6 Ways to Make Your Carpet Last Longer

If you’re like most people, your carpet is one of the most important home staples. Not only does it set the tone for the decor in your home, it also provides a comfortable place to walk and relax. However, if you’re not taking care of your carpet properly, it won’t last as long as it should and you may face expensive carpet replacements.

You probably don’t think about your carpet very often; but if you want it to last as long as possible, you need to take care of it. Here are six ways to make your carpet lasts as long as possible:

1. Vacuum your carpet at least once a week

While it might not be your favorite household chore, vacuuming at least once a week is one of the best ways to help your carpet last longer. This is because vacuuming removes the loose particles on the surface of the carpet before they settle deeper and start abrading the fibers. In many cases, regular vacuuming allows you to go longer between professional deep cleanings and will help your carpet avoid rapid deterioration. Pro tip: Vacuum the carpet a few times going in a different direction each time to ensure that all dirt and dander are removed.

2. Remove stains as soon as possible

Reappearing stains can be prevented by ensuring that spills are treated as quickly as possible when they occur. This prevents the spill from soaking deep into the carpet and causing permanent damage. Depending on your specific needs, there are many products available to treat capter stains available at your local grocery store.

Even if your carpet becomes wet with something that will not stain, make sure to blot liquids immediately with a dry cloth and avoid walking on your carpet with wet shoes or socks to help it last as long as possible.

3. Protect your carpet from heavy furniture

Heavy furniture leaves indentations on the carpet and rugs, which can cause lasting damage to your carpet.

To avoid carpet dents, try these tricks –

  • Place an area rug that has a sturdy backing beneath the furniture to help lessen the chances of dents in the carpet. This is especially helpful if you also use caster cups under furniture legs.
  • Use a plastic runner or chair mat with teeth, cut so it fits beneath each sofa leg, but is hidden beneath the sofa itself to protect the carpet.
  • Move furniture around every few months so the carpets are evenly worn

Though most indentations gradually disappear over time, you can help them remove them faster by placing an ice cube over the sunken area. To do this, simply place an ice cube (or several ice cubes, depending on the size of the indentation) on the area you’re trying to revive. Let the ice melt in the dented area. The carpet will soak up the water and begin to rise. Use a sponge to blot away extra water, and then gently lift the indented carpet with a coin

4. Use a carpet steamer every few months to remove dirt and stains

Using a carpet steamer is one of the best deep-cleaning methods you can use on your carpets. Because it combines hot water with chemicals, it cleans much more than just the surface of your carpet and can remove dirt and debris that have sunk deep beneath the surface.

Does a steamer work more effectively than a carpet shampooer? Yes! Overall, steam cleaning your carpet is more effective than shampooing. Steamers work well because water is heated past the boiling point and forced out as pressurized steam through a nozzle, brush, or other attachment. The vapor loosens dirt and kills dust mites, mold, staph, other allergens, and harmful bacteria. No suction is required since the high-heat moisture dries quickly.

This can help preserve the life of your carpet by avoiding rapid deterioration due to debris and bacteria.

5. Place a rug in high-traffic areas to protect the carpet from wear and tear

High-traffic areas in your home cause the carpet to deteriorate at a faster pace than other areas because the particulate soils that we track onto it every day are abrasive to the carpet fiber. These soils act like sandpaper and create abrasion, which causes the fibers to look dull and wear down quickly in the traffic areas. As shoes, feet, and paws repeatedly push down, carpet fibers will break down over time.

These high-traffic areas of your home can include hallways, entrances to outdoors, around furniture, and up and downstairs. Using rugs or runners in these high-traffic areas can cut down on a significant amount of this damage. Protecting these areas will go a long way toward extending the life of your carpet.

6. Get your carpets cleaned by a professional at least once a year

Regardless of how much time you spend vacuuming or protecting your carpet, it will eventually become dirty. For this reason, we recommend getting your carpets cleaned at least once a year by professionals who are trained in the art of caring for fine fabrics and textiles. In most cases, this will ensure your carpet warranty is maintained and most of the dirt, dust, and allergens that typically build up in your carpets will be removed regularly.

Additionally, professional carpet cleaning can improve your family’s health by removing dust mites, bacteria and other allergens. This literally allows you to breathe easier and reduces the risk of colds, allergies, and other health problems.

You might ask, “Why use a professional when you can rent a steam cleaner?” In short, professionals will clean your carpet more thoroughly and deeply than you can with at-home devices. Carpet cleaners use a combination of cleaning solutions, powerful scrubbing brushes, and vacuum suction. These inject a mixture of cleaning solution and water deep into your carpet fibers. Brushes then agitate, scrub and loosen the dirt and/or stain and the powerful vacuum suction lifts it away.

Regularly seeking professional help will greatly increase the life of your carpet and result in savings when you avoid replacing your carpet prematurely. The best news? We can help! We offer professional rug cleaning services to make sure that even if you don’t have the time to vacuum every week, your carpets look their best all year round with minimal upkeep on your part! If you’re interested in learning more about our affordable rates and excellent service records, give us a call today! We can answer any questions you may have about our company policies and help schedule an appointment for when suits your schedule most!

Reno: (775) 825-7569 | Carson: (775) 882-3600 | Tahoe: (530) 550-9095