TIPS FROM TIM: How to Maximize the Life of Your Carpet
Congratulations! You have just purchased new carpet for your home. What can you do to keep your carpet looking great for years to come? Here are some helpful tips:
-Vacuum, vacuum, vacuum! Most dirt contains gritty, sharp particles that abrade the pile of the carpet causing premature wear. These can be removed with regular vacuuming.
-Professional carpet cleaning. Your carpet should be cleaned by a professional using the hot water extraction method every 18 months or so. Even with regular vacuuming, soil particles may cling to the carpet fiber and be driven deeper by foot traffic. Steam cleaning will remove these particles and refresh your carpet fibers. Make sure your cleaner extracts all chemicals from your carpet. Any chemicals left in your carpet will continue to attract dirt. We often hear of customers having stains removed from their carpet only to have them reappear within a few days. Carpet-cleaning chemicals attract dirt and will continue to do so if not completely removed.
-Use a common stain chart when spot cleaning. The type of spill will determine the right cleaning method. Treatment should begin as soon as possible as stain removal gets harder with time. Never scrub or brush the stain as this may damage the carpet fibers. Blot stains and wipe gently until removed. Make sure to rinse with water to remove all traces of cleaning solution.
By following these tips, you will enjoy your new carpet for years to come.
-Tim
Tim Walts, Operations Manager at Carpet Plus, was recently granted the designation of Certified Flooring Executive (the highest status conferred by the flooring industry!) by the World Floor Covering Association. Tim worked as an installer for over 10 years and holds top certification from the Certified Floorcovering Installers Association, Inc.
