Brand new or decades old, a carpet needs regular cleaning to live a prolonged life. Regardless of what stage it’s currently in, here are some tips for maintaining and cleaning your carpet.
1. Be Proactive!
When it comes to taking care of your carpet, the best defense is a good offense. The best way to protect your carpet is to clean it with regularity. This will fight against any possible build up and tackle the dirt that lurks beneath your carpet. If you’re cleaning your carpet only when it looks dirty, then it’s more than overdue for a good sanitizing. You should be vacuuming regularly and steam cleaning at least once a year.
2. Steam Cleaning Is Your Friend
The best way to clean your carpet is through steam cleaning. This is a process where detergent is worked into the fibers of the carpet. This washing phase is followed by a high-powered steam cleaner forcefully sucking up all the leftover detergent and dirt. This gives your carpet a much-needed cleanse, while also removing build-up. You don’t need to purchase a steam cleaner – you can rent one from your local hardware store. If you’d rather leave the steam cleaning to the professionals, you can always hire a company to come and do the job for you.
3. Vacuum with Purpose
To combat any build up, you should be vacuuming regularly. The rule of thumb is to vacuum at least once a week. If the carpet is in a high traffic area, like the living room, you may need to vacuum it more frequently. Remove all furniture, give yourself space and time to get into all the nooks and crannies. Remember to use your nozzle to get all the dirt that can hide in crevices. Make sure that you are vacuuming the carpet from multiple directions. This way, your carpet is left feeling clean and refreshed on a weekly basis!
4. Get Rid of Stains Before They Set
When a stain occurs, proactivity is key. The longer you wait to attack a stain, the harder it’ll be to remove it. You need to clean the spilled area right away. If the spill is a thin liquid, try to sop up as much as you can with a towel. This will stop the stain from spreading.
Once the spill is removed, the time has come to remove the stain. Now, everyone has their own method. Some people prefer chemical stain removers, while others prefer natural remedies like baking soda and water. It doesn’t matter what you use; what really matters is how you use it. You need to scrub the stain hard enough to get the material not to adhere to the carpet. Regardless of the product, removing a tough stain requires dedication, determination, and a whole lot of elbow grease.
5. Stop Water Damage Before It Spreads
Whether caused by a burst pipe or a bad storm, flooding is the number one enemy against your carpet. The damp area instantly becomes vulnerable to water damage. It also becomes a breeding ground for harmful activity, such as mold. This mold grows quickly, most times within 24 hours. This is why it’s so important to remove water from your carpet as soon as it occurs.
Use your dehumidifier, your fans, or anything in your home to get that moisture out. If you feel overwhelmed, you can call a service to come to fix the water damage. Look for a company that places an emphasis on drying the carpet first. If the carpet is not fully dry, then all the subsequent repairs won’t be as effective. Companies such as All Dry USA, https://www.alldryus.com/texas/, place a dry carpet at the highest priority. They make sure that the water damage is contained before attacking the main issue.
In order to prolong your carpet’s life, you need to give it the best defense for whatever the future holds. Clean it with regularity, protect it from water damage, and stop stains before they can stick around. A well-maintained carpet is a clean and safe carpet. Most importantly, it’s a happy one. So, when you have a happy carpet, you have the forefront of an even happier home.
