Keeping your carpet in beautiful condition is easy with a few simple care guidelines.
Place walk-off mats wherever there are entrances to your home from high-soil areas like backyards, garages and so on. 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. There have been significant improvements to vacuum cleaners in the past few years, making them easier to use and better at doing their job. 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 floor covering and extends its life.
Remember that 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 pad also provides ventilation between the carpet and the floor, making vacuuming easier and more efficient.
Looped 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.
Carpet that is near windows and patio doors can be subjected to harmful ultraviolet rays. These rays can deteriorate the carpets appearance and ability to withstand wear. Be sure to use window treatments that offer some protection against sunlight.
Treat spots as soon as possible. The longer you wait the more the stain will soak into the fibers. Immediately blot up as much of the liquid or debris as possible with a dry cloth or paper towel. Don’t rub or scrub the area with a rag as this damages 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 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 the stain remover. 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.
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 this flooring solution will insure a home of beauty and comfort for years to come – with and without your shoes on!
