Invest in a Good Vacuum Cleaner: Use it often – and properly
Dirt that collects in your carpet is incredibly abrasive to the fibers. Every step grinds particles against its fibers like so many tiny shards of broken glass. The resulting damage dulls the shine of your carpet and wears away the fibers. Vacuum your carpet once a week – twice a week in high traffic areas.
Be sure to set your vacuum at the right height. Set it too low and you can damage your carpet as well as the brush and drive mechanism of your vacuum cleaner. Set it too high and you won’t pick up the dirt. How do you set it to the correct height? Start at the highest setting. Turn it on and lower the setting until you can feel your vacuum cleaner trying to pull itself forward across the carpet.
Use Area Rugs and Runners
Area rugs and runners are protective barriers against the ill effects of dirt and stain producing mishaps. They have the added benefit of being removable to be cleaned away from your carpet – think of grandma and that old rattan carpet beater.
No Shoes, Please
Set up an organizer at the entryway for shoes. No outside or street shoes in the house means no dirt tracked in on them. You can even keep house shoes at the front – nothing says “welcome home” like switching over into warm fuzzy slippers.
Keep Up With Changing or Cleaning Your Air Filters
Shoes are not the only source of abrasive particles. Dust and particles removed from the air means they aren’t falling on your furniture and carpet. There is also the added benefit of saving energy and money by keeping your HVAC system in top functioning condition.
Establish a Deep Clean Routine
Have your carpet professionally cleaned once a year. Supplement that with one or two DIY cleanings in between with quality home machines or from a reputable rental service and you’ll enjoy the beauty and extend the life of your carpet for years to come.