When choosing carpet for your home, remember that medium colors and patterned carpets will hide soil better, while lighter colored carpets disguise wear.
Vacuum frequently – vacuuming can remove up to 80% of dry soil. You should schedule this task according to how high the traffic is in a particular area of the floor. High-traffic areas should ideally be vacuumed every day. Medium- and light-traffic areas should be vacuumed once or twice a week.
A quick swipe with the vacuum will only remove surface soils. To get deeply imbedded dirt, move the vacuum very slowly over the carpet and make several passes over each area. Pay special attention to the areas in front of chairs and couches, because people scuffle their feet around as they sit, loosening soil from their shoes and grinding it into the floor.
Periodic deep-cleaning done by a professional is a great investment for prolonging the life, and the look, of your carpet. There are several cleaning methods:
o Dry extraction – a dry detergent compound is sprinkled into the carpet and absorbs soil particles, which are removed by vacuuming.
o Shampoo – a detergent solution is worked into the carpet with a rotary brush, which works the solution into foam. The foam encapsulates the dirt and, when dry, is vacuumed up.
o Steam cleaning – heated detergent solution is sprayed into the carpet, then immediately extracted – no drying with this technique until after the procedure is finished.
o Bonnet cleaning – similar to shampooing, with the addition of an absorbent pad (or “bonnet”) attached to the bottom of the cleaning machine. The pad removes the soil in the carpet.
Occasionally move your furniture around to avoid excessive crushing of the carpet pile.
When you do move the furniture, place glides beneath the legs to prevent crushing.
Use blinds or curtains to protect your carpet from prolonged periods of direct sunlight.