The state of your carpet makes half the room’s look and feel. A fresh and clean carpet will contribute significantly to a warm and welcoming atmosphere. A dirty one would make you feel miserable at home, in more ways than one. So, how can you protect your soft floor covering? Here are some ideas.
No Shoes at Home
Make a rule to wear no shoes at home. This would apply to everyone in your household and all the visitors. To make it easier for you and your guests, you can invest in a small shoe rack and cosy slippers.
Leaving the shoes at the door would prevent dirt, mud, grime and other nasties from the outside ending up on the carpet. It’s a vital condition for preserving its nice appearance for longer. More importantly, it is a good precaution to take in autumn and winter, when you are trying to keep your family healthy and safe.
Double Door Mats
Maybe not all visitors would take their shoes off. That’s why it’s a good idea to put quality door mats at both sides of the front door. It would minimise the dirt brought in from the outside. If you have a garden on your property and the room leading to it is carpeted, it would be wise to adopt the same strategy for the garden door.
No Nibbling Away from the Dining Table
If you are truly committed to preserving your carpet clean for longer, one more rule at home won’t hurt. Avoid eating food away from the dining table and space. That way you will minimise the risk of potential spills and crumbs getting onto the carpet.
Carpet Protective Treatment
When you have your carpet professionally cleaned, you can ask for a carpet protective treatment as an added extra. Professionals use a specific sealant that reduces the damage from walking, liquid spills and, to a certain degree, the buildup of dust and allergens between the fibres. Of course, this treatment is not 100% foolproof and it is not a replacement for regular carpet cleaning. It is merely a protective layer that would extend the life and good look of your carpet.
Blot Any Spills
When you spill something on the carpet you should act quickly and blot straight away. However, don’t do anything further. Spot cleaning can cause more damage, especially if done with the wrong product. Blotting should decrease the degree of staining and the full removal should be done by professionals.
Be Consistent with Your Routine
Regular vacuuming and proper cleans are essential for the preservation of your carpet. Build a routine and follow it. Weekly vacuuming will be enough in most households, but where there are pets or young children, it may need to happen more often. The professional recommendation for carpet washing and treatment is twice a year. Remember, carpets accumulate dirt even when you can’t see it. Missing a deep clean will simply worsen the condition of the floor covering and will have an impact on your health, both physically and mentally.