How to Make Living Room Carpet Last

The lifespan for a typical living room carpet is five to 15 years. By applying effective maintenance practices correctly, you can prolong its usage. Additionally, proper maintenance is crucial for keeping allergens, dander, or dust to a minimum, which can all pose a health concern within a home.

There are several methods and techniques you can employ at home to preserve a carpet’s condition, including:

Clean Spills Quickly

Accidents are common in the home, especially with children. If an accident involving your carpet occurs, swift action is critical, as it prevents a stain from deeply infiltrating the flooring. To treat spills, use a cloth or paper towel to blot the area to clean it and prevent the carpet from becoming damaged. Then, apply an appropriate cleaning solution to the stain. Rinse with warm water and blot the area dry. If solid items were spilled, pick them up with a dull knife or spoon to help protect carpet fibers. We offer detailed carpet stain removal tips, if you need them.

Vacuum Regularly

Dirt and debris within carpets can weaken fibers and lead to discoloration. Frequent vacuuming helps prevent debris from causing infestation as they nest within fibers. Homeowners should aim to vacuum a living room carpet at least once a week, or more frequently depending on foot traffic.

Use a vacuum that effectively collects debris without compromising the fibers. If a carpet is movable, make sure to vacuum underneath it. Also, vacuum any rugs, mats, or small carpets on top of a carpet.

If a carpet suddenly becomes messy or is losing its appeal, have a professional team come in for a thorough deep cleaning. A hot water extraction every 18 months to two years can refresh a carpet and restore its condition. Carpet or steam cleaners also provide treatment deep within crevasses, which normal vacuums and tools cannot reach.

Additional Carpet Maintenance Steps

While immediately addressing spills and regular vacuuming are basic carpet care practices, other steps homeowners can take for extra care include:

• Adding flooring pieces to a living room space: Having additional flooring accessories, such as runners and throw rugs, can help handle the foot traffic that passes through an area.
• Covering a carpet with a protector: These products typically come as a film, barrier, or chemical treatment, which prolongs a carpet’s life by blocking stain threats.
• Making furniture adjustments: Rotate heavy furniture items around a space or use furniture coasters to prevent carpet indentations that can damage areas of the flooring. Additionally, cover any wheels at the bottom of furniture to keep the piece from rubbing against carpet fibers when moved.
• Mitigating how debris gets inside a home: By adding barriers like a doormat at home entrances, debris has a less likely chance of reaching a living room. Establishing a house rule stating that everyone must remove footwear before stepping onto carpets can also assist.
• Prevent fading: To help a carpet maintain its color, homeowners should close blinds, curtains, or drapes during peak daylight hours if it’s in the path of sunlight entering through a window.