Carpets laid in high-traffic areas can flatten, become matte, and discolour over a short period of time. Add misdirected care or neglect, and you are pinning unsightly wear patterns and premature ageing.
Sometimes we do not know how to maintain our carpets, so they can stay in the best possible conditions. Within this guide, we will show you exactly what you need to do.
Understanding Carpet Fibres
There are many carpet fibres available today. Their durability runs a wide spectrum, however.
Among all the types, the most common and toughest is nylon. It is quite resistant to staining and can take the abrasion of constant use.
Nylon carpets usually tend to retain their texture and colour successfully over time. Hence, they are perfect for high-traffic areas.
Polyester is another extremely popular type these days. This carpet is naturally softer and stain-resistant. In addition, it provides a sense of luxury and is easy to clean.
Woollen carpets, on the other hand, provide the ultimate softness and insulation that comes from a natural fibre, but they will need to be cared for more.
They are prone to staining and damage from wrong cleaning methods more than other types. They perform best in low-traffic environments, but can survive high-traffic ones with some maintenance techniques.
Olefin, also known as polypropylene carpets, is highly inexpensive and resistant to moisture, mildew, and fading. They can, however, become matted and crushed much easier than other synthetics. This type is often used in high-traffic commercial settings.
Tufted and woven carpets are inexpensive, but are way less resilient and die out fast.
You need to keep these distinctions in mind when buying a new carpet for a high-traffic area.
Preventative Measures: Carpet Care Tips
Although carpets in busy areas will suffer more than usual, there are simple measures you can take to preserve its condition nonetheless. Let’s explore some key strategies.
Add Furniture Pads
Heavy, furnished products, such as sofas, chairs, and cupboards, can cause unsightly marks in carpeting. Placing them on small plastic or felt pads under each leg will help spread the weight of the furniture, hence minimising its effect on your carpeting.
You can also use floor guides for furniture, allowing it to slide easily instead of being pulled across the carpet.
Use Mats in Entryways
Placing some rough, absorbent mats or rugs at all entryways is a great way to protect your carpet.
They collect and retain dirt, moisture, and all other sorts of particles, thereby avoiding getting tracked into your home.
Ensure you buy mats big enough to take a few steps before reaching the main carpet. The rugs should have stain-resistant synthetic fibres that are easily cleaned.
Rotate them periodically to ensure even wear.
Restrict Footwear
Probably the easiest and most effective way to maintain carpeted flooring in exposed, high-traffic areas is by implementing a footwear policy. A declaration of these areas as “shoes off” drags in less dirt, grit, and moisture into the fibre.
Bare feet or socks are best, since they provide less direct contact between the carpet and harder, rougher surfaces of shoes. Try not to allow street shoes, cleats, boots, or other forms of heavy outdoor footwear onto carpeted areas.
Obviously, there are always times where allowing shoes on the carpet can’t be helped, like in the case of moving in/out or other events. At those times, remember to vacuum well afterwards.
Regular Cleaning
This is immensely important in the upkeep of your carpet texture. For instance, a daily or every-other-day vacuuming routine is crucial for carpets installed in high-traffic spaces. This removes the grit and dirt lying at the base of the fibres.
Vacuuming works wonders, but periodic deep cleaning is also important in removing embedded dirt and stains.
The majority of manufacturers recommend steam cleaning every 12-18 months professionally or as many times as necessary in critical areas. Use a rental shampooer periodically or hire carpet cleaning services for one-off cleanings.
Dealing with Spills and Stains
Carpets in your living or dining room, for instance, are bound to get stained. How you handle these stains is the deciding factor in your carpet’s longevity.
Blotting Versus Rubbing
If a spill does occur, it is important not to scrub the area briskly. Vigorous rubbing at the spot, as if shining up some piece of silver, will only drive the stain further down into the carpet fibres.
Just make sure to blot the spill with a clean white cloth or paper towels. Always work from the outside of the stain towards the centre.
For dried or set-in stains, spray a mist of a specialised carpet cleaning solution on the area and blot.
Using Carpet-Safe Products
If it’s cleaning products you’re going for, ensure you pick those meant for use with carpeting. Harsh chemicals can do damage to and/or change the colour of the fibres.
Look for enzyme-based ones, mild detergents, or professional-grade carpet shampoos.
The safest way to work with a new cleaning product is to try it out on a shabby or small part of the carpet before it can cause discoloration or worse.
Follow the included guidelines, and never use more than the recommended amount.
Spot Cleaning
Gently blot typical stains, such as those from food, drinks, or mud. Apply a small quantity of the allowable cleaner, blotting it with a clean, damp cloth, and again let it penetrate.
Repeat the same technique until the stain is out, and be careful not to rub or over-wet the carpet.
For stronger stains, such as grease or ink, use a stiff-bristled brush to agitate the fibres and raise the stain.
Remember, spot cleaning is always a better option than cleaning the whole surface every time a stain occurs.
What to Do When Your Carpet Is Already Damaged
Most worn, frayed, and damaged sections of the carpet can be repaired rather than replaced. Methods include restretching, patching, or replacing carpet inserts to address problems in small areas.
In addition, carpets will discolour or lose their soft and plush feeling over time. Deep cleaning from time to time could help restore the carpet’s appearance. Moreover, chemical treatments, such as colour restoration or pile lifting, work wonders in bringing life back to the fibres.
However, you’ll eventually need to replace your old carpets. As a rule of thumb, entrance, hallways, and living room carpets will need replacing every 5 to 7 years.
On the other hand, less high-traffic ones, such as bedroom and office carpets, often last for up to 10 to 15 years with proper care.
Conclusion
Carpets are what tie your entire room together. As much as your living room or any other high-traffic area carpet livens the space, it takes a lot of hits due to constant use.
Although we all know we’ll have to change our carpets eventually, knowing how to maintain them will reduce the replacement rate. With this guide, you are more prepared to deal with your beloved carpet.
