Your carpet looks its best in the first few days after having it professionally cleaned. It feels great, smells good, and often makes it look good as new again. While it’s almost impossible to replicate professional results with DIY techniques, it is possible to extend the life of that freshly cleaned look and feel. Most carpet manufacturers recommend a professional carpet cleaning every six to twelve months. Following these steps will help your carpet look great year round.
- STEP ONE: GET THE RIGHT VACUUM FOR YOUR CARPET
Choosing the right style of vacuum is important for keeping your carpets fresh and looking new. Softer ply carpets need good sucking action, while a sturdier pile carpet needs a beater bar in addition to good suction to keep them looking good. A vacuum with adjustable height is also important. When you run a vacuum too close to your carpet, the pile is crushed and cleaning is inefficient. If your vacuum is too high above the pile, the result is a lack of suction and doesn’t provide a thorough cleaning.
- STEP TWO: STOCK UP ON STAIN REMOVERS
Keeping carpets clean and looking new involves removing stains before they set. Stains are unsightly and can make even new carpet look old. Once a stain is set, even a professional carpet cleaning service may only lessen the visibility of the stain, but not remove it entirely. DIY stain removers include club soda, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide. There are also many commercial brands available on the market that do a great job if you follow the manufacturer’s directions. All these products are designed to be used by the average consumer, and priced to be cost efficient.
- STEP THREE: KEEP THE FRESH LOOK OF CLEANED CARPET
A freshly cleaned carpet is healthy, appealing, and brightens the entire area. Over time, you can become accustomed to a dull, lackluster looking carpet if you do not maintain it. If you keep up on stains, and vacuum every week, you can keep that freshly cleaned look and feel. It is suggested that you make at least one pass with vacuum over low traffic areas and two over high traffic areas. Using a vacuum cleanable stain remover or sweeping before you vacuum is effective on extra dirty areas as well. It is also easier for your professional service to leave you with sparkling clean carpets for less time and money.
- STEP FOUR: SET UP A MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Nothing beats the fresh look of a professional carpet cleaning. You can keep this look longer by following your DIY cleaning regimen, and you set maintenance schedules with your professional cleaning service, and stick to them. It also helps that you keep cleaning supplies on hand for sudden stains, and remember to use the right vacuum for your carpet. By following these tips you will be rewarded with a carpet that looks fresh and stays clean throughout the years.