Keep Your Carpet Looking New

Keeping carpet clean sounds simple, right? Just vacuum it! Well, turns out that vacuuming does the best job at removing dirt; however, there are a few more things you can do to keep your carpet looking as new as possible, for as long as possible.

Vacuum, Vacuum, Vacuum

Buying a good vacuum cleaner is the first step in keeping your carpets looking good. The best models use dual motors – one for suction, the other powers the beater bar. Now that you’ve invested the money on a vacuum with a good filtration system, be prepared to put it to use! Experts recommend that you vacuum at least twice a week, sometimes more often in high traffic areas.

The two main culprits for tracking dirt into the home are right under your feet, literally! Day in, day out, nothing brings more dirt into your home than shoes. One solution is to keep a mat outside the door for brushing off some of the dirt and grime from your soles. Another great idea is to remove your shoes at the door and wear some “indoor-only” slippers around the house.

Caution: Detour Ahead

Heavily used sections of carpeting will show the most wear over time. This is where area rugs and runners can help. Place them in front of and under heavily used furniture. Also, try redefining traffic patterns by rearranging furniture occasionally. Side note: Because heavy furniture can leave permanent indentations in your carpet, always use furniture glides to lighten the load.

Skip the Rays, Not the Stains

Like your skin, carpet ages faster when it is exposed to UV rays. The more you can protect it from direct sunlight by closing blinds and drapes, the longer it will last. As for those pesky stains, they’re easier to remove as soon as they happen. Start by applying liquid or dry carpet cleaner with a lint-free cloth and blot, never rub. Let the area dry and then, you guessed it, it’s time to vacuum.

These tips will help you get the most life out of your carpet – all while keeping them clean and looking great in your home.