10 tips to keep your carpet looking new

Whether you just installed a new carpet or have one that’s a few years old, it’s important to take care of it. The better you take care of your carpet, the longer it will last. In this article you will find the perfect maintenance tips and damage control strategies to keep your carpet floors comfortable, clean and looking like new for years to come.

Establish a no-shoes policy

Shoe dirt is one of the biggest enemies of a clean carpet. It doesn’t matter if you have a doormat for guests to clean their shoes on, they will still drag in dirt and debris from outside. The safest policy when it comes to protecting your carpet is to insist that everyone remove their shoes when entering.

It’s not just dirt that damages the carpet, but hard shoe surfaces also wear down the carpet faster. Wearing slippers indoors, or perhaps just socks or bare feet, will greatly reduce damage to your carpet.

Cut the snags

Carpets, especially Berber ones, will get entangled sooner or later, especially if you have children or pets. You should never hit a snag. This will inevitably make the problem worse, as it is likely to tear the carpet from the backing. Instead, take a pair of scissors and cut the snag at the base to prevent further damage.

Monitor high traffic areas

Hallways, carpeted stairwells, and high-traffic rooms need a little more attention. You may want to consider strategically layering a running mat as another form of prevention, as it’s much easier (and cheaper) to replace these temporary covers when they get dirty from dirt or spilled liquids.

Vacuum regularly

Vacuuming regularly is one of the most important things you can do to prolong the life of your carpet. Dirt and debris that are not cleaned get stuck in the carpet and can cause permanent damage.

Depending on the traffic in your home, you should vacuum every day. If this is not possible or necessary due to low traffic, 2-3 times a week should be sufficient.

It is important to use a vacuum cleaner specifically for cleaning carpets. Some vacuum cleaners are designed for hard floors, such as wood and tile, and these models do not penetrate deeply into the carpet fibers. A vacuum cleaner with a motorized beater bar is ideal for cleaning carpets.

Replace filters and bags regularly

It is important to maintain your vacuum cleaner so that it works at its best. This means emptying and cleaning regularly and replacing bags and filters as necessary. If your vacuum cleaner is clogged in any way, the suction will suffer and it will not be able to effectively clean your carpet.

Another problem that arises from not maintaining your vacuum cleaner is odor. If the filter is clogged and needs to be changed or cleaned, it will not be able to absorb odors from the carpet. This is especially important if you have pets at home.

If your vacuum cleaner has replaceable bags and is full, the dirt will have nowhere to go and will simply be thrown onto the carpet, making the situation worse.

Add baking soda before vacuuming

Sprinkling baking soda on your carpet before vacuuming will keep your carpets smelling fresh and clean. You can buy carpet deodorizer at the store and use it, but in my experience baking soda works just as well and is much cheaper.

Simply sprinkle a layer of baking soda all over the carpet before vacuuming. Leave for 5-10 minutes, then vacuum as usual. You will notice that your carpet now smells much fresher.

Deep cleaning several times a year

No matter how regularly you maintain and clean your carpet, it will reach the stage where it will need a deep cleaning to restore it to its former glory.

You can purchase or rent a carpet cleaner to do the job for you. Carpet cleaners work with a special carpet shampoo that you mix with water. Go through the entire carpet several times until it is clean, then use the vacuum setting to suck up all the water.

If the carpet is still damp after using the carpet cleaner, we recommend removing the water using absorbent paper or white cloths. Damp carpet can encourage mold growth, and this is definitely something you don’t want on your carpet. If possible, leave the window open overnight to air out the carpet and ensure it is completely dry.

If you can’t thoroughly clean your carpet or don’t know how to proceed, there are carpet cleaning companies that will come and do it for you.

Cleanse with Club Soda

So you spilled something and soaked it up, but now you’re left with a stain. You can treat most carpet stains with a little soda, a clean white towel, and a little patience. Simply apply the soda directly to the towel and gently dab it into the stain, using a clean area of the towel whenever the stain lifts. Be sure to use club soda sparingly, as too much moisture can create mold and mildew problems, which will definitely keep your carpet in tip-top condition.

Treat stains immediately

If anything spills on the carpet, such as food, drinks or pet urine, clean it up immediately. The longer the stain remains on the carpet, the more difficult it will be to remove.

The first thing to do is remove anything solid from the carpet. Then you should use paper towels or a white cloth to blot the stain. It is important to dab and not rub to avoid spreading the stain.

If the stain is still visible, sprinkle it with baking soda, place a book or something similar on top and let it sit overnight. The baking soda will absorb the stain and you can vacuum it the next day.

Involve professionals

Of course, the easiest way to maintain your carpets is to hire a cleaning service. They are trained professionals who will regularly clean all areas of your home, without you having to lift a finger. The cleaning service can do regular cleaning, deep cleaning, and can even help you organize your home and do your laundry.

To conclude, there are several ways available to you to keep your carpet in good condition. Once your carpet has been restored to new condition, you can relax peacefully and extend its life at the same time.