With some regular care, you can enjoy your carpet for years to come. The key to maintaining your carpet is to vacuum it frequently. Regular vacuuming prevents dirt and debris from getting down into the carpet pile where it's harder to remove and may damage fibers. How frequently you should vacuum varies depending on an area’s traffic: vacuum walkways either daily or twice a week, and vacuum the entire area once or twice a week.
When you vacuum, be sure to use a quality vacuum approved by the Carpet and Rug Institute and to use the appropriate setting. For shag carpet, use the vacuum on suction-only setting or with the brush lifted away from the carpet. For plush carpet, be sure to use a vacuum that’s sufficiently gentle. For other carpet styles, use a vacuum that brushes or agitates the carpet pile to release dirt and debris. The first time you use a vacuum or change its settings, test it in a small area. to make sure it won’t leave your carpet fuzzy.
Each week when you vacuum, look for problems. Sometimes yarn ends get caught in the carpet pile during production, then later “sprout” up above the pile level. Don’t pull these–you could end up pulling out other fibers, too. Use scissors to trim sprouts and snags even with the carpet surface. To fix crushed pile, use an iron’s steam setting to release steam several inches above the flattened area, then brush it briskly. Another remedy for crushed pile is to let an ice cube melt in half in the area, then brush it out.
If you have any questions about caring for your carpet, contact Flooring Pros. Our experts can help you find the appropriate vacuum, spot treatments, and cleaners for your carpet.