Carpet Care Tips

New carpet is generally your 3rd most expensive investment after your home and your vehicles. By following the following cleaning & maintenance guidelines, you can enjoy your carpets for a long time!

Entry mats

Most soil in your carpet is tracked in from outdoors. By placing mats at each exterior door, you can stop most soil right there before it ever enters your home.

Remove your shoes

Removing your shoes in the entry of your home will also help reduce carpet soiling.

Vacuum regularly

Studies have shown that about 79% of soil can be removed with a vacuum clean. Vacuum at least twice per week, and more often with excessive traffic or soiling. The brushes on the vacuum should only touch the top 3rd of your carpet fibers. Anything lower will cause damage to the pile. Change your vacuum bags when they reach 2/3rds full. Up to 50% of suction and efficiency is lost after the bag reaches 2/3rds full.

Spot and Stain removal

When you have a spill or stain, don't panic, but you do need to act quickly. Call me for any stains that will not come out using this process.

Clean with Hot Water Extraction

Even though vacuuming can remove most soil, it is also necessary to clean your carpet on a regular basis to remove the oily, sticky soil that vacuums don't remove. These soils result from cooking vapors, air pollution, and tracked-in dirt from outside. The particles of oily soil deposited on carpet fibers can cause gradual but significant dulling of colors. The color isn't lost, but is hidden under the film. If this type of soil is allowed to accumulate, it begins to attract and hold the dry soil.

Most carpet manufacturers suggest using a hot water extraction system for deep cleaning. In fact, many require it to be hot water extracted at least every 12-24 months to maintain their warranty. We suggest having your carpets cleaned at least once every 12 months, and more frequently with heavier use or special occassions where you want the carpets to look extra nice.