Carpets add a unique appeal to any home particularly those in colder regions. This flooring material evokes warmth and comfort regardless of the part of the house where it is installed.
But carpets can collect dust, dirt, pet hair, fleas, bugs, mold and mildew. As such, they require maintainance in order for them to be in good condition and last long. Caring for it is even more challenging when you have pets in the house.
It is ideal then to know the right ways to clean and maintain a carpet.
Vacuum Regularly
Vacuuming on a regular basis is still one of the most effective ways of keeping carpets clean and smelling fresh and giving them long life.
For this reason, you need to invest in a good vacuum cleaner that can suck up dust and dirt even from the deep fibers of the carpet.
The frequency of vacuuming will depend on the environment in your home. Pet owners should vacuum every day if possible while those who don’t raise pets can do it twice a week.
Use overlapping strokes and do it slow. Vacuuming slowly will give the machine time to do its work properly.
Remove Stains Immediately
When you see stains including fresh urine, make sure to remove them right away. Carpets can resist liquid penetration for a certain time hence, you need to act fast. For any liquid, use paper towels and newspaper to absorb it. Put a layer of paper towels first followed by a layer of newspaper and then stand on it to ensure that they absorb the liquid.
After removing the newspaper and paper towel, you can pour baking powder on the area and let it sit for 15 minutes. Vacuum it to completely dry that section.
Cleaning carpets can also be left to professionals who can do it once or twice a year. This is an ideal option for the busy homeowners who lack the time to look after their home on a daily basis.
Those who prefer the do-it-yourself (DIY) way can easily search on the internet for NYC carpet cleaning tips. Numerous online resources are available which can help you maintain your carpet in tip top shape for a long time.
Protect Your Carpet
In some homes, carpeting can be all over and can reach the front door. However, areas which have high foot traffic should be protected. The best way to do this is by putting plastic carpet protector mat or throw rug over those areas. With the plastic protector, your carpet would still be visible underneath.
Carpet runners, on the other hand, are also ideal to use in hallways.