Tips for Carpet Care and Stain Removal
When you get a new carpet from SMART Carpet and Flooring, you want to do your best to keep it clean and free from stains. Our mobile flooring showrooms take samples to homes in New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania, and our pros know how to keep your carpet in the best shape possible. Here are some carpet care tips from the experienced team at SMART Carpet and Flooring.
Preventative Maintenance Tips
Keeping your new carpet in good shape starts with preventative maintenance. Some ways to prevent stains and spots on your carpet include:
- Use mats or runners at all home entrances and on uncarpeted areas next to the carpet, to reduce soil and moisture in high-traffic areas.
- Clean mats and any other rugs placed over your carpet regularly.
- Use furniture coasters to distribute the weight of heavy items like sofas and tables.
- If you have furniture on wheels and need to move it, put a protective barrier between the wheels and the carpet.
- Remove shoes and wear slippers when walking on the carpet.
- Close drapes or blinds during hours of direct sunlight to prevent fading.
You should also be extra careful when using strong chemicals because they can permanently discolor or dissolve carpet fibers. Examples include:
- Bleach
- Tile cleaners
- Mildew removers
- Oven cleaners
- Drain openers
- Plant food
Vacuuming Tips
Vacuuming your carpet regularly helps prolong its lifespan and keep it looking nice. Dirt and dust can accumulate on your carpet and lead to abrasion and discolored areas. Vacuum cleaners help remove these particles and prevent any permanent damage to your carpet. It’s best to use a vacuum with a rotating brush or beater bar for efficiency. However, some thick loop pile carpets will fuzz if a rotating brush vacuum is used, so suction vacuums are better for those. Make sure to vacuum your carpet at least once a week, with high-traffic areas being vacuumed more often if possible.
Cleaning Recommendations
Even if you regularly vacuum your carpet, foot traffic and frequent use can still cause carpets to become dirty over time. You should clean areas with a carpet cleaner or steam cleaner as they begin to look dirty to prevent dirty areas from spreading.
At SMART Carpet and Flooring, we also recommend investing in professional hot water extraction every 18 to 24 months. This helps to clean your carpet and refresh its appearance.
Tips for Stain Removal
If your new carpet gets stained, don’t panic. However, it’s important to treat the affected area as soon as possible before the stain sets in. If you’ve spilled food on a carpet, first scrape the food up gently with a spoon or dull knife to remove as much as possible. When you go to remove the stain further, be sure to use a white cloth or paper towel to prevent any color transfer.
Blot the stain (don’t rub or scrub), and work from the outer edge to the center to avoid spreading it further. After blotting the stain, you can use a quarter-teaspoon of mild, clear, non-bleach laundry detergent to further remove the stain. Follow with clear water rinsing and blot to dry as much as possible. For information on treating specific stains, check out our stain removal page.
Tips for Pet Stains and Odors
Your furry friends are part of your family, but that doesn’t mean you want them to dirty your carpet. If your dog or cat happens to have an accident on your carpet, try to treat it promptly to prevent staining and odor. Blot up the excess liquid. You can use paper towels or a clean white cloth to absorb as much liquid from the stain as possible. Using an enzymatic cleaner is often effective because it breaks down the proteins in pet urine, helping to eliminate the odor. After blotting the stain, apply the cleaner, and let it sit according to the directions before blotting it dry with a clean cloth.
You can also use commercial pet stain removers or hire a cleaning company for deep stains and odors. If you want to prevent pet stains and odors on your next carpet, choose a pet-friendly flooring option from SMART Carpet and Flooring.
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Explore Carpet and Flooring Options at SMART Carpet and Flooring
If your new carpet is slightly dirty, use the above carpet care tips to help it get clean and improve its appearance. If your old carpet is beyond repair, consider getting a pet-friendly carpet or another flooring option from SMART Carpet and Flooring. Serving homeowners in New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania, we provide a vast selection of carpet and flooring options with our mobile showrooms, professional installation, and transparent pricing. You’ll say “Wow, that was easy!” For more information about our services, contact us today.
