Looking after your carpet in between professional cleans is the best way to maintain its look and feel. Dirt is abrasive on the fibers of the carpet and if it is not regularly removed it gets ground into the carpet and this is how high traffic areas begin to wear excessively. So here are three simple tips to keeping your carpet looking good…

Vacuuming

Vacuuming your carpet often (once or twice a week) get out the soil and dust, much of which is not actually visible to you. Just because the carpet doesn’t look dirty, doesn’t mean that it’s not. You will benefit greatly by the regular vacuuming.

If you have large, loose particles (food, insects, childrens crayons etc) pick these up before vacuuming because the vacuum cleaner can cause a spot stain on the carpet.

Clean more often if you have heavy traffic areas.

As general rule, professional carpet cleaning should take place at least once per year for residential carpet. Commercial carpet should be cleaned at least two to three times per year. Some people seem to think that you should not clean your carpet too often but proper professional carpet cleaning will not leave a sticky residue behind and can be done as many times per year as needed.

Spot Removal and Interim Cleaning

Immediate spot removal is helpful in avoiding a permanent stain. Care must be taken in how spot cleaning is performed. Use club soda or water on a white terry-cloth towel to gently blot the spot. Avoid the following because they can permanently set the stain: Laundry detergents, dishwashing detergents, soaps, and other products not designed for carpets. Never use bleach on or near your carpet.

Protective Coatings

Carpets are treated with protectors during the manufacturing process. Dupont Teflon™ and 3M Scotchgard™ are examples of these. After 2 to 3 years, much of the protective coating wears off, depending on traffic and it’s recommended to have the coating reapplied.

These applications help prevent liquid spills from being absorbed into the fibers. This then  makes it easier blot up and clean those liquids as they simply bead up on the surface. As well, these two applications help stains release more easily when carpet and upholstery is cleaned.