Straightforward Carpet Care Tips Before You Call A Pro

Because carpet can define the look of your entire home

, caring for your carpets means maintaining that look. Caring for your carpet can extend its life between one and fifteen years, according to the Carpet and Rug Institute. There are a number of things you can do to educate yourself on how to clean your carpets regularly, including knowing what products to buy and how to use them.

Aside from the number of home remedies we've covered on this site (vinegar, ammonia, bleach, etc.), there are a few guidelines for shopping for commercial carpet cleaning products:

1. Look for the "Seal" of approval. The Carpet and Rug Institute offers its "Seal of Approval" on cleaners it has tested and certified as effective, not to mention environmentally friendly.

2. Read the fine print. Is the carpet cleaner enzyme-based? (These cleaners typically don't work well on pet messes, for instance). Is it "green"? Does it offer a guarantee or a return policy?

3. Look for the pH. The Carpet and Rug Institute recommends cleaning solutions with a "more neutral" degree of pH in order to protect the dyes and fibers in your carpet.

Making Yourself the Professional

Aside from vacuuming and spot-cleaning (both suggested for regular carpet maintenance), renting a carpet cleaning machine is a step some owners often forget. These machines are usually available for rent from hardware stores and professional carpet cleaning companies, and require an outlet, water, and carpet cleaning solution. The cost varies, but they are typically available at an average of $50 per day. Carpet cleaning solution can be great to have around the house anyway, making that a negligible cost, and a good read of the machine's instructions is a must.

For straight-ahead jobs like living rooms and bedrooms, renting your own machine can be a great idea. For serious stains or neglected spaces, use your judgment: sometimes hiring the pros will save you more cost (and sanity) in the long run if the job is serious.

Battling Pets and Insects at Home

Even the professionals recommend basic carpet care tips for keeping nature out of your carpet. If you have an insect issue at home, such as ants or lice, most experts recommend vacuuming before committing to a cleaning solution. If the problem persists, seek out a cleaning solution specially designed for insects and pet messes. These simple approaches often work better than spraying, dousing, and dredging your way to a worn-out carpet.

By taking the time to maintain your carpet on a regular basis, you can keep your home looking great for years to come.

by: SA HOME

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