So…you’re considering carpeting as a flooring solution for the way you live. Good choice! Carpeting is smart and stylish. Classic and comfortable.

You’re certainly in good company. Carpeting is one of the most popular floor coverings. It looks great in just about every room and new carpeting can add value to any home.

The feeling can’t be beat either. Carpeting is warm, cozy and inviting. Just picture yourself walking across your carpeting in stocking feet. Or bare feet! Isn’t that what home is all about?

Keeping that feeling, and your carpet in beautiful condition, is easy with a few simple care guidelines. Come along and we’ll take you through them.

First off, think walk off.

Place walk-off mats wherever there are entrances to your home from high-soil areas like backyards, garages and so on. A few dollars invested in these mats can prevent a lot of dirt and grime from being tracked across your beautiful new carpet.

Vrooom! Vacuuming is vital.

A good vacuum cleaner can be your carpet’s best friend. Buy a quality vacuum and use it regularly. There have been significant improvements to vacuum cleaners in the past few years, making them easier to use, and better at doing their job. They’ve gotten lighter in weight, stronger in suction, and loaded with convenience features. There are even unattended robotic vacuums that can do the work while you’re sleeping! Sweet dreams.

Thorough vacuuming removes loose dirt and dust from the fibers. Over time these particles dull your carpet’s appearance; frequent vacuuming maintains the beauty of your floor covering and extends its life.

Warning, traffic ahead!

High traffic areas may need more vacuuming more often. Use a machine with a good beater bar and maximum suction. And get attached to using the cleaner’s attachments. They make it easier to clean the tight spots – along walls and up and down the stairs.

Performance is in the bag.

If your vacuum uses bags, be sure to change them frequently for maximum cleaning efficiency. Some newer model vacuums have been designed without bags, making the chore of vacuuming even simpler, and more time saving.

Always cushion the blow.

Remember that carpet cushion plays an important role in preserving the look and feel of your carpet. Investing in a good carpet cushion prevents your carpet from matting and crushing underfoot, as well as offering its own level of soil and stain protection. A good carpet cushion also provides ventilation between the carpet and the floor, making vacuuming easier, and more efficient.

Be a weight watcher and sun shader.

Another important and often overlooked way of keeping your carpet in top condition is in the placement of heavy furniture. Heavy furniture can compress, or crush the carpet pile, and leave noticeable indentations that won’t be discovered until you redecorate or move. So rearrange your furniture periodically.

Snags can be a drag.

So treat them with care. Looped carpets can snag, especially at a seam or a carpet transition. Don’t vacuum over loose yarn or try to pull out the snag. Treat it as you would a loose thread on an expensive blouse. Carefully snip the yarn flush with the carpet and without catching any surrounding loops.

Carpet that is near windows and patio doors can be subjected to harmful ultraviolet rays. These rays can deteriorate the carpet’s appearance and ability to withstand wear. If possible, be sure to use window treatments that offer some protection against sunlight.

Get the drop on spills.

Treat them as soon as possible. The longer you wait the more the stain will soak into the fibers. Immediately blot up as much of the liquid or debris as possible with a dry cloth or paper towel. Don’t rub or scrub the area with a rag, this damages the fibers and may create a permanent scar.

Use warm, not hot, water to rinse the stained area completely. Hot water can set the stain and make it difficult if not impossible to remove. Press clean cloths deeply into the carpet to take up moisture until the stain no longer appears on the cloth. If a stain remover is needed, blot up excess moisture before applying, work gently and do not over apply the stain remover.

Next, thoroughly rinse the area with warm water, then absorb the excess dampness with a clean cloth. After your carpet has dried, vacuum to restore its texture and appearance.

The pros. Call them on the carpet.

Unfortunately, time and traffic will take its toll on your carpet. To protect your investment, cleaning by a reputable, professional cleaner is suggested approximately once a year. Call on their knowledge, equipment and experience to do a more thorough job of removing stubborn stains and embedded soil. But only use the pros when necessary as too much commercial cleaning can cause your carpet to lose its built-in protection and damage it.

Get all the answers about your solution.

Keep in mind that carpet should be treated like a textile product. Be sure to read the care and maintenance literature provided by the manufacturer because different fibers, styles and finishes can each have their own unique guidelines.

The regular maintenance and periodic professional cleaning of this flooring solution will insure a home of beauty and comfort for years to come – with and without your shoes on!