The life span of a carpet can be as short as 5 years old. For a homeowner, that is not a long time.
Not only do stains happen (we’re human), but even walking on the carpet can wear it down.
However, carpets can last longer if you take actually take care of them.
If you have carpet in your house, then you need to read these 5 carpet care tips. The following can keep your carpet looking fresh for longer.
1. Club Soda and Vinegar Can Help With Stains
Tips number one, you don’t have to buy expensive special carpet stain remover for some of the most common stains. What you need might actually already be in your kitchen.
That’s right: club soda and vinegar can help you get out of some messy situations with your carpet. Here’s how:
First, try pouring some club soda onto a cloth. Then, you the cloth to blot the fresh stain. If it works (yay!), repeat with more club soda.
Club Soda might not be able to get out stains like beer and wine alone, and that’s where vinegar comes in. Dilute the vinegar with equal parts of water and spray the solution on the stain. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes; afterward, sponge it up with a dry sponge.
2. Make Vacuuming a Habit
You should at least be vacuuming your carpets and rugs weekly, if not more often. Vacuuming your carpets has proven health benefits, such as removing dust mites and reducing toxins in the air.
Vacuuming is even more important if you have furry pets and/or you spend a lot of time on the floor. If you’re short on time, try to at least vacuum high traffic areas like your entryway or main living room.
Plus, you can make vacuum kind of fun by turning on some music! Once you get into the habit, it won’t feel like such a chore.
3. If You Spill Something, Blot It!
We get it; sometimes, you spill something, and your immediate instinct is to try to wipe it away. Of course, we all know (some by experience) that frantic wipe can lead to a bigger stain.
Instead, blot up your stain with a rag or paper towel first. You’d be surprised by how much of a mess can be avoided by immediate blotting. Blotting also helps to ensure that the spelled substance doesn’t seep underneath the carpet.
4. Don’t Steam Fresh Stains
On the same train of thought, don’t try to steam out fresh stains. It’s only going to make matters worse.
Steaming out fresh stains will actually lock in the stain due to the heat.
While your intention might be good (steam cleaning is a great way to freshen up and clean your carpet) after a spill is not a great time.
5. No Shoes on the Carpet
Lastly, try to enforce a no shoes on the carpet rule in your household. Leave your dirty shoes at the door! Think of all the dirt and germs that you walk on in the outside world; no one wants to step on that inside!
Carpet Care Doesn’t Have To Be Hard
Carpet care doesn’t have to be a huge thing. By taking care of your carpet when stains happen and by cleaning regularly, your carpet can stay in tip-top shape.
Of course, if you need help with carpet maintenance or professional carpet cleaning, we are here for you. Contact Steam Wave carpet cleaners for all of your stain removal and carpet care needs!