Carpeting, even a bargain-priced brand, is a serious investment. It is never “cheap” and so you want to make it last as long as possible. The finer brands say that their carpeting should last around ten years, and even longer if you protect it properly. That’s a bit question, though, isn’t it? How on earth can you protect carpeting when it has to take so much wear and tear every single day? Additionally, when you have to clean a carpet, that might also put additional wear on it, leading to it looking less appealing and worn.
The good news is that there are some easy to use strategies when it comes to avoiding carpet stains and grime. As you can see – we start with prevention, i.e. avoiding those stains in the first place.
Avoiding Stains
While we can suggest you make carpeted rooms off limits to food, pets, shoes, and all the rest, that is entirely unrealistic. That means that your first step towards long-lasting and good looking rugs is to offer them a protective shield.
Some of the finest carpet suppliers and installers make stain resistant treatments or protectant coatings available. These are often an additional step in buying and installing a new rug or carpet, but it can be well worth the price. Though these coatings won’t prevent all stains, they are amazing at helping to avoid stains and grime buildup. Work with a professional and ask about a “green” option if you have pets, kids or worry about chemicals in your home.
Get Cleaning
Your carpet is going to need regular cleanings. While it is up to you to vacuum a few times a week to get the staining debris from deep in the fabric, you will want to work with professionals for a cleaning. They’ll know the best method for the type of fiber and weave your rug features and can usually extend an array of cleansing treatments that can include pre-treatments for stains or areas of heavy traffic.
Blot and Treat ASAP
One of the worst things you can do to a carpet that has encountered a spill or material that can stain is to scrub it. Instead, you’ll do yourself a lot of favors learning how to properly remove a stain. There are several ways it can be done, but it is important to remember the following tips:
- Blot, don’t rub or scrub
- Work from the outside in as this prevents a stain from spreading outward
- Consider using a vinegar and water treatment to “iron” out the stain. Soak the area with a 1:3 solution of vinegar and water, let it soak in for 5 minutes, lay a clean towel over the stain and use your iron to transfer the stain from the rug to the towel!
And if all else fails and you feel that your rug is not looking its best, speak with the experts. Professional rug cleaning services are often a perfect resource when your rugs need a spruce up and your anti-stain methods don’t seem to hold up to the demands your rug faces!