How to keep your carpets looking fresh
Our Top 10 tips to keep your carpets looking like new…
Whether you have just got fancy new carpets or your existing ones could do with a little bit of love, it’s important to stay on top of your carpet maintenance to keep them looking as fresh as possible.
Keeping your carpets clean involves a combination of regular maintenance and smart preventive measures. It can also depend on what type of carpet you have as to what kind of maintenance you need to do. Whether it’s a loop carpet, wool carpet or a soft deep pile we have got you covered.
Top 10 tips to keep your carpets looking as new:
1. Vacuum regularly
In an ideal world we would recommend you vacuum your carpets at least 2-3 times a week to remove loose dirt, dust, and debris before they settle into the fibres. High-traffic areas may require more frequent vacuuming. However this isn’t always feasible with our busy lives today, so aim for at least once a week and anything more is a bonus.
2. Use doormats
Place large, durable doormats at every entrance to your home. This helps trap dirt and moisture from shoes before they reach your carpets. We recommend an inset matwell in the entrance, practical and stylish!
3. Remove shoes indoors
Encourage family members and guests to remove their shoes at the door. This reduces the amount of dirt, oils, and other contaminants tracked onto your carpets.
4. Clean spills and mess immediately
Mess happens – especially in busy family homes. Try and address spills as soon as they occur to prevent stains from setting. Blot the area with a clean cloth, avoiding rubbing, which can push the stain deeper into the fibres.
5. Deep clean periodically
Schedule professional deep cleaning or rent a carpet cleaner to thoroughly clean your carpets at least once or twice a year. This helps remove embedded dirt and refreshes the fibres.
6. Protect high traffic areas
Use area rugs or runners in high-traffic zones to protect your carpets from excessive wear and tear. This also makes cleaning easier since rugs can be more easily maintained. Why not try out ‘Make me a rug’ – you can choose your carpet, size and edging to make the perfect rug for your home.
7. Avoid laying light coloured carpets near entrances
If possible, opt for darker shades near entryways, as they are less likely to show dirt and stains. Or how about trying a fun patterned carpet – great for disguising stains and dirt.
8. Groom pets regularly
If you have pets, grooming them frequently will reduce the amount of fur and dander that ends up on your carpets. Companies like Westex offer a Fresh guard which neutralises pet odours and inhibits mould.
9. Rotate furniture
Occasionally rearrange your furniture to change the pattern of foot traffic, which can prevent certain areas from becoming worn out.
10. Consider carpet protection treatments
Applying a stain-resistant treatment can make it easier to clean up spills and prevent stains from setting. Take a look at some of the carpet brands we have on display in our showroom.
Which carpet do you have?
Loop Pile Carpet: When vacuuming loop pile carpets, use a cylinder vacuum with only the suction head. Avoid using beater bars or brushes, as they can catch and pull the fibres, leading to a bobbled or felted appearance over time.
Cut Pile Carpet: For cut pile carpets, it’s best to use an upright vacuum with a beater bar and brush. Alternatively, you can use a cylinder vacuum with a similar attachment.
Soft Deep Pile Carpet: For soft deep pile carpets, we recommend using a vacuum cleaner with adjustable height settings to ensure proper airflow over the pile during cleaning.
Cleaning Your Carpet
In busy households with children, pets, or frequent guests, spills and stains are inevitable. Fortunately, carpets can be easily cleaned by following these guidelines:
Act Quickly Address spills and stains immediately to prevent them from drying.
Blot, Don’t Rub: Use a dry kitchen towel or a clean white cloth to blot up liquid spills. For semi-solid substances, gently remove them with a plastic spatula.
Be Gentle: Avoid rubbing or over-soaking the stain. Work patiently and always blot from the outside of the stain towards the centre to prevent spreading.
Final Cleaning: Use a clean, damp cloth to blot any remaining stain.
Alternative Flooring have a very detailed guide to carpet care. Take a look and be sure to follow the correct cleaning tips for your carpet.
Polypropylene Carpets:
Gather Supplies: You’ll need a clean white cloth, household bleach, warm water, and kitchen towel.
Immediate Action: Tackle spills right away and remove semi-solids with a plastic spatula.
Prepare Bleach Solution: Mix one part bleach with ten parts water.
Blot Gently: Using the white cloth, gently blot the stain from the outside in. Add more bleach solution as needed.
Dry: Once the stain is removed, blot the carpet dry with a kitchen towel.
Wool Carpets:
Gather Supplies Prepare dry kitchen towel, a clean white cloth, warm water, and a plastic spatula.
Immediate Action: Address spills immediately to prevent the stain from setting.
Remove Semi-Solids Use a plastic spatula to pick up any semi-solid substances before blotting.
Blot Gently: Using warm water and a kitchen towel, blot the stain from the outside in, avoiding over-wetting the carpet.
Final Cleaning: Continue blotting with a clean, damp cloth until the stain is gone.
Not sure which carpet to choose? Take a look at our handy guide and let us help you. Most carpet manufacturers have a ‘wear warranty’ which will cover you for abrasive fibre loss from the carpet pile – provided the carpet is correctly maintained.
Keeping your carpet clean will not only maintain its appearance, but also help eliminate any bacteria or allergens that may be beneath the surface, keeping your family healthy and improving air quality.