Extending the Life of Your Carpets

Manufacturers of carpeting design their carpets to last anywhere from 10 to 20 years. However, everyday traffic and staining reduces the life of carpeting. Many carpets need to be replaced after five to seven years in your home. Many of the newer carpets being manufactured are coated with stain resistant chemicals such as Stainmaster or Scotchguard. These are just stain resistant chemicals as no carpet is totally stain-proof. We have put together some tips to help prevent or remove those stains to extend the life of your carpeting in your home.

Deciding on What Type of Carpet
There are some common tips on deciding what type of carpet to buy. Though the color is sleek, modern and stylish, if you decide to buy a white carpet you will be constantly cleaning it. White carpeting will show every dirt mark and stain. That goes for black carpets as well. Both colors will show off any high traffic stains and dirt. If you do opt for either of these colors, consider buying inexpensive throw rugs to put down high traffic areas.

Beige, though not an exciting color, will last much longer in your home. Dirt and stains don't tend to show up as easily and if that spot remover you use leaves a pale spot, it will not show on a light color carpet as it would a dark one.

Take it Easy on Steam Cleaning Your Carpeting
After more than five steam cleanings, your carpeting will begin to lose the stain-resistant chemical. To extend the life of your carpeting, only steam clean your carpets every few years. Vacuuming your carpeting a least a couple of times a month will go a long way to extending its life. Encourage your kids to take off their shoes before entering the house. The dirt and grime they could track in will shorten the life of your carpet.

Treat That Stain on Your Carpet Now
If you let a stain on your carpet set, it is forever going to be there. When a spill happens, blot the stain immediately and then splash water or club soda on it. However, some stains such as ink, nail polish and other cosmetics will not be removed from your carpeting. These stains soak into the fibers of your carpet where most stain removers won't reach.

Treating the Mystery Stain on Your Carpet
Many times, there are stains on your carpet that can't be readily recognized. Begin by questioning anyone in your home who might have been involved. If no one fesses up and you are still not sure, put warm water and dish soap in a bottle and shake it up. Apply the foam to the stain and then rinse with one-half water and one-half vinegar. With any luck, the stain may come out.