beauty of your floor covering and extends its life.

Know Where to Concentrate When Vacuuming

High traffic areas may need more vacuuming and regular vacuuming. Use a machine with a beater bar and maximum suction.  Use the vacuum cleaner’s attachments to clean tight spots, along walls, and the stairs.

If your vacuum uses bags, be sure to change them frequently for maximum cleaning efficiency. Some newer model vacuums have been designed without bags, making the chore of vacuuming even more straightforward and time-saving.

The Cushion is Critical

Remember that carpet cushion, also called pad, plays an important role in preserving the look and feel of your carpet. Investing in a good carpet cushion prevents your carpet from matting and crushing underfoot. A good carpet cushion also provides ventilation between the carpet and the floor, making vacuuming easier and more efficient.

Treat Snags Carefully

Looped carpets can snag, especially at a seam or a carpet transition. Don’t vacuum over loose yarn or try to pull out the snag. Treat it as you would a loose thread on an expensive blouse. Carefully snip the yarn flush with the carpet and without catching any surrounding loops.

Appreciate the Issues of Weight and Sunlight

Another critical and often overlooked way of keeping your carpet in top condition is in the placement of heavy furniture. Heavy furniture can compress or crush the carpet pile, and leave noticeable indentations that won’t be discovered until you redecorate or move. So rearrange your furniture periodically.

Carpets that are near windows and patio doors can be subjected to harmful ultraviolet rays. These rays can deteriorate the carpet’s appearance and ability to withstand wear. If possible, be sure to use window treatments that offer some protection against sunlight.

Apply These Skills to Spills

Treat spills as soon as possible because the longer you wait, the more the stain will soak into the fibers. Immediately blot up as much of the liquid or debris as possible with a dry cloth or paper towel. Don’t rub or scrub the area with a rag because it damages the fibers and may create a permanent scar.

Use warm, not hot, water to rinse the stained area thoroughly. Hot water can set the stain and make it difficult, if not impossible, to remove. Press clean cloths deeply into the carpet to take up moisture until the stain no longer appears on the cloth. If a stain remover is needed, blot up excess moisture before applying, work gently, and do not over apply the stain remover.

Next, thoroughly rinse the area with warm water and absorb the excess dampness with a clean cloth. After your carpet has dried, vacuum to restore its texture and appearance.

Thorough Cleaning for Pros

Unfortunately, time and traffic will take its toll on your carpet. To protect your investment, cleaning by a reputable and professional cleaner is suggested approximately once a year.

Call on their knowledge, equipment, and experience to do a more thorough job of removing stubborn stains and embedded soil.

The Manufacturer Knows

Bear in mind that a carpet should be treated like a textile product. Ensure that you read the care and maintenance literature provided by the manufacturer. Note that different fibers, styles, and finishes can each have their unique guidelines.

Regular upkeep and periodic professional cleaning will keep your carpet beautiful, inviting, and durable for many years.

References and Resources

• Caring for Carpets
• Carpet Maintenance