Five Ways to Maximize Your Carpet’s Lifespan

by James Florence
city carpets interior

Installing new carpet in your home? Take steps to protect it from premature wear and tear. Photo: City Carpets © 2020

A new carpet is an expensive investment, one that requires ongoing maintenance to sustain both appearance and performance. That’s why it’s wise to take proactive steps to protect your carpet from premature wear and tear. Consider these five tips for maximizing your carpet’s lifespan:

  1. Clean stains promptly. Once a stain has dried and set, it’s much more difficult to remove, so be sure to act quickly when a spill occurs. Use paper or cloth towels to soak up any liquid by blotting, not rubbing. To prevent a stain, apply a commercial carpet shampoo or mild detergent to the spot.
  1. Place welcome mats at entrances. Simply wiping off your shoes before entering your home can make a significant impact in keeping dust and dirt from being tracked onto your carpets.
  1. Put rugs in high-traffic areas. Throw rugs and small area rugs offer an easy, inexpensive, and aesthetically pleasing solution for protecting high-traffic areas in your home from undue wear and tear.
  1. Vacuum often (and correctly). Vacuuming at least once a week will remove dust and irritants before they become embedded in the carpet. When vacuuming, go over the same area from multiple directions. For example, after vacuuming a room in the direction of the pile, switch directions and move in a 90-degree angle from your last pass—this will fluff up the pile and remove additional debris.
  1. Invest in routine professional cleaning. Most carpeting should be professionally cleaned every 12 to 18 months. High-traffic areas and light-colored carpet may require more frequent service.

Find a Diamond Certified carpet cleaning company in your area