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, h4er 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.
Know where to concentrate.
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.
The cushion is critical.
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.