If you have carpet in your home, the following scenario is probably all too familiar: Your high traffic areas get dirty and dingy while the less-used spaces look almost brand new. You can practically see the pathways through your house right now and you don’t want to have to do a whole-house shampooing every week just to keep the main thoroughfares looking good.
So, how can a busy household keep those areas clean and tidy? With kids, pets, and guests in and out of the house all day, it can be a daunting task. Food spills, mud, grease, and pet messes can all add up to some dirty looking carpet. Let’s give your flooring a boost by learning some tips for keeping your high traffic carpet in tip-top shape.
1. Go Shoeless Inside
Completely. Don’t even wear shoes through the door, if at all possible. The majority of the stuff that comes inside your house on the bottom of shoes will inevitably end up in your carpet. Dirt, gravel, leaves, oil, allergens, you name it. Your family makes a big enough mess as it is inside, without adding the great outdoors into the mix. If you don’t have a convenient spot to leave shoes outside entirely, at least be sure footwear comes off as soon as everyone is through the threshold.
2. Clean Daily
It is probably not what you want to hear, but one of the best ways to keep your carpet fresh and tidy in high traffic areas is to stay on top of it on a daily basis. Running the vacuum each day will help prevent dirt from getting ground into the carpet fibers. But it’s not all bad news; learning to run the vacuum cleaner is a valuable life lesson for your children. Wink, wink.
3. Invest in Good Doormats
Mats made of coir do a great job of trapping dirt, mud, and other detritus. What is coir, you ask? It is fiber made from the husks of coconuts, so you can imagine you have a bit of the tropics right at your doorstep. Place a mat outside each door that serves as an entrance to the house to keep the icky stuff outside. This simple habit will make a big difference in the amount of dirt that comes through the door of your home.
4. Keep the Outside Clean
As if it isn’t enough to sweep and vacuum inside, your outdoor walkways need attention too. Sweeping those areas on a regular basis will ensure there is less debris for your family to track into the house. Taking care of the outdoor paths will save you some work inside.
5. Tackle Spots and Stains Right Away
It’s inevitable in any home: Something will spill. Actually, lots of somethings will spill. Whenever possible, try to take care of the spill or stain while it is fresh. Acting quickly gives you the best chance to remove the spot thoroughly, and it prevents more dirt from sticking to it.
Follow These Steps to Deal With Stains Rapidly:
Blot Don’t Rub: Using a clean, absorbent cloth, gently blot the stain from the outside in toward the center to remove as much as possible. Some carpets spot clean well with homemade solutions made from products you likely have on hand, such as vinegar, club soda, and dish soap.
Never Spray the Solution Directly on the Carpet: Dip a clean cloth into the solution and dab it on the stain. It’s always a good idea to test any carpet cleaner, homemade or not, in an inconspicuous spot first.
Try a Spray Bottle of Plain Water: Many stains are easy to remove with just water. Spray the spot with water and blot with a clean cloth. Repeat until the stain is gone. Be careful not to saturate the carpet down to the pad.
9. Put Ice on Sticky Stuff
Has some lovely family member misplaced their gum, their putty, or, (gasp!) their slime? If so, you know for sure you’re going to find it on your carpet. It will be gross, and will probably make you cranky. Try freezing it by placing a few ice cubes on it for about 30-40 seconds. Once the gunk is frozen, lift it up as much as possible and cut it out, getting as little of the carpet as possible.
10. Hire a Professional
With all of the above tips and tricks, you will be able to keep your high traffic areas clean and presentable. But even with all of this daily work, your carpets still need a deep cleaning at least once a year. If you have pets or kids or both, you probably need professional carpet cleaning twice a year.
Your carpet is a significant investment and the foundation of your living space. You deserve to have it looking its best for you and your family. And it’s not just the carpet that benefits from a day at the spa.
Here at Bullseye Carpet Cleaning, we can take care of those times you just need a professional. You’ve done your part with the day-to-day upkeep, so now go ahead and give yourself a break by giving us a call today to schedule your cleaning.