Carpet Cleaning is More than Just Vacuuming

Most people are aware that vacuuming their carpets on a regular basis is very important.  It is particularly important to pay attention to areas which receive the most traffic since they will receive the most dirt and other debris.  The entire carpet should be vacuumed at least once every week.  Even so, it will not be enough to keep the carpet cleaned thoroughly.

Carpet cleaning involves much more than just vacuuming.  Every so often, you will need to call a professional in to give the carpet a really thorough clean.  This should be done every year or year and a half.  Not only will a thorough cleaning help extend the life of your carpet, but it will also reduce the health consequences increased by having a dirty carpet.

In between professional cleanings, there are a few things you will need to do to keep your carpet looking its best.  A simple yet effective solution is to place a mat in front of all entrances to your home.  The more dirt and debris the mats accumulate, the less that will end up on your carpet.  High-traffic areas should also be fitted with smaller rugs to keep them from becoming worn as quickly.

It can also be a good idea to use soil retardants on your carpet.  As their name suggests, they will help keep your carpet looking like new by keeping dirt at bay.  Make sure you always follow the directions on the package when using retardants on your carpet.  It is also vital for you to get your hands on the necessary equipment to apply them correctly.

No matter how much you care for your carpet, you may get a stain or spot on it sooner or later.  Whenever this happens, you need to do something about the spot as soon as possible.  It may become a permanent stain if you procrastinate, and will almost always be harder to get out as time goes on.

You cannot use just anything to remove stains and spots from your carpet though.  Certain chemicals can easily cause unsightly damage to your carpet if they are not designed to be used with them.  

You should also consider buying a deep cleaner to use to complement the work of your vacuum cleaner.  Although it will not replace a professional cleaner, it will help get dirt out of your carpet which is embedded more deeply.

Over time your furniture will cause depressions to form in your carpet.  This will cause it to look worn prematurely.  You can help prevent this from happening by moving every piece of heavy furniture over a few inches every week or two.