Since carpeting can be one of the most expensive purchases you make for your home, it is no surprise that there are many suggestions on how to care for your carpet and which carpet cleaning supply products to use. It can be overwhelming and daunting for someone uncertain of what is best for their needs. With the durability, quality, and stain-hiding abilities of much of the carpeting currently available, it can also be tempting to not worry about regular carpet care and maintenance. This is a mistake. Keeping your carpets clean not only protects your investment and keeps your home looking nice, but also makes your home a healthier place to be. Dirty carpet can harbor mold and other allergens that affect those who play, lie or walk on the carpets, especially children and pets. Routine care with proper carpet cleaning products (simple to find at stores focusing on carpet cleaning supplies) is essential for a healthy indoor environment and easy to do by following these easy steps.
First, regularly vacuum. Dirt and other hard materials tracked into a home are very hard on carpet and affect how good it looks. Decrease this problem by vacuuming high-traffic areas every day. For medium-traffic areas, consider vacuuming twice a week. At least every week, vacuum all the carpet in the house. Get a quality vacuum that is right for the type of carpet you have. Check a carpet cleaning supply store for the best selection of high quality products at good prices. Usually vacuums with rotating brushes or beater bars work best, but some carpets with thick loops may fuzz when these vacuums are used. Try a suction vacuum instead. If you want to take good care of your carpet, be sure to take care of your vacuum too. Check beater bars for any particle or gouges that might damage carpet. Change the bags frequently if your vacuum uses them. If allergens are an issue for your household, use a vacuum with HEPA filters and change them often.
Second, try to keep dirt and soil off your carpets by using rugs, mats and runners at the entrances to your home to collect the dirt there. Regularly clean these and all other rugs on your carpets to keep the dirt from transferring to the carpet.
Third, treat stains as soon as they happen. The longer it’s there, the more likely it is to permanently discolor the carpet. Remove as much of the food, dirt or item as possible, scraping from the outside in to avoid increasing the size of the stain. Blot gently to avoid damaging the carpet fibers. Use carpet cleaning products designed for your carpet and the stain. Do research at your local store or on carpet cleaning supply websites to find the type of products you need.
Fourth, regularly do simple things to maintain the beauty of your carpet. Use coasters for heavy furniture to distribute the weight. When moving furniture, do not drag it along the carpet, but add a slider or lift it up. Close drapes or blinds to decrease sun-damage especially in rooms that get a lot of direct sunlight. Try to avoid chemical products not intended for carpeting near your carpets as these often will permanently stain the carpeting.
Fifth, consider yearly cleaning by professionals. The hot-water extraction method they use with their professional carpet cleaning supplies gets out deeply-embedded dirt and greatly enhances carpet appearance. After a professional carpet cleaning, your carpet can go back to having a fresh, almost new appearance.
A little knowledge and following these easy steps with the right carpet cleaning supplies makes caring for your carpet easier and keeps that carpet in good condition and looking nice for years to come.