How to: Cleaning and Maintaining Carpet

You have decided carpet is right for you. In order to keep your carpet fresh and in like-new condition, one must practice proper carpet care. Below, we cover four basic steps on cleaning and maintaining your carpet.

PREVENTION:

Stop dirt at the door by using mats outside and small area rugs inside, taking your shoes off when you enter the home, and changing your air filters to reduce airborne dust particles.

ROUTINE MAINTENANCE:

Vacuum weekly and for high-traffic areas, vacuum daily. Dust, dirt, and other debris find their way onto your carpet and can become embedded in the pile of the carpet. Over time this can affect the color and may also cause the carpet fibers to mat. Regular vacuuming will prevent an accumulation that could affect the long-term appearance of your carpet. Use a vacuum with beater bars and strong suction to help loosen dirt and other particles from the carpet so they may be more easily removed.

SPOT CLEANING:

When spills happen, it is important to remove the substance as quickly as possible. Fast action can prevent a stain. Keep a stain removal guide and stain removal kit handy for emergencies. When a spill occurs, first, scrape the spill using the edge of a spoon or similar utensil. Begin at the outer edge of the spot and move towards the center. Next, blot any excess liquid by applying pressure on the area with a clean, dry white cloth or paper towel. Do not attempt to rub the spot. Finally, wet a clean white cloth or paper towel with the cleaning solution you will be using. Use it to dampen the carpet but do not wet the carpet all the way through. If a cleaning solution is necessary, test it in an inconspicuous area first to make sure it is compatible with your carpet.

Stain Removal Kits:

You may purchase a carpet cleaning kit with specific cleaning solvents or you can use one of the homemade methods below:

• Detergent solution: one teaspoon non-bleach powder mixed with one cup water
• Ammonia solution: one tablespoon ammonia mixed with one cup water
• Vinegar solution: 1/3 cup vinegar mixed with 2/3 cup water
• Keep on hand absorbent white cloths or white paper towels!

Stain Removal Guide:

• Blood – water, blot, detergent, blot, ammonia, blot, detergent, blot, water, blot *use only cold ingredients
• Chocolate – detergent, blot, vinegar, blot, detergent, blot, water, blot
• Coffee – solvent, blot, detergent, blot, water, blot
• Excrement – detergent, blot, ammonia, blot, detergent, blot, water, blot
• Grease – solvent, blot, detergent, blot, water, blot
• Ink, permanent – detergent, blot, ammonia, blot, vinegar, blot, water, blot
• Soft Drinks – detergent, blot, vinegar, blot, detergent, blot, water, blot
• Urine, fresh – blot, water, blot, ammonia, blot, detergent, blot, water, blot
• Vomit – detergent, blot, ammonia, blot, vinegar, blot, water, blot
• Wine – detergent, blot, vinegar, blot, detergent, blot, water, blot

PROFESSIONAL CLEANING:

Professionally deep clean your carpets every 12 to 18 months to remove embedded dirt and grime. A professional cleaning service may use a number of methods including steam cleaning, bonnet cleaning, rotary shampoo, and dry foam.

TIPS:

After reading our guide, How to: Cleaning and Maintaining Carpet, there are still a couple tips that will increase the longevity of your product. Close blinds or curtains to limit direct sunlight on the carpet that can cause surfaces to fade. Move furniture in the room occasionally to give the carpet fibers a chance to recover. This may increase the life of the pile. Additionally, you can use floor protectors under the furniture to diminish the load on any one spot. For additional carpet and stain removal information, visit the Carpet and Rug Institute.

SHOP CARPET NOW