Five Tips to a New-Looking Carpet

Purchasing carpet for your home is a big investment - one you want to enjoy for a very long time. Once you have chosen and installed the most suitable type of carpet for your family, you can just sit back and enjoy it. But it's also time to think about how to care for your carpet so you can enjoy that fresh, clean look for many years to come.

Here are some great tips to help you keep your carpet looking like new:

Tip #1: Choose Fabric Protection to Extend the Life of Your Carpet

Many types of carpets today are treated with stain-resistant products. Check with your manufacturer while you're shopping to find out if the carpet you are considering is treated with fabric protection. Fabric protection gives additional defense against permanent staining and allows you extra time to clean up spills.

You may not be aware that fabric protection also helps extend the life of your carpet in other ways. Fabric protection coats the fibers of your carpet and reduces the friction between fibers, which is one of the primary reasons your carpet wears out.

If you need additional protection because of pets and children, find out what is available from your supplier.

Tip #2: Vacuum Frequently - Even When it Doesn't Look Dirty

One of the great advantages of carpeting your floors is that you can't see the dirt! But even though your carpet may not appear dirty, the dirt is hiding in the fibers of your carpet. Regular vacuuming is absolutely necessary to keep your carpet in tip-top shape!

Dirt, sand, and grit become trapped deep down at the base of your carpet within the fibers. As you walk on the carpet, the fibers are crushed, the dirt and grime increase the friction of the fibers, and your carpet starts to wear out even though you may not recognize it.

Thorough vacuuming on a regular schedule is imperative if you want your carpet to last as long as possible.

Tip #3: Keep Your Carpet Clean

To prevent the build-up of dirt and grime that your vacuum cleaner leaves behind, the best thing you can do for your carpet is have it professionally cleaned at least twice a year.

It may seem like a lot of trouble, but this can increase the life of your carpet more than you may realize. Your vacuum cleaner can only do so much to pull out all the hiding dirt from the base of the carpet fibers.

Professional carpet cleaning has come a long way over the years. A good professional cleaning service will move your furniture and clean your carpet with minimal stress for you.

Tip #4: Choose Complementary Area Rugs for Those High-Traffic Spots

No matter how hard you work to keep your carpet clean and looking good, there are certain areas of your home with such high foot traffic that even the most diligent homeowner can't keep the carpet from wearing out.

Determine your most vulnerable spots, then choose area rugs that complement your room décor for these spaces. Some of the most likely culprits of high wear and tear are main entryways and the area in front of your sofa or favorite chair. When you think about it, replacing a worn-out area rug is much easier than replacing carpet for an entire room.

Tip #5: Rearrange Your Furniture Now and Then

If at all possible, move your furniture around - especially heavy pieces. This will extend the life of your carpet and keep it from wearing out as quickly in the most highly used areas.

Nothing lasts forever, as the old saying goes, but if you choose good-quality carpet and begin maintaining it properly from the very beginning, your family will be able to enjoy your carpet for a long time. Just remember that even if it doesn't look or feel dirty, your carpet needs your regular attention to remain beautiful.