Carpet Cleaning Tips
(HIT) - Your new carpet has just been installed and it's looking terrific. In fact, it looks so good you're tempted to protect it with plastic runners and assorted carpet scraps strategically placed throughout the house. Well isn't that special!
Not really. In fact, plastic runners and carpet remnants may actually crush and abrade—rather than serve and protect—your brand new carpet. Before spending time, effort and hard earned cash trying to preserve your new carpet investment, consider these simple carpet-saving tips:
- Prevent soil accumulation
- Vacuum regularly
- Remove spills quickly
- Deep clean carpets periodically
Stopping Soil At The Source
It's amazing what a pair of tennis shoes can smuggle into the house (they don't call them sneakers for nothing). Mud, grass, pebbles, grease, tar, sawdust and bubblegum are just a few of your shoes' favorite companions … and your carpet's worst enemies.
The easiest way to keep soil away from your carpet is to keep it outside where it belongs. One way to do that is to place good mats outside each entrance of your home. Bristle type mats can remove a lot of dirt before it ever reaches your home’s interior. Look for good quality mats and replace them as soon as they show signs of wear for best results.
It’s also a good idea to place large mats or carpet remnants just inside each entryway. A couple of extra shoe-wipes can remove a lot of the remaining soil from shoes, and indoor floor mats are a great place to "park" dirty shoes before they ever reach your carpeting. Removing shoes may take some getting used to, but this practice virtually eliminates the introduction of outside soil in your home.
Extending this practice to guests in your home is a matter of personal choice, but keep in mind that it’s the daily "grind" that does the most damage. In fact, knowing that soil and carpet wear shows up first in high traffic areas of your home, you might want to consider rerouting foot traffic periodically (rearranging furniture can do the trick), or installing an impervious floor tile in hallways and other high-use areas.
Vacuuming Regularly
Did you know that most soil, even dust, is comprised of hard, abrasive particles? Sharp, gritty particles will abrade your carpet pile as effectively as sandpaper. That’s why a regular vacuuming regimen is so important to your carpet.
There are many vacuum styles from which to choose, but it’s important to find one that is powerful enough to reach deep into the type of carpeting you have in your home. Experts at Beaulieu of America, a leading carpet manufacturer, recommend using a vacuum with a rotating brush for a thorough cleaning and grooming. And remember, it’s virtually impossible to over-vacuum a carpet, so you can go over it as often as you like.
Removing Spills
Food, beverages, pets, hobbies, even water-filled flower vases—all ensure that spills and stains are an ever present danger to your carpeting. And most spills will eventually stain or discolor your carpet if left unattended. Read and follow the stain removal instructions provided by your carpet’s manufacturer and deal with spills as quickly as possible for best results.
According to the Carpet and Rug Institute, a national trade association representing the carpet and rug industry, most new carpeting is treated for stain resistance, so many spills can be removed without staining if immediate action is taken. If a stain does occur, the institute offers the following tips to help with removal:
- Blot liquid spills with a dry, plain white, absorbent cloth or paper towel. Continue blotting until the spill is dry. Resist scrubbing, as fiber damage or pile distortion may occur. If a visible stain remains, follow manufacturer guidelines for stain removal.
- If you decide to use a carpet stain removal product, read the instructions on product packaging to see which products will work best for your type of stain. Test the product in an inconspicuous area to make sure it won’t damage carpet fibers or remove carpet dye. Work from the edges inward, toward the center, to avoid spreading the stain.
- After treatment, rinse thoroughly with cold water and blot dry.
- For detailed information about removal of specific types of stains, visit the Institute’s website at www.carpet-rug.com.
Cleaning Your Carpet
Deep cleaning your carpet at regular intervals can greatly extend its useful life. If you’re plan to clean the carpet yourself, rent buy or borrow carpet cleaning equipment that’s in good working order, and make sure you read and follow all instructions to the letter. Use only the recommended cleaning agents or compounds, because using chemicals that aren’t compatible with your carpet may cause immediate or long-term damage. If you’re planning to hire a professional, ask for referrals from the retailer you bought the carpet from, or use a telephone directory and call the Better Business Bureau for a reference check.
A quality carpet can provide many years of comfort, satisfaction and value, especially when properly maintained. For more information, visit Beaulieu of America online at www.beaulieu-usa.com.
Courtesy: Home Improvement News and Information Center
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