11 Simple Ways On How to Keep Carpet Clean

Published October 3, 2023 by Green Kleaning Services, LLC

Keeping your carpets clean is no small task. It's an art, a science, and a bit of hard work rolled into one.

Our carpets, after all, are not just decorative elements but functional ones that accumulate dirt and grime over time. That's why understanding how to keep carpet clean is essential.

These simple tips can help you maintain the freshness and longevity of your carpeting, enhancing the overall appearance of your living space.

1. Welcome Mats: The First Line of Defense

Having outdoor and indoor mats at every entrance is one of the most effective ways to keep your carpet clean. These mats act as a barrier, trapping dirt and dust from shoes before they make their way onto your carpet. Good quality mats can absorb moisture and prevent a host of outdoor elements from dirtying your carpet.

2. Make Prompt Stain Removal a Priority

Stains happen, but immediate action can prevent them from becoming permanent fixtures on your carpet. You can rent carpet cleaning machines from your local box store as a first defense and call for a professional cleaning if the results are not optimal. But, at the very least you will be taking a huge step in preventing the stain from setting if you treat it right away.

If you accidentally spill something, blot it with a clean cloth or paper towel immediately to soak up as much liquid as possible. For tougher stains, try using a mixture of vinegar and baking soda or a simple cleaning solution. Club soda is also known for its ability to remove certain types of stains.

4. Invest in the Right Vacuum Cleaner

Speaking of vacuuming and the importance of vacuuming regularly, know that not all vacuum cleaners are created equal. Some models are better suited for deep cleaning carpets, especially those designed to handle pet hair and allergens. A good vacuum cleaner can make a significant difference in keeping your carpet clean and extending its life.

5. Be Mindful of Shoes and Pets

It’s a simple rule but often overlooked. Always take your shoes off inside to prevent dirt tracked from outside. Or designate a pair of house shoes for in-door use to avoid tracking dirt inside.

In many cultures, it’s customary to take off shoes when entering a home, and it's a habit worth adopting for the sake of your carpet. Shoes can carry a variety of dirt, grime, and even harmful bacteria from outdoors into your home. Over time, this can deeply embed into your carpet fibers, making it harder to clean and shortening its lifespan.

Also, keep your pets' paws clean. Pets, much like shoes, can also bring in unwanted dirt and debris from the outdoors. More than this, pet accidents can happen and if not dealt with promptly, can leave lingering odors and stains.

To mitigate this, consider regular grooming and paw cleaning for your furry friends, especially after walks outside, to minimize the amount of dirt they can transfer onto your carpets. Regular house training can also help prevent pet accidents from happening on your carpets.

6. Periodic Deep Cleaning With A Professional Carpet Cleaning Service

Even with regular cleaning, carpets can benefit from an occasional deep clean. This is where professional carpet cleaning services come in. They use specialized carpet cleaning machines and methods that offer a cleaning, far beyond what regular vacuuming can achieve.

Scheduling a deep cleaning at least once a year is necessary for your carpet's health and longevity. This annual deep clean can remove stubborn dirt, grime, and allergens that have become embedded within the carpet fibers, thereby revitalizing your carpet and enhancing your home's indoor air quality.

7. Addressing Spills: The Sooner, the Better

When spills occur, it's crucial to act immediately. Using a clean cloth or paper towels, blot the spill gently to soak up as much of the liquid as possible. Remember, rubbing can spread the stain and push it deeper into the carpet fibers.

9. Regular Maintenance: Trim, Don't Pull

If you notice snags or loose threads on your carpet, resist the urge to pull. Instead, trim these snags with scissors to prevent further damage to the carpet fibers.

While this might not seem directly related to cleanliness, it is an essential part of carpet maintenance. Pulling on snags can cause damage to the carpet fibers, leading to spots that trap more dirt and grime. Trimming them maintains the integrity of your carpet, allowing for easier and more effective cleaning.

10. Outdoor Activities for Messy Fun

Have kids or pets who love messy play? Take it outside. From painting projects to DIY projects, keeping potentially messy activities outside can save your carpets a lot of stress.

This is especially true for activities like arts and crafts, which involve paints, glitters, and other materials that can become deeply embedded into your carpets, making them challenging to clean. So, take the fun outside and keep your carpets clean and tidy!

At the very least, if there is no choice due to weather, for example, make sure to protect the carpet with a covering of some kind to avoid issues later.

11. Enforcing the House Rules

Last but not least, set some house rules for cleanliness. This could include no food or drinks on the carpeted areas, wiping the paws of your pet before they come inside, or making sure to use coasters and trays to avoid spills.

By reinforcing these rules consistently, you foster a clean-conscious environment that not only benefits your carpet but your overall household cleanliness as well.

Conclusion: Keep Your Carpet Looking New

Ultimately, maintaining a clean carpet is all about regular upkeep and swift action when spills or stains occur. Incorporate these simple habits into your routine, and you'll keep your carpets looking as good as new for many years.

While it takes some effort, knowing how to keep the carpet clean can make a significant difference in your home's cleanliness, indoor air quality, and even your carpet's lifespan. Keep up the good work, and remember – sometimes, the pros can give you the deep clean your carpets need to look their best. Let Green Kleaning Services, LLC help you when the time comes to really get all that dirt and grime out of your carpets.