Three Steps for Easy Carpet Care
Your carpet takes a beating every day – whether in your home or office, people are tracking in dirt and germs from outside, and constantly spilling. However, with the proper care, your carpet will not show wear as quickly, and will last for many years to come. Here are three steps you can perform to care for your carpet:
STEP ONE: VACUUMING
Did you know that something as simple as regular vacuuming can have a great impact on you and your family? Vacuuming removes loose soil and prevents dirt from being ground into carpets, which can damage fibers and reduce the useful life of your carpets. Vacuuming helps to preserve the fluffiness of the carpet fibers, helping them to stand back up. It also not only filters the dirt, pollen, and other pollutants out of your carpet, it also filters the air, making your home a safer place in which to breathe (especially for allergy and asthma sufferers).
Vacuuming is easy - but it can be more effective by keeping these simple tips in mind:
- Dust blinds, window sills, and furniture first and then vacuum away any fallen dust.
- Use slow, front-to-back motions, moving to the side every 3-4 passes. Don’t ignore corners, where dust builds up.
- Don’t press down or make too many passes over the same spot because that could cause your carpet to wear out faster than usual.
- Empty the dirt compartment when it is 1/2 to 2/3 full.
- Follow the vacuum manufacturer’s directions for regular maintenance, including checking and replacing the brushes and belts regularly.
Here are some general recommendations for Vacuuming Frequency:
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STEP TWO: SPOT REMOVAL
ABSORB THE SPILL
1) Pick up any solids; then blot liquids with a clean sponge or a dry cloth, starting from the outside of the spot, and continuing to blot toward the center until area is barely damp.
2) Do not scrub or use a brush on the spill - the carpet fibers may fray or change texture, which will damage the carpet.
TREAT THE SPILL
3) Use a product recommended by your carpet manufacturer. Carefully mix the solutions according to the directions, but try to keep the carpet as dry as possible while cleaning. Always pretest any cleaner on a carpet swatch or in a hidden area of your carpet, just in case.
4) Apply a small amount of the cleaner, and blot gently from the edges to the center. This process can be repeated several times, if necessary.
STEP THREE: PROFESSIONAL CLEANING
If you find that, no matter how much you vacuum or spot clean, your carpet still does not look like it used to, then it may be time for a deep cleaning. However, even if your carpets still “look” good, if it has been 12-18 months since your last professional cleaning, it’s time to schedule again.
While it is an option to rent a carpet cleaning machine and do it yourself, hiring a professional is the safest option and will produce the best results. With regular professional cleaning, your carpets will look great for years.
To keep your carpet at peak performance to maintain your carpet warranty, many carpet manufacturers these days actually require professionally cleaning by an IICRC Certified Technician every 12-18 months.
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