Knowing how to protect and maintain your carpeting.
Someone once said, "Most new things are good looking, the challenge is to keep them that way." We say knowing how to maintain them is the answer.
Take the floor covering you're considering – carpet.
New carpeting can be elaborate and elegant, cool and contemporary or tasteful and traditional.
It's one of America's most popular floor covering choices, enhances virtually any room and it can add value to your residence.
The feeling can't be beat either.
Carpeting is warm, cozy and inviting. It's the flooring that welcomes stocking feet and worships bare feet.
And who doesn't equate a thick carpet and roaring fire with the essence of home?
But keeping that feeling, and your carpet in beautiful condition, is a challenge if you don't know the proper steps of maintenance.
And that's why we created this section.
We want you to know that, with the care guidelines below, your new carpet can stay attractive for many years, and many bare-foot crossings, to come.
Step one is entrance protection.
Place walk-off mats wherever there are entrances to your home from high-soil areas like backyards, garages and so on.
A few dollars invested in these mats can prevent a lot of dirt and grime from being tracked across your beautiful new carpet.
This tool is a must.
A good vacuum cleaner can be your carpet's best friend. Buy a quality vacuum and use it regularly.
There have been significant improvements to vacuum cleaners in the past few years, making them easier to use, and better at doing their job.
They've gotten lighter in weight, strong in suction, and loaded with convenience features.
There are even unattended robotic vacuums that can do the work while you're sleeping!
Thorough vacuuming removes loose dirt and dust from the fibers. Over time these particles dull your carpet's appearance; frequent vacuuming maintains the beauty of your floor covering and extends its life.
High traffic areas may need more vacuuming more often. Use a machine with a good beater bar and maximum suction. And get attached to using the cleaner's attachments. They make it easier to clean the tight spots – along walls and up and down the stairs.
If your vacuum uses bags, be sure to change them frequently for maximum cleaning efficiency. Some newer model vacuums have been designed without bags, making the chore of vacuuming even simpler, and more time saving.
Remember that carpet cushion plays an important role in preserving the look and feel of your carpet. Investing in a good carpet cushion prevents your carpet from matting and crushing underfoot, as well as offering its own level of soil and stain protection. A good carpet cushion also provides ventilation between the carpet and the floor, making vacuuming easier, and more efficient.
Treat snags carefully and surgically.
Looped carpets can snag, especially at a seam or a carpet transition. Don't vacuum over loose yarn or try to pull out the snag. Treat it as you would a loose thread on an expensive blouse. Carefully snip the yarn flush with the carpet and without catching any surrounding loops.
Understand the issues of weight and sunlight.
Another important and often overlooked way of keeping your carpet in top condition is in the placement of heavy furniture. Heavy furniture can compress, or crush the carpet pile, and leave noticeable indentations that won't be discovered until you redecorate or move. So rearrange your furniture periodically.
Carpet that is near windows and patio doors can be subjected to harmful ultraviolet rays. These rays can deteriorate the carpet's appearance and ability to withstand wear. If possible, be sure to use window treatments that offer some protection against sunlight.
Apply this knowledge to spills.
Treat them as soon as possible. The longer you wait the more the stain will soak into the fibers. Immediately blot up as much of the liquid or debris as possible with a dry cloth or paper towel. Don't rub or scrub the area with a rag, this damages the fibers and may create a permanent scar.
Use warm, not hot, water to rinse the stained area completely. Hot water can set the stain and make it difficult if not impossible to remove. Press clean cloths deeply into the carpet to take up moisture until the stain no longer appears on the cloth. If a stain remover is needed, blot up excess moisture before applying, work gently and do not over apply the stain remover.
Next, thoroughly rinse the area with warm water, then absorb the excess dampness with a clean cloth. After your carpet has dried, vacuum to restore its texture and appearance.
Thorough cleaning calls for the pros.
Unfortunately, time and traffic will take its toll on your carpet. To protect your investment, cleaning by a reputable, professional cleaner is suggested approximately once a year.
Call on their knowledge, equipment and experience to do a more thorough job of removing stubborn stains and embedded soil. But only use the pros when necessary as too much commercial cleaning can cause your carpet to lose its built-in protection and damage it.
The manufacturer knows. Read their materials.
Keep in mind that carpet should be treated like a textile product. Be sure to read the care and maintenance literature provided by the manufacturer because different fibers, styles and finishes can each have their own unique guidelines.
Consistent upkeep and periodic professional cleaning will keep your carpet beautiful, inviting and durable for years to come. Keep it a source of pride and comfort, with and without your shoes on.