Clean carpets contribute to a healthy indoor environment and if maintained properly, will look better and last longer! Follow these carpet cleaning tips to preserve the appearance of your carpets, slow down the wear and tear process and extend their lives for many years.
1. Thorough vacuuming removes loose dirt and dust from the fibers.Sand and dirt act like thousands of little razor blades that cut carpet fibers. Damaged carpet will stain more easily, and it’s harder to remove the stains from it as well. Vacuum at least 2 to 3 times per week, paying 
particular attention to heavy traffic areas.
2. Place walk-off mats on the exterior and interior of all entrances to your home. A few dollars invested in these mats can prevent a lot of dirt and grime from being tracked across your carpet.
3. Keep your kitchen floor clean – grease and oil can be tracked through your house onto carpets.
4. Ask family members to remove their shoes at the door.
5. Act quickly to prevent spots and spills causing permanent damage to your carpet. You should immediately blot liquid spills with a towel in order to remove as much excess liquid from your carpet as possible. If you do not get these spills immediately they could become soaked into the bottom of your carpeting.
6. Before using any stain removing product, test on an inconspicuous area of the carpet or rug for color fastness. When tackling a stain, always blot from the outside in, using a dry white cloth or paper towel. Never scrub or rub as this will cause permanent damage to the carpet.
7. Another important and often overlooked way of keeping your carpet in top condition is in the placement of heavy furniture. Heavy furniture can compress, or crush the carpet pile and leave noticeable indentations that won’t be discovered until you redecorate or move, so rearrange your furniture regularly – this will also change traffic areas and prevent excessive pile crushing.
8. Please note that loop carpets can snag, especially at a seam or a carpet transition. Don’t vacuum over loose yarn or try to pull out the snag. Carefully snip the yarn flush with the carpet, and without catching any surrounding loops.
9. Carpet that is near windows and patio doors can also be subjected to harmful ultraviolet rays. These rays can deteriorate the carpet’s appearance and ability to withstand wear. Be sure to use window treatments that offer protection against the sunlight.
10. Carpet cleaning by a reputable, professional cleaner is suggested about once a year. Only use the pros when necessary, as too much commercial cleaning can cause your carpet to lose its built-in protection and damage it. Keep in mind that carpet should be treated like a textile product.
Carpet Care-Protecting Your Investment
Dirt and airborne dust tend to settle on carpet fibers and accumulate in highly trafficked areas. These particles soil the carpet leaving it dirty, worn, and discolored looking. The best way to lift these dirt and dust particles from the carpet is by vacuuming. The question is “how often do you have to vacuum?” The answer depends on how many people live in the house and how much foot traffic the carpet is exposed to. A rule of thumb is that for every living thing in your house 
(people & pets), is the number of times the carpets should be vacuumed per week. While this may sound a bit excessive, it is especially important to do this in those high traffic areas such as entrances, hallways, or any area that is a common pathway. A good vacuum cleaner can be your carpet’s best friend. Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter; this stops dust being circulated back into the air.
Another important way to prolong the life of carpet is to have them professionally cleaned by hot water extraction. In fact, carpet manufacturers require this to support their carpet warranties. The frequency of cleanings may differ from household to household, depending on the amount of people, pets, and overall traffic in the home. Generally speaking, every 12-18 months is sufficient.