7 Secrets to Keeping Your Carpet Looking New

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There are any number of reasons why a homeowner might select carpeting over other types of flooring : It ’s quieter and more comfortable underfoot , for example , and is relatively cheap per square metrical foot . “ It ’s easier to clean than hardwood or tile , ” however , is rarely our principle for installing bulwark - to - wall carpet .

Carpet ’s surface area — and often , its pile height — can feel daunting to keep clean , but it should n’t . Paul Carter , executive vice Chief Executive of Empire Today , Empire Today , says that carpeting sometimes gets a “ regretful rap with the notion that surd Earth’s surface flooring is ‘ clean , ’ when that is n’t actually the case . ” Because it “ tends to trap dust , ” he explains , “ a well - made carpeting combine with a good vacuum cleaner … is actually better at reduce airborne dust in the habitation ” than hard surfaces . Stay on top of spills , pulling , and dirt by following these tips , and your rug will have a long living ahead of it .

A general interior view of a room with beige sofa, two accent lounge chairs, black sideboard, bookshelves and a new beige carpet.

Photo: John Keeble / Getty Images

1.Vacuum regularly.

This common chore is the winder to keeping carpets await like new . Dirt has harsh qualities , and when it ’s repeatedly ground into the carpet by everyday understructure traffic , it can actually gnaw the backing over fourth dimension . Vacuuming once a week(or double a week in mellow - traffic areas ) can remove up to 75 percent of the dirt and debris and prevent your rug from aging before its time .

2.Soak up spills promptly.

Spills are inevitable , but how you scavenge them makes all the difference . The most crucial carpet commandments to keep in mind are to shape speedily and never rub spills . Dabcarpet stain removeronto the troublesome spot right away because the longer you wait , the harder it will be to withdraw . Then , blot it with paper towels or a clean cloth , as this mildly put a small amount of pressure on the liquidness , helping to soak it up instead of letting it typeset in . think to blot from the exterior of the spill in to keep the spillage from propagate .

“ Today ’s [ carpet ] fibers can be unbelievably stain - resistant and gentle to maintain , making them far more long-lasting than carpets of even 10 years ago . “

3. Use the right vacuum.

Do you havekids or pets ? carpet steps ? Look for a vacuum that can accommodate your lifestyle . Because there is n’t one emptiness that excels in every situation , you might even consider investing in more than one sweeper to handle all your cleanup challenge . A cordlesshandheld vacuumcan help tidy up pet hair , for lesson , while a stick model might be thebest vacuum cleaner for stair .

4. Trim snags carefully.

Carpets , peculiarly Berber , are bound to snag finally , especially if you have youngster or pets . Whatever you do , do n’t pull a snag — you’ll likely tear the carpet away from the backing and make the problem worse . or else , take hold of a pair of nail scissor hold and trim the rip at the theme to forbid further hurt .

5. Clean up with club soda.

When used correctly , club sodais an essential weapon to battle carpet grunge . Whether you ’re treat with pet accidents , burnt umber , tea , or red wine , a healthy glug of ball club soda ash over the spill and a few tap with a clean textile should refund your carpet to its original glory .

6. Monitor high-traffic zones.

Hallways , carpeted stairs , and rooms that get a lot of foot dealings postulate supererogatory maintenance — more frequent vacuuming and shampooing , for example . Where it ’s safe to do so , you may want to consider strategically layering anarea rug or runnerover exist carpets in these high - traffic zones . It ’s much well-off ( and tawdry ) to replace these temporary coverings when they become grime from dirt or release .

7.Deep clean it regularly.

No matter how persevering you are with vacuuming and maintenance , your carpet will still need next - level care from time to sentence . We recommend recondite cleaning your carpet every 6 months to keep them looking fresh and grime - free . Whether you corrupt acarpet cleanerorhire a professional carpet - clean service , steam cleansing extracts deeply embedded filth as well as tarry stains to result your rug look firebrand - new .

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A woman with white shoes is vacuuming.