For some people getting new carpeting is a necessity, for others it’s a luxury, but no matter what group you fall into, or even if you’re somewhere in between, there is a certain joy that comes with brand new carpeting. It’s fresh and clean and adds a lot of character to your room. But all carpeting “settles” after a few months and begins to take on a not-so-new look. The good news is that it’s not that difficult to sustain that brand-new look.
The Carpet and Rug Institute says that a quality carpet should be expected to live for ten to fifteen years if given the proper care.
Plan for Traffic
One of the biggest things to consider when planning your carpet maintenance and life is what the traffic patterns will be. The well traveled areas will be the ones that need to most care and attention. If you see an area that looks like it will be a big issue consider using area rugs to defray the damage. When you’re cleaning the carpet, remove the area rugs to get a thorough cleaning beneath so dirt doesn’t get ground in; this also helps prevent crushing in this region.
Furniture Depressions
It is recommended that you move your furniture regularly so certain areas don’t get totally worn out. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to redecorate the entire room, but move your furniture slightly to prevent permanent damage. Those depressions from the legs of your couch can actually be permanent damage if the furniture is left for too long. Instead, use furniture glides or cups and move your furniture just an inch or two on a regular basis. If you do get those depressions and want to remove them, fluff the carpet with your fingers, dampen it with water and use the heat of a hair dryer to restore its lushness.
Fluffing and Shedding
Don’t despair when your new carpet starts leaving little tufts of carpet fiber, this is actually a very natural process as the manufacturing process leaves these little remnants in the carpet. They’ll gradually work themselves out of the pile and will come loose. Regular vacuuming will remove these tufts and keep your carpet looking healthy. If a tuft has arisen above the surface but is still connected, simply snip it to the carpet level and don’t fret.
Soil and Odor Control
Again, frequent cleaning is necessary to prolong the life of your carpet. Use products specifically made for the type of stain you’re dealing with and if you have pets, stock up on pet specific products to handle any messes they may make. Most importantly, deal with spills, stains, and/or pet messes as quickly as possible as some soil can penetrate the fibers and actually become permanent.
As a side note, you may notice a foul odor after you first install the carpet, this can be related to the products you have installed or the releasing of odors from the previous carpet and padding. If possible, air out your home for a few days following a carpet installation to remove all stale smells.
Basically, the best way to prolong the life of your carpet is by giving it thorough and regular cleanings with great attention paid to heavily traveled and crushed areas.
