Carpets can be a rather hefty investment, and unfortunately, they’re not really the kind of household item that you can simply ignore when they need replacing. So, how do you keep a carpet looking, feeling and smelling fresher for longer? You’ll be glad to know that there are multiple ways to make your carpets last…
1. Limit direct sunlight to your carpet
Many of you will already be aware that direct sunlight can cause fading of your carpet’s colour. This is particularly a problem for darker coloured carpets, which is why it’s often a good idea to choose a lighter carpet in rooms with large windows, or conservatories.
The easiest (and cheapest) way to tackle this problem is to ensure your curtains or blinds stay shut when the sun rays are hitting it directly – at least most of the time. It’s also possible to find ultraviolet-blocking window coatings, which can be purchased in clear so that the appearance of your windows doesn’t change.
Fluorocarbon protectors can also be purchased, which can be applied to your carpets and rugs. Just be sure to purchase a product that’s safe for your specific carpet material.
2. Place mats on either side of doorways
So most of us have a mat at the entrance to our home, and perhaps one at the back door. And, whilst one is helpful, two is more effective, which is why it’s a good idea to place a mat on either side of doorways that lead outdoors.
Your outdoor mat should be strong enough to brush off mud and other debris, and you should shake it off regularly. Your inside mat should be able to quickly absorb moisture, and should be machine washable. This little duo will work wonders, massively limiting the amount of dirt that gets trodden into your carpets.
3. Vacuum regularly
This one is easy but is by far one of the most effective ways to make your carpets last longer. By regularly vacuuming your carpets, you’re stopping loose dirt from getting trodden deep into the fibres, which would eventually cause matting and thinning.
It’s also a good idea to keep your vacuum working efficiently by emptying it regularly, as a half full vacuum cleaner has shown to be much less effective at picking up dirt.
4. Have your carpets cleaned professionally every now and again
While regular hoovering is effective, sometimes it takes something a little stronger to remove the tough, hardened dirt that’s become embedded into the carpet’s fibres.
Your carpets may look clean, but you’d be surprised at what a professional carpet cleaning machine can do. Consider getting your carpets cleaned professionally once a year. The small investment will save you from paying for a new carpet down the line. You can find out more about our carpet cleaning services in Sheffield.
5. Move furniture around every now and again
Heavy furniture will, over time, cause flattening of certain parts of your carpet, which is why it’s a good idea to rearrange now and again. Even if the rearrangement is only temporary, this can go a long way. Placing ice cubes or water on the flatted areas is a good way to bring the carpets back up, due to their ability to expand as they absorb moisture.
6. Get the correct carpet pad
Be sure to get the correct carpet pad when having carpets installed. A general rule of thumb for most residential carpet applications is to choose cushion no more than 7/16 inch thick and no less than 1/4 inch with 6 pounds per cubic feet density. If the carpet is a berber or a low profile carpet, choose a cushion no more than 3/8 inch thick with 8 pounds density. Source: The Carpet and Rug Institute.
Want to know more?
If you found these tips helpful and you’d like to know more about carpet cleaning, or if you’d like to enquire about one of our services, send us a message. We’re more than happy to answer any questions you have.