Kids and pets add energy, fun, and love to a home. But they can also sometimes put a lot of wear and tear on carpets. Kids might leave muddy footprints and accidentally spill their juice. Pets will track in dirt and hair, and may also create unexpected accidents. Luckily, with the right habits, preventive steps, and support from carpet cleaning professionals, you can keep your carpets looking new, clean, and durable even in your busy home.
Here’s a 10-Step Helpful Guide to Maintaining Your Carpet When Kids and Pets Live at Home
1. Picking the Right Carpet at First
If you plan to install new carpet or replace the existing one, focus on durability. Not all carpets are equally durable.
Things to Look For:
- Low to medium pile that traps less dirt and is easier to clean.
- Stain-resistant fibers, such as solution-dyed nylon.
- Darker/patterned colors that conceal small stains & pet hair.
Plush carpet appears great, but it’s quite difficult to maintain in a home with kids and pets.
2. Designate No-Shoes and Pet Zones
Shoes can expose carpet to dirt, moisture, and bacteria. Therefore, it is important to maintain the no-shoes rule at the entrance to significantly decrease the amount of grime buildup indoors.
For Pets:
- Wipe off paws after they have played outside, especially when it is wet outside.
- Place mats near the exits and pet doors.
- Consider designating other carpeted areas in your home as off-limits for pets, such as bedrooms.
These small habits can help to stop dirt from being embedded into your carpet fibers.
3. Quickly Respond to Spills/Accidents
Time is the most important factor when dealing with spills and accidents. The longer you wait to clean a spill, the greater the chance of the liquid staining the carpet or creating an odor in the area.
When cleaning up a spill, you should:
- Use a blotting motion (do not rub the area) with a clean cloth/towel.
- Always use pet-safe cleaning products that do not contain harsh chemicals.
- Don’t over-wet a carpet, as it may lead to molds or odors.
When removing pet urine, many “home remedies” do not fully remove all bacteria. Thus, it is best to have a professional clean your carpet to prevent lingering odor.
4. Vacuum Smarter, Not Too Often
Your first step in carpet cleaning is to vacuum. However, the way in which you vacuum is just as important as how often you do it.
When vacuuming:
- Vacuum in high-traffic areas of your home 3 to 4 times per week.
- Always use a vacuum with strong suction and a HEPA filter to help minimize allergens.
- To help lift dirt, pet hair, and all other embedded items from your carpet, you should go slowly when vacuuming.
If you do not vacuum your carpet regularly, over time, the dirt will be abrasive and will wear down the carpet fibres, causing them to deteriorate.
5. Strategically Utilizing Area Rugs and Runners
In a busy household, area rugs and runners can be extremely helpful. Some common places to use them include:
- Hallways
- Play areas
- Under dining tables
- By sofas/pet beds
Area rugs/runners are easy (and cheaper) to clean/replace as compared to wall-to-wall carpeting. Plus, these can catch most of the mess. So, they are an excellent option for households with children and/or pets.
6. Groom Your Pets Regularly
Pet hair, dander, and oils all contribute to the soiling of carpets in homes. By regularly grooming your pet, you can reduce the amount of hair, dander, and oil that ends up on your carpet.
Simple ways to accomplish this include:
- Brushing your pet at least once per week (more often for heavy shedders).
- Washing pet bedding regularly.
- Keeping your pet’s nails trimmed to prevent snagging of carpet fibers.
The cleaner your pet is, the cleaner your carpet will be; it’s that simple!
7. Encourage Children To Develop Carpet-Friendly Habits
Some gentle habits will work best for educating children about appropriate carpet care.
Encourage your child to:
- Put their toys away rather than dragging them across carpets.
- Eat and drink at a table or other designated areas.
- Use washable play mats when engaging in messy activities.
By making carpet care part of daily routines for all family members, parents can significantly reduce the potential for damage to their carpets.
8. Hire a Professional Carpet Cleaning Company
Even when properly cared for, carpets in the homes of families with children will eventually need to be professionally cleaned. Professional carpet cleaning removes bacteria, allergens, oils, and deeply embedded dirt that are not removed through routine vacuuming.
Scheduling an appointment with a trusted carpet cleaning service Brisbane residents rely on will provide the following benefits:
- Safe removal of pet odors and stains.
- Improved quality of indoor air.
- Increased lifespan of carpets.
This is where Carpet Cleaning Kings comes in. They provide a level of service that understands the special needs and challenges associated with households that have pets and young children. They use child, pet, and environmentally safe cleaning methods for real-life living, not showroom carpets.
9. Protect High-Traffic Areas
Certain high-traffic areas get more wear than other parts of the carpet.
To reduce concentrated wear, you may consider the following methods:
- Changing the location of your furniture from time to time
- Using felt pads under the legs of your furniture
- Placing runners in hallways
These methods can help to keep the amount of wear on the carpet equal.
10. Deep Clean At Least Once A Year
For a household with pets and children, annual professional cleaning is a must, while twice a year is even better.
A professional deep cleaning service provides the following benefits:
- Keep your carpets free from permanent stains.
- Keep your carpets looking and smelling clean.
- Remove the allergens and bacteria found in your carpets.
Carpet Cleaning Kings suggests regular carpet maintenance and cleaning schedules, accommodating your family’s needs without disrupting your daily activities.
Conclusion
Having children and pets in your home does not mean compromising on clean and aesthetic carpets. If you create appropriate habits and respond quickly to spills, while getting professional help when necessary, then you can ensure that your carpets remain aesthetic and clean for many years.
Carpeting serves many purposes in our homes, including being a place for kids to play, a place for pets to be comfortable, and a place where families spend time together. Taking care of the carpets is an investment in both the health of your home and your own health.
