As a homeowner with hundreds of other expenses, the last thing you want to do is replace your carpet more often than you need to. While your carpet will not last a lifetime (no matter how hard you try), but it can easily last up to 10 years with proper care. Here are 8 tips to extending the life of your carpet:
1) Vacuum regularly
It may seem like a no-brainer but vacuuming your carpets at least once a week will help them last longer. When dirt gets trapped and stuck in the carpet fibers it will not only leave them appearing dirty and dingy, but will also weaken the fibers themselves. We suggest vacuuming a minimum of once a week with a goal of 2-3 times per week.
2) Keep dirt out
Dirt causes a lot of damage to your carpet. Like we said above, dirt weakens the fibers making them wear out more easily. A dirty carpet can also contain hundreds of must mites that can become a serious health hazard if you or someone in your family has allergies.
3) Don’t wait on spills
Spills are inevitable in any household whether there are kids present or not- accidents happen. When these spills do happen, it’s vital to clean them up immediately. When liquids and sticky substances sit in your carpet for too long, it will be absorbed and cause permanent damage. When a spill occurs, gently remove any excess liquid and blot the area with warm water. If that is not enough to lift the stain, you can mix in a couple drops of dish washing soap into a bucket of warm water and blot the area until the stain is gone. Be sure to take a dry cloth or hair dryer to dry any excess water.
4) Always remove your shoes
It may be a nuisance at first but removing your shoes will greatly extend the life of your carpet. The bottom of your shoes can track in many more unsettling substances than just dirt alone. Keep your shoes by the door that way your carpet will stay clean and you will always know where your shoes are!
5) Consider what kind of pets you may want (if any)
Of course we are not asking you to get rid of your current pets, but if you are considering a new furry member of your household there are some things to consider for the health of your carpet. For example, adopting a trained adult dog may be a better idea than a puppy. Puppies are more likely to urinate and defecate on your carpet which can leave considerable damage. Also, consider an animal that doesn’t shed. Animals that shed bring more dirt and allergens into the home- that being said, just about any animal, long haired or short, will track in unwanted debris.
6) Rotate your furniture once or twice a year
When was the last time you moved your couch? A year? Two years? Never? It’s important to rotate your furniture every 6 months to a year. The carpet underneath your furniture gets just as dirty as the carpet in the rest of your home.
7) Utilize floor mats
In high traffic areas, using floor mats can help keep your carpet cleaner, longer. Floor mats are easily washable and replaceable making them a great addition to your home.
8) Annual Professional Cleanings
Every carpet needs a professional deep cleaning every year. Without an annual cleaning, it’s impossible to keep your carpet for its entire lifespan.
Residential carpet cleaning experts
Our technicians at Steamex Eastern are the top-rated carpet cleaners in Toledo and the surrounding area. Whether you are looking for stain removal services or simply need your annual carpet cleaning completed, we are here for you. Give us a call at (419) 382-1973 to request your cleaning today!