Investing in a new carpet has many advantages, including sound-proofing, insulating, and adding to the overall comfort and aesthetic of your home. In order to keep the carpeting in good shape for years to come, it’s important to follow some rules. Here are some essential do’s and don’ts for maintaining your investment.

Do:

Vacuum regularly.

Vacuuming the carpet at least once a week will prevent the buildup of dirt and grime, especially in high-traffic areas like hallways and living rooms. Your best bet is to use a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) vacuum cleaner, which uses special filters to trap allergens and other micro-particles. Make sure to run the vacuum over dirty spots five to seven times over, and about three times everywhere else.

Leave deep cleaning to professionals.

While vacuuming regularly will remove dust, pet hair, and other debris from your carpeting, it won’t deep clean the fibers. This needs to be done by a professional cleaning service at least twice a year. They’ll use special products and equipment, such as shampooing and high-suction vacuums. These are designed to remove deep-set stains and eliminate odors without damaging the fibers.

Don’t:

Let a stain set.

The longer a stain sits, the more deep-set and permanent it will become. Clean up a spill promptly after it happens by blotting it with a clean, absorbent cloth or tissue. Do not rub, as that will only push the stain deeper into the carpet’s fibers.

Saturate the carpet with water.

It’s also not a good idea to douse the carpeting with water when trying to remove a stain. Large amounts of water will over-soak the fibers and prevent them from drying properly. When carpet remains wet for a long period of time, it can start to smell musty, grow mildew, and attract pests.

If you’re considering investing in new carpeting for your home, contact Floor Fashions Of Virginia. For more than 40 years, this locally owned and operated flooring retailer has been the top choice for Charlottesville, VA, homeowners in need of carpet, area rugs, tile, and vinyl flooring. Visit their website to learn more about their offerings and call (434) 296-7744 to request a free in-home estimate.