1) Keep Dirt Outside. Dirt scratches the carpet fiber on the surface making them appear dull over time and it also wears out the carpet backing as it makes its way down. Two of the most simple solutions to avoid this are to remove shoes when you come inside, and to use entry mats on both sides of you door. Research shows it takes about 17 steps until the soles of our shoes are clean. Removing shoes, or the debris from the soles of your shoes will greatly diminish the amount of dirt in your home.
2) Vacuum. Buying the best vacuum isn't enough, you actually have to regularly use it. Make sure it works properly by replacing bags when full, and emptying canisters after each use and replacing filleters. If you don’t do these things, your vacuum loses it’s ability to suction and lift dirt up and out of your carpet. Go over the carpeted areas a few times as it takes a few passes to get up all the dirt. Vacuuming should be done at least once a week, but the more foot traffic you have, the more you need to vacuum.
3) Spot Clean. The sooner you take care of the spot, the less time it has to oxidize and become a permanent stain. Start by blotting with a white cloth or paper towel (make sure there are no prints or colors). Do not scrub, or use a brush! You want to be gentile with the carpet so as not to fray or damage the carpet. If you don’t have a spot cleaner on hand, you can purchase a spot cleaner through Hamm's, or use a mild detergent, vinegar and water mix. Do not go out and buy a spot cleaner from your local grocery store. They often do more harm then good on your carpet and throw off the pH when you’re carpets are professionally cleaned, making it more likely for spots to come back. This might seem counter intuitive, but more is not better. Apply just enough to help blot up the spot and rinse with water to get the solution up and out of your carpet. Let it dry and then vacuum.
4) Protect From High Traffic. The movement and compression of feet wear out the fibers in your carpet. If you have a carpeted area where chairs are often pulled in and out, like at a dinning room table, or desk, protect carpet by placing a mat under to avoid the legs of the chair wearing down your carpet. And if you can, move your furniture around to give your high traffic areas a break.
5) Professionally Clean. Many warranties require you to professionally clean every 18-24 months. Just like you have to regularly change the oil in your car, maintenance is important for your carpet. There are a few ways to clean your carpet, but the most effective and least likely to void your warranty, is using hot water extraction, or steam cleaning. This method removes more soil and more types of spots than any other method. This is our favorite service because of the difference it can make in the life of your carpet and the life in your home. If you would like to schedule a cleaning, or to get a free estimate, give us a call at 209-962-5852.
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