How to Clean Carpet and Keep It Looking Like New

There’s nothing like a pristine, clean carpet greeting you when you enter a room. Of course, keeping a carpet clean isn’t easy; those soft fibers seem ready-made for absorbing stains and reminding you of that one spilled coffee for years to come. Follow these carpet cleaning tips to prolong the life of your carpet and know when to call in the professionals for even better results!

Carpet Care Tips: Vacuuming and Carpet Washing Frequency

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, spilled wine glasses not included. Vacuuming and washing your carpet are great ways to keep it looking flawless and improve your overall health and wellness. To effectively protect your carpeting, schedule a professional carpet cleaning service every 18 to 24 months. We recommend using a reputable service with a high-powered truck-mounted system instead of the more portable, DIY-type units.

In between professional cleanings, invest a little time every day for years of worry-free use.

How often should you vacuum?

Make time to vacuum high-traffic areas twice a week, and the entire carpeted area weekly. Vacuuming removes dust, debris, and pet dander that would otherwise negatively impact indoor air quality. Allergy sufferers and those with underlying respiratory issues can benefit from vacuuming daily.

Low-pile carpet traps less debris and may not require as frequent vacuuming as more plush, high-pile carpet. The vacuum type and settings also impact cleanliness. Try testing your settings on a small area of the carpet to gauge performance.

How often should you clean your carpet?

We recommend thoroughly cleaning your carpet every 18 to 24 months. Some manufacturers, including Shaw Floors, recommend professional carpet cleaning every 18 months.

Before scheduling service, check with your carpet manufacturer for their recommendations on the best equipment and cleaning products for your materials. We recommend utilizing products certified by the Carpet and Rug Institute’s Seal of Approval Program.

If you’re unsure how often to have your carpet professionally cleaned, consider how your lifestyle may impact flooring cleanliness. High-traffic areas of the home will require more frequent attention than those with limited traffic.  Regular vacuuming and spot cleaning often reduce the need for deep cleaning, especially in low-traffic areas of your home.

How to Deep Clean Carpet at Home

If you choose not to hire a professional carpet cleaning company or need to address a small area after a spill, preparation is key.

Start by removing all furniture, rugs, and other items from the room. Then:

1. Vacuum thoroughly. Remove as much debris as possible. Spend extra time vacuuming high-traffic areas and spots prone to collecting hair, crumbs, and dust.
2. Spot-clean carpet stains. Use a dedicated stain remover product or one of the homemade solutions below to clean food, wine, or urine stains. Test the stain remover on an inconspicuous spot first in case it discolors your carpeting!
3. Use a carpet steam cleaner. Steam cleaning uses hot water and a special cleaning solution to remove debris and stains. If you rent carpet cleaning equipment, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Give your carpet plenty of time to dry. Depending on the carpet material, thickness, and indoor humidity levels, it can take anywhere from six to twelve hours to dry completely.

Two Natural Carpet Cleaners: Baking Soda and Vinegar

Many homeowners prefer using baking soda to clean carpets, sometimes combined with white vinegar. Vinegar and baking soda are safe, non-toxic cleaners that pack a powerful punch—and you probably have some in your cupboard. They are useful ingredients for spot-cleaning to maintain your carpets between deep cleanings. Like any carpet cleaning solution, they must be tested in a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure they won’t discolor your carpet.

Baking Soda Tips

To eliminate unpleasant odors, sprinkle baking soda over the affected area of the carpet and let it sit for a few hours or overnight. Then vacuum the baking soda. If the odor persists, repeat the process. For spot-cleaning, mix one or two tablespoons of baking soda with enough water to create a thin paste. Apply this paste to the stain, and let it sit. Once it’s dry, vacuum up the paste; just like that, the stain and the odor are gone!

Vinegar Tips

Spot-clean your carpets with vinegar by mixing it with an equal volume of cold water in a spray bottle. Spray the carpet stain with a light mist to avoid saturating the area. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Then sprinkle on baking soda to absorb the moisture and the odor. Once the baking soda is dry, vacuum the area. Vinegar is a great option for tackling pet urine and wine, both of which are acidic.

How to Keep Carpet Looking New

Keeping carpet clean and looking fresh takes a little effort every week. Combining cleaning, maintenance, and protection tips, here’s the recipe for a long-lasting carpet:

• Vacuum high-traffic areas twice a week and low-traffic areas once a week.
• Act quickly to address spills and avoid set-in stains.
• Always blot stains; never rub.
• Avoid using dyed towels to clean up stains, as the dye could transfer to the floor.
• Test carpet cleaning solutions in an inconspicuous spot before using them on a stain.
• Deep clean your carpet every 12-18 months or as often as the manufacturer recommends.
• Use doormats and rugs to trap dirt and debris before it gets tracked through the house.
• Avoid wearing shoes indoors unless they are dedicated house shoes.
• Wear socks when practical. The oils from bare feet transfer to the floor.
• Rearrange your furniture periodically and place it on coasters to prevent it from wearing down the carpet.
• If you spot a snag, trim it with sharp scissors so it can’t be pulled.
• In sunny areas, draw blinds or curtains when practical to prevent carpet fading.
• Avoid using store-bought carpet powders unless the flooring manufacturer specifically recommends them. These products may leave a residue that attracts dirt.

When It’s Time for New Carpeting, You Know Who to Call!

At Floor Coverings International®, we hope you get many years of use out of your carpet. When it’s time to replace it, we make the process easy. Our friendly, experienced Design Associates will bring samples directly to you and help you find the best flooring for your space, whether it’s a striking new carpet or a whole new flooring material! See why thousands of families across North America trust us for all their flooring needs. Find a location near you to discuss your project, or schedule an in-home consultation today.