4 Secrets to Clean and Long-Lasting Carpets

There’s a vast selection of flooring materials, such as tile, laminate, stone, wood, and vinyl. Regardless of your choice, carpet is still a crowd’s favorite for numerous reasons. It provides softness and warmth for your feet and helps decorate a space. Essentially, it gives a welcoming aesthetic to any room. Plus, it also protects your flooring material. 

Unfortunately, carpets are dirt magnets. Did you know carpets can accumulate up to 40 pounds of dirt and grime yearly? It’s also the perfect habitat for millions of microorganisms that can cause or worsen health conditions. Aside from that, stains and regular foot traffic can make your carpets look dull and ugly. 

If you want your carpet to look clean and last as long as possible, this article shares tips for keeping it in tip-top condition. 

1. Get Professional Cleaning

While regular vacuuming is essential to remove dirt and extend your carpet’s lifespan, it can only do so much. When you need a deeper cleaning and to pull out all the settled grime that a regular vacuum can’t remove, hiring professionals is the most practical choice.

An expert carpet cleaner has the right experience and tools to clean your carpet fibers more effectively. They can help make your carpet look fresh and fluffy, like when you first bought it. Calling the expert at least once a year can help maintain and extend your carpet’s lifespan.

2. Have A Carpet Vacuuming Routine

Vacuuming is your first line of defense against dirty carpets. Hence, investing in a good carpet vacuum cleaner is best. If you already have one, creating a vacuuming routine can help maintain your carpet’s condition. 

Regular vacuuming helps reduce accumulated dirt and grime from the carpet’s surface. It also prevents dust from settling deep into the fabric, where it can be harder to remove. It’s essential to vacuum your carpets at least once a week. But if you have kids or furry pets or the carpets are in high-traffic areas, you should clean them daily or every other day. 

Using the correct attachments when vacuuming your carpet can ensure efficient cleaning and prevent damage. For instance, the beater bar helps agitate carpet fibers and remove deep-seated dirt and debris. However, it may not be suitable for loop carpets as it can cause damage. 

Ensure optimum suction and proper airflow by using the adjustable head height. Furthermore, vacuum the carpet in multiple directions to refresh the fibers and remove dirt more effectively. Lastly, vacuum gently to remove as much grime as possible. Make numerous slow passes over your carpet. 

3. Stop The Dirt From Entering

The easiest way to keep your carpets cleaner and stain-free for longer is to prevent grime from getting on them in the first place. Carpets can get filthy from moisture and dirt through your shoes. 

Most homeowners remove their shoes after entering their homes. Some implement a no-shoes policy. Adding a shoe cabinet near your front door is best to encourage guests and family members to remove footwear upon entering. 

Providing slippers to use indoors can help keep your carpets as clean as possible. You can also add door mats, both inside and outside your home. This way, your family or visitors can wipe their shoes before entering your home.

4. Clean Spills Immediately

Accidents still happen regardless of how careful you are in preventing a spill. If you see one, clean it immediately to avoid a permanent stain. Also, it helps keep your carpets looking spotless and prevent damage that can reduce their lifespan. 

When working on stains, there’s one golden rule you need to follow: blot and don’t scrub. Whenever there’s a spill, brushing the area is a big no-no. Doing so can generate heat, which causes the stain to settle further on the surface. It also breaks the carpet fibers, making it look worn out. 

So, blot the stain when you see a spill. Apply a small amount of pressure to soak up the spilled material. Use a damp cloth to help remove the stains, then dry out with a clean, white cloth. You can also use baking soda to remove odors and unwanted smells. 

Takeaway

Carpets are the best at eliminating cold, uncomfortable flooring while adding aesthetic appeal to your room. Despite their propensity to collect dirt and stains, they’re still popular as a decorative accent. A proactive cleaning routine can make them last as long as possible. 

Following the above tips can help you make the most of your investment. They can also help keep your carpets looking excellent and hygienic for years.