Don't worry...it's not necessary to invest a whole lot of time and effort in carpet upkeep! Just follow a few simple carpet care and maintenance tips to ensure your new carpet's longevity.
Daily care and maintenance
Preventative maintenance will protect your new carpet before problems occur.
Invest in some doormats, and encourage guests to remove shoes before walking across your floor. This will reduce the amount of dirt tracked onto your carpet.
You'll want to vacuum your carpet frequently to remove trapped allergens including dander, pet hair, and dust. Consider the occasional deep steam cleaning as well, but only as is recommended by your carpet manufacturer (typically every 12-18 months depending on the traffic in your home).
Stains and spills
No carpet is absolutely stain proof. Some carpets have stain resistant treatments that improve your ability to clean stains, but not prevent them. Similarly, carpets with soil resistant treatments reduce the rate of soiling, but all carpets require regular care and maintenance.
When there is a spill or accident, be sure to clean it up as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more likely it will soak into the carpet and become a stain.
Blot up as much of the liquid as possible with a dry cloth. Don't rub or scrub the area, as this can damage the carpet fibers and create a permanent mark. If you need to use a cleaning product, make sure it is manufacturer-approved. Rinse after cleaning, and blot the carpet to remove as much water as possible.
After your carpet has dried, vacuum to restore its texture and appearance. Remember, never use bleach to try and clean a stain!
