If you’re looking for reliable information on carpet maintenance, you’ve
come to the smart place.
Carpet looks great in just about every room, and new carpeting can add value to
any home.
Keeping your carpet in beautiful condition, is easy with these simple, and reliable,
guidelines.
To begin with, place walk-off mats on the exterior and interior of all entrances
to your home. A few dollars invested in these mats can prevent a lot of dirt and
grime from being tracked across your beautiful new carpet.
A good vacuum cleaner can be your carpet’s best friend. Buy a quality vacuum
and use it regularly.
Thorough 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 carpet, and extends its life.
High traffic areas may need vacuuming more often. Use a machine with a good beater
bar and maximum suction.
If your vacuum uses bags, be sure to change them frequently for superior cleaning
efficiency.
Remember that the carpet cushion 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, as well as offering its own level of soil and stain protection.
A good carpet cushion also provides ventilation between the carpet and the floor,
making vacuuming easier, and more efficient.
Please note that loop carpets can snag, especially at a seam or a carpet transition.
Don’t vacuum over loose yarn or try to pull out the snag.
Carefully snip the yarn flush with the carpet, and without catching any surrounding
loops.
Another important 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.
Carpet that is near windows and patio doors can also be subjected to harmful ultraviolet
rays.
These rays can deteriorate the carpet’s appearance and ability to withstand
wear.
Be sure to use window treatments that offer protection against the sunlight. When
it comes to spills, act quickly. The longer you wait, the more the stain will soak
into the fibers making it difficult to remove.
Immediately blot up as much of the liquid or debris as possible with a dry white
cloth or paper towel.
Don’t rub or scrub the area as this can damage the fibers and may create a
permanent scar.
Use warm, not hot, water to rinse the stained area completely.
Hot water can set the stain and make it difficult if not impossible to remove.
Press clean white 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.
Next, thoroughly rinse the area with warm water, then absorb the excess dampness
with a clean cloth.
After your carpet has dried, vacuum to restore its texture and appearance.
Carpet cleaning by a reputable, professional cleaner is suggested about once a year
and is a requirement by most manufacture’s warranties. Check you carpet’s
information or ask us for specifics.
But only use the pros when necessary, as too much commercial cleaning can cause
your carpet to lose its built-in protection and damage it.
Finally, keep in mind that carpet should be treated like a textile product.
Be sure to read the care and maintenance literature provided by the manufacturer,
because different fibers, styles and finishes can each have their own unique guidelines.
The regular maintenance and periodic professional cleaning of your carpet will insure
a home of beauty and comfort for years to come!