Proper Carpet Care

Are you experiencing carpet anxiety with the holidays coming up? There’s no need to stress! You can still enjoy your family meals and get-togethers with friends: Just make sure proper carpet care is on the agenda to keep your soft surfaces looking pristine during and after the season.

You’ve probably heard the saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” and that’s certainly true in carpet care. The best offense is a good defense, especially by your entryways. Make sure dirt and grime never make it to your carpet by placing coarse bristle mats outside the doors. High traffic entries, especially those used by pets or children, should have area rugs inside the doorway, too. Don’t forget to vacuum your festive area rugs and entryway mats when cleaning your floors!

Speaking of which, vacuum your carpet regularly – at least once a week – to keep soil from becoming embedded in the carpet pile. What type of vacuum is best? That’s will be determined by your carpet manufacturer and your carpet construction, but Consumer Reports tested different models and found that upright vacuums are generally better than canisters because the full weight of the vacuum is pressing into the pile and getting to the dirt. Here are some great tips for effective vacuuming:

• Whichever type of vacuum cleaner you use, make sure it’s set to the correct height. If it’s too high, the suction won’t be strong enough to pull the grit from the carpet; too low, and the vacuum’s beater bar will grind into the carpet. At the proper setting, the vacuum’s beater bar should just graze the top of the carpet fibers.
• Use a slow and steady motion with your vacuum, usually three or four passes across the area you’re cleaning. Did you know that vacuuming against the nap pulls up more dirt?
• If you notice your vacuum is low on suction, check the vacuum cleaner bag – it might be too full. Bags that are half-full or greater can greater decrease the effectiveness of your vacuum.

When it comes to accidental spills on the carpet, it’s always best to treat them immediately. The longer a spill sits, the harder it is to remove! Never rub a spill. Gently blot to soak up as much liquid as possible. Likewise, pick up food spills as quickly as you can. If necessary, use a spoon, knife or spatula, then blot with water. Different types of spills and carpets require different handling. Always check with your manufacturer to find the best way to clean your specific carpet.

For the long term, it’s a great idea to budget for a professional carpet cleaning once every 12 to 18 months. Your floors are an important investment in your home. With regular love and care, you’ll enjoy dazzling soft carpet for many years to come! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us or visit us at any of our retail locations.