At Carefree Carpet, we recommend frequent care and maintenance to keep your new carpet looking beautiful and feeling plush. We understand you don’t necessarily have a lot of time to invest in upkeep, but following some simple and easy care and maintenance tasks will ensure the longevity of your carpet.
Step One is Entrance Protection
Place walk-off mats wherever there are entrances to your home. These will protect your carpet 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 is a Must
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. They’ve gotten lighter in weight, stronger in suction, and are loaded with convenience features. There are even unattended robotic vacuums that can do the work while you’re sleeping!
A thorough vacuuming removes loose dirt and dust from your carpet’s fibers. Over time, these particles dull your carpet’s appearance. Frequent vacuuming maintains the beauty of your floor covering and extends its life.
How to Treat Spills
Treat them as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more the stain will soak into the carpet’s 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. Then, work gently and do not over-apply the stain remover. Next, thoroughly rinse the area with warm water before absorbing the excess dampness with a clean cloth. After your carpet has dried, vacuum to restore its texture and appearance.
Thorough Cleaning
Calls for the Pros.
Unfortunately, time and traffic will take its toll on your carpet. To protect your investment, cleaning by a reputable, professional cleaner is suggested approximately once a year. Call on their knowledge, equipment and experience to do a more thorough job of removing stubborn stains and embedded soil. But only use the pros when necessary, as too much commercial cleaning can cause your carpet to lose its built-in protection and damage it.
The Manufacturer Knows.
Read Their Materials.
Keep in mind that carpet should be treated like a textile product. 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. Consistent upkeep and periodic professional cleaning will keep your carpet beautiful, inviting and durable for years to come. Keep it a source of pride and comfort, with and without your shoes on.
