Carpets are still the preferred choice of many to keep their homes looking and feeling warm and cosy but while they look beautiful the downside is that they are unfortunately susceptible to stains and discolouration. The good news is that there are things you can do to minimise the risk of damage to your carpet and help it last longer. With this in mind, take a look below at our top tips:
Area mats and runners
Depending on the layout of your home no matter how your furniture is arranged, there are still some areas that receive more traffic than others. A hallway, for example, is likely to receive a heavy footfall as is the area of carpet leading to the bathroom. A runner in the hallway helps protect your carpet keeping it looking beautiful for longer and area mats placed over carpets in other rooms can also enhance your interior style and add visual appeal to your floors. Carpet runners will catch any dirt or grime from the bottom of shoes or pet paws, preventing it from being transferred to your carpet with every step that is taken. It’s also good idea is to place mats outside the door at the entrance to each room, which again will catch the majority of dirt and dust on the bottom of shoes.
Keep dirt outside
Another way of preventing dirt from getting onto your fresh clean carpet is to adopt a ‘no shoes’ policy by asking family and guests to remove their shoes and leave them at the front door. In addition, take time to regularly sweep your driveway or terrace to keep it dust free and invest in some heavy duty outdoor mats as well.
Remove stains as quickly as possible
Accidents can and do happen so when a spill occurs be sure to deal with it as quickly as possible since this ensures the best possible chance of removal. Remember the longer a stain sits, the harder it is to remove. Always blot a stain with a clean white cloth or heavy pad of kitchen towel to remove any excess moisture, blotting from the inside of the stain out. Rinse thoroughly with cold water and then blot again. Repeat this process until the carpet is just slightly damp. If you have a proprietary carpet stain remover then try applying just a little of this using a plain white cloth or you can try using a tiny amount of white vinegar dissolved into water to remove the remnants of the stain. Do not scrub, just blot gently. Allow your carpet to dry naturally and if the stain is still present you may need to seek professional help.
Snacking in the kitchen only
Although the kids may protest at not being allowed crisps and pop in the living room, it’s the only way to prevent stains from occurring at some point or another.
Vacuum, vacuum, vacuum
Invest in a powerful vacuum cleaner and then be sure to use it on a regular basis. High traffic areas really should be vacuumed daily and in other areas where traffic is not so high, then aim for one to two times per week. Using your vacuum will remove the majority of dirt and dust from your carpets before it gets ground into the fibres and your carpet starts to look dull and flat.
Move your furniture around
If at all possible, move your furniture around on a regular basis to break up the usual traffic pattern and avoid wearing the carpet in the same spots. By generating new foot traffic, this will help the whole carpet last longer, and not just one area.
Buy the best you can afford
When buying a new carpet always buy the best carpet and padding that you can for your budget and choose one that incorporates stain protection. Consider the type of carpet that fits in with your lifestyle. If you’ve got children and pets then a nylon carpet may be the best choice because it resists stains better and lasts longer with an active family. A carpet with tight twisted fibres will also resist soil. While longer pile carpets look very inviting, it is hard to stop them from matting down, especially if the carpet has a lot of use.
Call in the professionals
Finally, it’s also recommended that you call in the professionals at least once a year to give your carpets a thorough clean. Hot water extraction is the method preferred by most carpet manufacturers and a reputable carpet cleaning company will have powerful machinery and skilled staff who can leave your carpet looking and smelling fresh and clean, just like when you had it first installed.
If your carpet is in need of an annual clean or it needs spot removing treatment, then give Carpet Cleaning Kings a call on 1300 7000 75. We have decades of experience in the industry and a long list of happy customers.
