Whether you’ve just had brand new carpets installed or you’re wondering how to extend the lifespan of your existing ones, keeping your carpets in top condition can be quite the task. There’s nothing better than the look and feel of a fresh, fluffy carpet under your toes – but as soon as it gets stained or starts to lose its freshness, it can bring down the aesthetic of your entire home.
At Lewis Interiors, we understand that keeping your carpets clean can be difficult, especially if you live in a busy household with children and pets. Your carpet is a huge investment and therefore it’s no surprise that you want to do everything you can to protect it.
Fortunately, you’ve come to the right place. As carpet fitting specialists, you could say we know a thing or two about keeping a carpet in pristine condition – and don’t worry, we’re going to share our secrets and top tips with you.
Here are our seven top tips for protecting your carpet and keeping it looking fresh all year round.
Create a no-shoe rule
One of the biggest causes of a dirty carpet is dirty shoes. While it can be somewhat annoying having to take your shoes off by your front door and before you enter the rest of your home, having a no-shoe rule really can save your carpet. Shoes can gather and collect all sorts of dirt, mud and germs – and they’ll only end up embedded in your carpet when someone walks them through.
Get into the habit of slipping your shoes off when you come through the front door. It’s a good idea to have a shoe rack near the front door so that family members and guests can quickly remove their shoes and store them neatly. You’ll notice a huge difference when people aren’t walking their muddy shoes through your home!
Get into the habit of vacuuming regularly
Dirt, dust and bacteria particles can sneak into even the cleanest of houses, and therefore it’s important to make sure you keep on top of the vacuuming. If you want to keep your carpet super clean, you may have to vacuum more than you usually do. If dirt or dust sitting on top of your carpet sinks down into it, your carpet will appear discoloured and dingy – and therefore you need to make sure it’s vacuumed up before it sinks.
If you have the time, aim to vacuum your carpets at least 2-3 times a week. It will make a huge difference to the colour and hygiene of your carpets and ensure that they remain dirt and dust free.
Apply a carpet protectant
Lots of carpets now come with a protectant, however, if yours doesn’t, it’s a good idea to apply one. Additional coating products can be used to keep your carpet looking fresh and new for longer periods of time, and will help your carpet withstand dirt and stains better. While a protectant won’t necessarily protect your carpet from everything, it will make a huge difference and make sure your carpet stays bright and clean. It’s important to remember that carpet protectants need to be reapplied regularly too.
Install curtains or blinds
If your carpet is exposed to sunlight for long periods of time, it can fade and become discoloured. Over time, you may notice that certain sections of your carpet are lighter than others. If you have bright coloured carpets, some areas may become duller over time. The best way to keep your carpets looking bright and fresh is to protect them from sunlight – and the best way to do this is with curtains and blinds.
Make sure you install curtains and blinds in rooms that face the sun to avoid long periods of sun exposure on your carpets. Curtains and blinds are also a great way to enhance the aesthetic of your home – just make sure you match the shades with your carpet!
Lay down rugs in busy areas
There are some areas of our homes that are busier than others and it’s important that we protect the carpets in these areas. Your hallway, for example, likely has much higher foot traffic than the spare bathroom at the top of the house. You can protect high-traffic areas of your home with rugs. They’re a simple, stylish way to ensure that your carpet remains fresh and clean and general wear and tear is minimised. Rugs are also much easier to clean than carpets; you can shake them out when they get dirty and get them professionally cleaned as required.
When buying a rug for your home, make sure you look for a tough, high-quality one that can withstand daily use. Again, you can have fun with different patterns, colours and styles too.
Attend to spills quickly
Unfortunately, there may be times when things are spilt on your carpet, especially if you have children or pets. When this happens, the best thing you can do is be proactive. Make sure you attend to spills straight away and clean them up as soon as possible. The sooner you clean up a spill, the less time it has to sink into your carpet and cause permanent staining. Remember, you should never rub a stain; instead, use the dabbing trick and try to absorb as much of the stain as you can without rubbing it in further.
Get your carpets professionally cleaned
If you really want to keep your carpets in tip top shape, we recommend scheduling in professional carpet cleaning. If your carpets are looking dull, you’ve noticed any unpleasant odours or you simply want to freshen them up, professional cleaning is the way to go. Not only will it help to extend the lifespan of your carpets, but a professional cleaning service can also remove any deeply set stains that are difficult to treat and remove with standard highstreet cleaners.
Getting your carpet professionally cleaned can also contribute to a healthier environment. Some of the dust and allergens that get trapped in the carpet fibers can find their way into the breathing air too, leading to respiratory problems and even some health problems. This is why it’s important to make sure your carpets are regularly cleaned and kept in top condition.
Lewis Interiors: High Quality Carpet Specialists in Derby
If you’re looking for a new carpet or rug in Derby, look no further than Lewis Interiors. We offer an extensive range of rugs, carpets, vinyl flooring and more, and provide a range of services including professional carpet fittings and installations. No matter your style or budget, we’re confident that we can find the right flooring option for you. Our friendly and experienced team are on hand to offer you help and advice when choosing the right flooring option to suit your property.
Our carpet installations are available to both domestic and commercial clients. Whether you’re looking for a full-house carpet fit or a new rug for your office, we’ve got you covered. In addition to carpets and rugs, we also offer a personal interior design service. We supply and install curtains, blinds and soft furnishings to bring your home to life and add a touch of style and elegance.
To learn more about us and our services, visit our website today.