What are some tips for keeping carpet clean? Follow proper maintenance instructions. We have a brochure on maintenance and the Carpet and Rug Institute also has instructions on how to maintain carpet.
One of the best things about being a homeowner is having the ability to decorate your home the way you like it. From the major details to what type of refrigerator and alarm system you will install, to the decision of which door knob to put on the door, decorating a home is one of the greatest joys of them all.
And while some decisions may rank at different levels for homeowners, one that they all usually agree is vital to the home is the carpet. The right carpet has the ability to change the feeling in the room. If someone were to lay bright yellow carpet, you would imagine the emotion in that room will be bright and sunny. But if the carpet is dark brown or black, the mood could be more relaxing.
Regardless of the color, make or model of the carpet, keeping the carpet clean is and always be a huge problem. George Davies is the marketing communications manager for Shaw Floors. They produce and sell carpet, rugs, and ceramic, hardwood and laminate flooring for homeowners and business owners worldwide. Davies said that the most important tip on how to keep your carpet clean will come from the manufacture themselves.
"Follow proper maintenance instructions," he said. "We have a brochure on maintenance and the Carpet and Rug Institute also has instructions on how to maintain carpet."
The first step that most experts will advise consumers and homeowners to take would be to get a good vacuum cleaner. A good vacuum cleaner will help the lifespan of the carpet more than anything else.
Vacuum cleaners, however, are not very good at removing liquid stains. So in those cases, experts advise consumers to act quickly. As soon as the stain occurs, you should treat it with a cloth or wet towel. Letting the stain set will only make the chances of removing the stain completely that much lower.
"You need a good vacuum cleaner," Davies said. "You need to vacuum regularly and remove stains as soon as they happen."
Other tips to help keep your carpet clean involve placing rugs in strategic places in your home. A rug can save the lifespan of your carpet if placed in a heavy traffic area. Some of the places in the house that are best for rugs are hallways, living rooms and entrance doors. Also, be sure to invest a few bucks in a mat for the outside of your house. Getting in the habit of wiping your feet on the mat before you enter the house could help reduce stains as well.
But, as we all soon find out, keeping all stains off the carpet is very difficult. That's why experts suggest having your carpet cleaned periodically. This type of cleaning can be done by any consumer, but for the best results, always consult a professional.
"We recommend periodic cleaning using a hot water extraction system, or steam cleaner," Davies said. "Our research indicates that that is the best way, and we recommend doing it once in every 18 months if possible. Some people do it once a year. That will help maintain the appearance of the carpet."
