Your new carpet looks fantastic, you love the feel of it on your toes, and it has completely transformed the room’s look. But how do you keep it looking fresh and new? At Preferred Flooring in Breese, IL, we believe that carpet flooring is for everyone, and we want you to be able to care for it well. These quick tips will give you the know-how to keep your carpet clean, looking great, feeling amazing, and lasting longer!
Tip #1: Vacuum Your Carpet Every Week
Having a carpet in your home can help with noise reduction, warmth, and comfort. However, carpet only lasts about 5-10 years without proper care, so it is pertinent that you take the necessary steps to extend your carpet’s lifespan.
Vacuuming the carpet at least once weekly helps keep dirt and dust from settling into it. Dirt is your carpet’s enemy. It doesn’t look good, and it breaks down your carpet fibers – and if any is left behind, it will attract more. You may need to vacuum more, depending on your situation.
- Have kids or pets? Vacuum twice per week.
- Do your pets shed heavily? Try every other day.
- Lots of traffic in one area? Vacuum the carpet at least every other day.
Tip #2: Vacuum Your Carpet Thoroughly
If you’re pushing and pulling your vacuum back and forth across the carpet a few times, you’re probably not vacuuming thoroughly. Instead, you need to push the vacuum forward across the entire length of the carpet and then turn around and vacuum forward again. This way, you’re brushing against the pile, which gets more dirt and debris out of the carpet, keeping it cleaner.
Once that’s done, go over it at least two more times. Instead of going north to south, switch it up and go east to west and west to east, or whatever you didn’t do the first time. This ensures you get as many carpet fibers cleaned as possible. This takes more effort, but it will help preserve your carpet. This deep carpet cleaning doesn’t need to be done every time you vacuum your carpet, but incorporating a deep clean every month or so is enough to keep it looking great.
Tip #3: Get to Carpet Stains – Fast!
Something spilled – quick, wipe it up! But make sure to blot it – rubbing at the stain will cause it to sink deeper into the carpet fibers.
Start by blotting the outside and work your way in toward the center. This will help keep the stain from spreading.
To tackle stains that have set in, many common household ingredients can help. Use caution and try them on a small part of the stain to see if it gets lighter to ensure that your carpet does not react poorly.
- Vinegar
- Club soda
- Shaving cream
- Dish soap (for grease stains)
- Spray cleaner for pet stains
Tip #4: Steam Clean Your Carpet
Your carpets should be deep cleaned every six months. You can get a household steam cleaner, rent one from the store or hire a professional, but make sure to keep up the routine.
Steam cleaning injects hot water and cleaner deep into the carpet fibers and pulls them out. This removes dust, debris, or grease embedded in the fibers.
Contact Us
Your carpet is an investment and an essential part of your home. It’s comfortable, absorbs sound, and looks nice. When you take care of it, you can keep it nice longer. If you have questions or concerns about how to care for your carpet or other flooring, our professional staff will happily answer your questions. Give us a call, send an email, or stop by. Located in Breese, IL, Preferred Flooring proudly serves Highland, Mascoutah, New Haven, Trenton, Bond County, Clinton County, Madison County, Monroe County, Randolph County, St. Clair County, and Washington County, IL.