How to Clean & Maintain Your Carpet
Here ’ s some advice on cleaning and caring for your new new carpet : Need carpet cleaning products , or help from a local carpet professional ? “ Wipe your feet on the mat ! Leave your shoes at the door ! Walk on the plastic liner !” People can be so fussy about preserving their carpet . Some demand that freshly “ mown ” look with perfectly parallel vacuum lines across the room . Others lose their heads over a single crumb . Assuming you ’ re not one of “ those ,” here ’ s some tips on keeping your carpets just as clean and cozy as they were the day they were installed .
Wipe Your Feet
Mom ’ s three favorite words ring true after all . By placing a mat at the doors that lead to and from backyards and garages — and enforcing their use — mud , dirt and other yuckiness can stay outside and not get tracked across the carpet .
Suck It Up
Regardless of your militaristic skills when it comes to keeping dirty feet off the carpet , dust , food and other everyday grime is going to make its way onto your precious pile . That ’ s where a good vacuum comes in . Buy one and use it often . You can choose between the old fashioned upright , or one of those fancy robotic models that requires little more than the push of a button and the occasional emptying of the filter . Frequent vacuuming sucks up the dust and loose dirt , refreshing your rugs and extending the life of your investment .
Bag It
If you choose a vacuum that uses bags , make sure you change the bag frequently to allow maximum cleaning efficiency — and to avoid all that dust blowing back out onto your carpets ! Newer bagless models may save time and make the effort even easier !
Watch Your Weight
Heavy furniture , potted plants and other home décor can crush carpet pile and leave compressions that you may not notice until you redecorate or move . It ’ s a good idea to shake things up every once in a while — rearrange the furniture and your carpet will thank you .
Stay Out of The Sun
Those large picture windows invite the sunlight in , casting a beautiful glow across your home . But in the same way the sun damages our skin , its ultraviolet rays can also damage the color of your carpet over time . To avoid sun lightening to your carpets , shut the curtain or blinds when the sun is most intense or use UV glass or film in your windows .
Snip the Snags
Looped carpets tend to snag over time — especially at the seams . It ’ s best not to vacuum over lose yarn or pull at the snags . Instead , treat every loose thread like you would on an expensive suit . Grab a scissors and carefully snip the snag flush with the plush .
Watch the Spills
“ To eat or drink on the carpet ? That is the question .” Long before Shakespeare might have contemplated that line , everything from cracker crumbs to red wine has found its way onto and into costly carpets . When these events occur ( and they will occur ), begin the clean up process by using a dry cloth to blot up as much debris or liquid as possible . The longer you wait , the more the fibers will absorb the stain . Warm water should then be used to rinse the stained area . Press the cloth into the carpet to soak up the moisture until the stain is gone . Don ’ t scrub and don ’ t use hot water . You ’ ll damage the fibers . Finally , rinse the area with warm water and absorb the wetness with a dry cloth . After your carpet is dry , vacuum it to restore its texture and appearance . There are some carpet cleaners that do actually work . Ask your retailer about cleaning products that have earned the Carpet & Rug Institute ’ s ( CRI ) Seal of Approval .
Read Up !
Like a fine piece of clothing , carpet is a textile . Though it doesn ’ t come with a little white tag on the back of the neckline , it does come with maintenance literature provided by the manufacturer . Different fibers , styles and finishes require specific care . In the same way you wouldn ’ t throw a silk blouse in the washing machine , you don ’ t want to make a similar mistake with your carpet . Read up and follow the suggested guidelines . You ’ ll be glad you did .
Call the Pros
Time and traffic take their toll . It ’ s just a fact of life . Carpet manufacturer warranties have very specific instructions on the type of professional cleaning necessary to keep that warranty in force . Refer to that material . Then , when necessary , call on a reputable carpet cleaning service to restore your rugs to their original luster . The knowledge , commercial equipment and experience of a professional can go a long way towards removing stubborn stains and keeping your home beautiful . ■
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