#1 Vacuum Regularly
This is the absolute best way to increase the life of your carpet. Vacuum
your carpet often with a well maintained vacuum cleaner to remove abrasive
soil from your flooring. Soil, if left in place, will slowly grind down
and wear away the fibers of your carpet. This will give it a warn and
dingy appearance that no cleaning can take away. Vacuum at least once a
week and more often if you have kids and pets. The more the better.
#2 Use Entry Rugs
The old adage, an ounce of prevention equals a pound of cure applies here.
Entry rugs will prevent soil from ever getting onto your carpet in the
first place. Place a rug anywhere that hard surface meets carpet and at
every entrance to your home. Clean them or vacuum them regularly.
#3 Have Spotter Ready
Have a good spotter ready to handle spots as they occur. This will keep
soil from building up. It is much easier to take care of spots one at a
time instead of hundreds at a time. Keep a bucket ready with spotter and
several 100% cotton terry cloth towels. Be sure to spot clean properly as
well. This means dab don't rub. And try to rinse out any residue left by
the spotter by spraying the spot with plain water afterwards and soaking
it up with your spotting towel.
#4 Rearrange Furniture Often
This isn't always possible but when it is you should rearrange the
furniture every 6 months. This will spread out the wear and change the
traffic patterns in a room. Why let the same area take all of the wear.
Distribute it more evenly and your carpet can last almost twice as long.
#5 Have Your Carpet Professionally
Cleaned
You should have your carpet professionally cleaned at least once a year.
In fact many carpet warranties require it. Next to vacuuming this is the
best thing you can do to extend the life of your carpet. Professional
steam cleaning removes the deep down soil that has accumulated in your
carpet preventing wear. In most cases cleaning it once a year is enough
but if you have kids or pets you might have to clean it more often.
|
