10 Tips for Maintaining Your Carpet Between Professional Cleanings

Regular maintenance is key to keeping your carpets looking their best.

Carpets add warmth and comfort to any home or business, but they also require regular maintenance to keep them looking their best. While professional cleanings are essential for deep cleaning and removing embedded dirt, there are several steps you can take between these cleanings to maintain your carpet’s appearance and longevity. Here are ten tips to help you keep your carpets clean and fresh all year round.

1. Vacuum Regularly

Regular vacuuming is the most crucial step in maintaining your carpet. Aim to vacuum high-traffic areas at least twice a week and less frequented areas once a week. This practice helps to remove dirt and debris before they can settle deep into the carpet fibres. Use a vacuum with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter to capture small particles and allergens, ensuring a cleaner environment.

2. Rearrange Furniture Periodically

Moving your furniture around not only gives your space a fresh look but also helps prevent excessive wear and tear in specific areas. When furniture stays in the same spot for a long time, the carpet beneath can become compressed and worn. Rearranging furniture allows the carpet to recover and evens out the traffic patterns.

3. Use Doormats and Rugs

Placing doormats at all entrances and rugs in high-traffic areas can significantly reduce the amount of dirt and debris tracked onto your carpet. Encourage family members and guests to wipe their feet thoroughly before entering. For added protection, consider implementing a no-shoes policy inside your home.

4. Implement a No-Shoes Policy

Shoes can bring in dirt, mud, and other contaminants from outside. Implementing a no-shoes policy in your home can help keep your carpets cleaner for longer. Provide a shoe rack or a designated area near the entrance for people to store their shoes. Offering comfortable indoor slippers can also make this transition easier for guests.

5. Address Spills Immediately

Accidents happen, but the key to preventing permanent stains is to address spills as soon as they occur. Blot the spill with a clean, white cloth to absorb as much liquid as possible. Avoid rubbing, as this can push the stain deeper into the carpet. After blotting, apply a carpet cleaner suitable for the type of spill and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

6. Use Carpet Protectors

Carpet protectors, such as mats or runners, can be placed in high-traffic areas like hallways, staircases, and entryways. These protectors can help minimise the dirt and wear on your carpet in these heavily used areas. Make sure to clean these protectors regularly to prevent dirt from transferring to the carpet.

7. Clean Pet Accidents Properly

If you have pets, it’s crucial to clean up accidents promptly and thoroughly to prevent stains and odours. Use an enzyme-based cleaner specifically designed for pet messes to break down the organic material and eliminate the smell. Regular grooming and bathing of your pets can also reduce the amount of hair that ends up on your carpet.

8. Use a Carpet Deodoriser

A carpet deodoriser can help keep your carpets smelling fresh between professional cleanings. You can purchase a commercial deodoriser or make your own using baking soda. Simply sprinkle the baking soda over the carpet, let it sit for about 15 minutes, and then vacuum it up. This process helps to neutralise odours and keep your carpet smelling clean.

9. Rotate Area Rugs

If you have area rugs over your carpet, rotate them regularly to ensure even wear. This practice helps to prevent one area from becoming more worn than others, maintaining the overall appearance of your carpet. Additionally, make sure to clean your area rugs according to their care instructions to keep them looking their best.

10. Schedule Regular Professional Cleanings

Even with the best at-home care, your carpet will benefit from regular professional cleanings. Professional cleaners have the equipment and expertise to remove deep-seated dirt, allergens, and stains that regular vacuuming and spot cleaning can’t reach. Aim to have your carpets professionally cleaned at least once a year, or more often if you have pets, children, or high traffic in your home or business.