Let's be honest here. Maintaining a carpet is as enticing as cleaning the dirty dishes in your sink: you would instead not do it. But, just as washing the dishes is needed to keep a clean environment, so it is taking care of your carpet. If you don't, your once-pristine carpet will start to look not-so-great, and you will wonder, "How do I keep this thing fresh between deep cleanings?". If you are frustrated about stains or feel more than vacuuming is needed, you have arrived at the right place.
At Restore-It, we understand carpets, especially in South Arkansas, where dust, pollen, and muddy footprints are an everyday occurrence. With over 50 years of experience, we've witnessed the impact of daily wear and tear. Deep cleaning is essential for prolonging your carpet's life, and we're here to share tips on keeping your carpets in top shape.
In this article, we'll teach you how to bring your flooring back to life between professional cleanings. Taking simple and effective action will give you the tools to keep your carpets spotless without turning the task into a full-time job. After all, who doesn't have better things to do than battle stains every day?
1. Follow these steps to vacuum like a pro
Like the difference between your average Joe on a basketball court versus an NBA professional, it's all about technique and practice. The same applies to vacuuming. Rather than doing a quick once-over with the vacuum, a bit of extra attention goes a long way to keep your carpet fresh:
- Prepare your furniture for vacuuming. First, wipe off the dust on your furniture. Then, clear the area for more comfortable vacuuming.
- Start vacuuming slowly. Make sure to pay attention to high-traffic areas.
- Vacuum a row of your carpet in one direction and reverse. Start against the carpet's nap, then push the vacuum back over that strip.
- Go perpendicular. This will ensure that no dirt is left in the second pass.
- Pay attention to corners and edges. Nooks and crannies tend not to receive enough attention when vacuuming. Change the accessories for corners—the ones with thinner nozzles—to clean all the edges.
- Vacuum frequently. Whether you have children or pets or you are dealing with dust, pollen, and debris from the changing season, aim for a couple of times a week, focusing on busy areas.
2. Treat spills ASAP!
The longer that splash of coffee or wine stays in your carpet, the greater the damage it can be. We are talking about the stain setting in and even the possibility of mold growing in the place. The key here is to act fast and smart.
First, grab a clean cloth and blot the liquid gently—don't rub it, or you will push the stain deeper into the fibers! Then, use a little bit of water to rinse the area and blot again. For tougher stains, mix a little dish soap with water and repeat the process.
So, the next time you entertain guests, have a cloth and a mild cleaner at hand for easy, fast spill cleanups. And if something spills while you're watching the Razorbacks game, just handle it during the next timeout!
3. Protect high-traffic areas with rugs and runners
Do you know what's better than quickly reacting to spills? Preventing them completely. Like a carpet's bodyguard, they take the hits, so your carpet doesn't have to—sorry, no Whitney Houston soundtrack included!
Getting back on track, the best use of rugs and carpet runners is to position them in areas with a lot of foot traffic. Think of spaces like hallways, entryways, and the area between your kitchen and living room. Just remember to vacuum these rugs and shake them regularly. The bonus feature? If you pick a washable rug, you can just throw it in the washer or replace the carpet runner when you need to, saving on costly repairs for your carpet.
4. Keep the dirt out of the entryway with doormats
Mud, dirt, and debris are the uninvited guests that keep showing up at your doorstep this changing season. But don't worry—there is a way to keep them out. Placing doormats inside and outside all the entrances will ensure the dirt stays out of your carpets. For a better result, tell everyone in your household, including guests, to wipe their feet on the doormat before coming inside.
5. Turn your house into a shoe-free zone
Okay, I know what you are thinking, but hear me out. Removing your shoes before entering a home may not be customary in this country. However, in recent years, it has become increasingly more popular here. The trick is simple:
- Make a space at the entrance where everybody can drop their shoes off.
- Get some extra slippers for family and guests.
- Enjoy your dirt-free carpet!
6. Move your furniture once in a while
Rotating your furniture is an excellent trick to avoid carpet wear in a single spot. You compress the carpet underneath when you leave your sofa, chairs, and tables in the same place for too long. The result? Wear down in areas where people regularly sit. To avoid this, rearrange or rotate your furniture every few months. Other than letting the wear spread more evenly across the carpet, you can also use the opportunity to refresh your space.
7. Refresh your carpet with carpet deodorizers
Now, we have told you all about keeping your carpet clean and tidy, but what about the smell? Well, between pet odors, food spills, and everyday life, chances are your carpet won't smell great after a while. Although they are not really pricey, you don't need to buy commercial household deodorizers. There is nothing wrong with them, but if you prefer a DIY route, there are cheaper alternatives.
For example, you can't go wrong with baking soda. Sprinkle a layer over the smelly area and let it do its magic for 15 minutes or a few hours if the smell is strong. Afterwards, vacuum the powder and done! Another cleaning solution uses the power of distilled vinegar. Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle, and your odor remover is ready. To use it, only lightly spray the area and blot with a clean cloth. Wait for a few minutes, and the smells will disappear.
If you have a musty smell, there is a chance you have mold somewhere. If it's coming from your carpet, it likely got humid, creating an environment for mold growth. If you are dealing with this, consider calling a professional mold remediation service.
Persistent stains? Try professional spot treatment!
Now that we have shown you that keeping your carpet in good shape doesn't have to be a hassle, we hope you have lots of extra time to enjoy your favorite pastimes. Of course, even with all the DIY tips and tricks we gave you, you may need a professional's touch for those stubborn spots that won't cooperate. If you notice an area that looks particularly rough, you shouldn't wait until your next scheduled cleaning to address it. Contact us at Restore-It, and we will get those carpets spotless in no time!
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