Ways to keep your carpet looking great

Keeping your carpets looking great isn’t a great mystery of the universe, but it is an effort worth taking on. After all, your carpets take all the foot (and paw) traffic you throw at it—and it’s entirely possible to keep them in tip-top shape with some easy care steps.

Don’t wait to tackle those stains.

Unfortunately, soda spills, pet accidents, and the occasional muddy footprint are a part of carpet ownership. When these accidental spills happen, don’t wait to start mopping up the spill. Note the catch: mopping, not scrubbing. Too much elbow grease can damage your carpet fibers, so make sure to mop up the spill fluid first. Use a quality carpet cleaner that won’t void the warranty (you can find a manufacturer-approved cleaner at your local flooring store).

Deep clean your carpets.

Carpet fibers can trap dirt and allergens over time. For the good of your carpet and allergies, schedule a professional carpet cleaning biannually. As tempting as it might be to rent a cleaner from a local hardware store, be wary of those dime store cleaners. Those carpet cleaners get used repeatedly, recycling the dirt and allergens that are picked up at every home. A professional carpet cleaner can remove stains and keep your carpet looking great.

Be strategic about your rugs.

If you want to keep your carpets clean and spot-free, stop the dirt before it gets in the door. Place mats and rugs by all the doors, in hallways, and areas where people enter your home. Train your pets to stop at the doors, and stay so you can clean their paws before they track in mud and dirt.

Vacuum with a GOOD vacuum cleaner.

A good vacuuming is a key part of keeping your carpet in top shape, but vacuuming can damage your carpet if you use the wrong machine. Vacuum cleaners that are too powerful can damage your carpet fibers and void the carpet warranty. Use these tips so you choose the right vacuum cleaners for your carpet (and your allergies).

Be selective.

One of the easiest ways to keep your carpet in top notch condition is to select the right carpeting for the room. Certain carpets are made for different conditions, such as for homes with pets or high-traffic areas. Use these tips to choose the right carpet for high-traffic areas and ask the experts at your local flooring store for carpets that have held up well in other local homes.