How to Keep Your Carpet Clean

Steps

1. Cut pile, loop pile, plush, shag, velvet, embroidery are all examples of some of the available carpeting, upholstery and tapestry choices, each with their own unique benefits. But, they all can cause health hazards as they trap dust, dirt, moisture and odors, providing the perfect breeding ground for mites and bacteria, including potentially deadly mold spores. Routine sweeping and vacuuming definitely helps. Professional cleaning at regular intervals is essential ? but only if you heed to the recommendations below. Professional carpet cleaning, if not done responsibly by a reputable firm that you have researched thoroughly, can be almost as harmful as doing nothing.
2. Take better care of your carpets, rugs, tapestries and upholstery. Having them professionally cleaned once every twelve to eighteen months is a matter of health and lengthening the life of your investment.
   • An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure ? tip #1: Buy a welcome mat for each entrance to act as a receptacle for large particles and dirt stuck on your shoes.
   • An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure ? tip #2: Prevent the pile of your carpet from being crushed and worn prematurely by putting a throw rug or small carpet in front of especially heavily trafficked areas, like in front of a favorite chair.
3. Sweep or vacuum weekly to remove superficial dust and dirt. Do all surfaces ? sofas, chairs, wall hangings, rugs, throw rugs, and of course, carpets ? thoroughly using back and forth movements.
4. Move furniture to reach inaccessible spots. Adjust furniture placement ? even an inch or two every time you vacuum ? will allow the spots crushed by furniture legs to recover.
5. Treat spots immediately. It's true. Treat spills asap, or it's likely to set and become a permanent, or much harder to remove. Avoid chemical treatments which may be damaging. Start with cold water, and in most cases, a little baking soda works.
6. Know your carpet. Before buying, ask: Is it treated with moth repellent, and soil and stain resistant? Does it require dry cleaning? How long is the warranty and what does it entail?
7. Have carpets professionally cleaned at least once every twelve to eighteen months, more often for high-use areas. Check manufacturer's recommendation.
8. Know what deep cleaning method is right for your carpet. It has been proven that the most efficient way to clean, disinfect and sanitize carpets, rugs, tapestry and upholstery is the high-powered water extraction method, especially when the equipment is truck-mounted. These are powerful units, like a portable washing machine for your carpets as they steam-clean and remove the water. Quicker than many traditional processes, it doesn't leave chemical residue behind. Only clean, fresher smelling, newer looking results.
9. Find a professional carpet cleaning company that knows what to do and how. Use your newly gained knowledge to verify that those cleaning your carpets knows even more. Ask questions, research cleaning methods and check customer satisfaction. Insist on steam cleaning with proper equipment or you may have a carpet looking clean on the surface, but due to inefficient drying (from low quality steam cleaning) mold now breeds beneath the surface.

Tips

• Carpets, rugs, tapestries and upholstery are in virtually all human environments. They add beauty, comfort, style, warmth. They effectively buffer sound, protect underlying floor surfaces and even protect those who may fall. Whether it is a family heirloom or not, protect your investment and family. Professionally clean these items using high-powered steam extraction.

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