It’s no secret that carpets are a popular choice for home flooring in Toronto. Smooth threads and cozy warmth in the winter make this carpet an unbeatable choice for a serene and relaxing home environment in our Canadian climate.
However, these softer floors are tougher to deal with when it comes to misuse. Your family walks on the carpet, coffee and other liquids stain it, and your dogs attack it daily.
In this post let’s run through some common carpet maintenance blunders many homeowners fall for.
1. Overstretching the Carpet
It’s common for people to overstretch the carpet during installation. While this may seem like a good way to get rid of wrinkles, it actually damages the carpet.
The carpet is designed to have a snug fit when it is installed. Trying to stretch it pulls the fibres and can cause damage to the carpet. Instead, you should allow the carpet to settle into its new position without forcing it to conform to the floor.
2. Not Vacuuming Regularly
Unless you have an area rug that you can pick up and shake out every week, you need a regular vacuuming routine.
If you avoid vacuuming regularly, dirt and dust settle into the carpet, creating a grime buildup. This makes your carpet appear dingy and worn out while also creating a breeding ground for allergens.
3. Using the Wrong Carpet Cleaner
Not all carpet cleaners are created equal. Many of these products contain harsh chemicals. While these chemicals work to get rid of dirt and stains, they also damage the fibres in the carpet.
The best carpet cleaner should be made with natural ingredients that won’t harm your carpet. By choosing a company that follows environmentally friendly and non-harmful cleaning practices, you’ll prolong the life of your carpet and have a much safer home environment.
4. Not Using a Carpet Protector
Sadly, spills are inevitable, so you need to have a carpet protector. This prevents stains from penetrating the carpet’s fibres, which keeps your carpet looking good. Carpet protectors are easy to apply and continue to protect the carpet long after the stain has been removed.
5. Leaving Your Stain Treatments to the Last Minute
No matter what stains you encounter in the home, the best way to get rid of them is to remove them before they have a chance to set.
The longer a stain sits, the harder it is to remove. Maintaining a quick response to stains is essential if you have a pet. It’s better to remove dog urine as soon as it is noticed. If it is allowed to remain in the carpet, the urine can kill the fibres.
6. Ignoring Wear and Tear
Your carpet can take a beating, mainly since it deals with a lot of foot traffic. However, carpets don’t always last as long as you expect them to. To make your carpet last longer, routinely get rid of any dirt and stains as soon as it happens. If you leave these on your carpet, they attract other harmful particles, making your carpet look dingy and worn out.
7. Not Changing the Carpet Often
Carpets are popular home flooring choices because of their cozy and welcoming feel. Yet, carpets don’t last forever. Your carpet should be changed every five to fifteen years, especially if not cared for diligently.
This lifespan can be extended if you have a higher-quality carpet and padding, but in a high-traffic, high-stress area of the home, you will tend to see significant wear-and-tear on your carpets in the living room, dining rooms, and hallways if they are not vacuumed regularly and deep cleaned and reprotected several times per year.
Conclusion
The most common reasons for carpet damage are improper cleaning and maintenance. By following the tips in this guide, you can prolong the life of your carpets. You’ll also have a healthier home environment and reduce the amount of dust and allergens in your home.
All Star Chem-Dry is an upholstery and carpet cleaning company based in Toronto, Marham, Richmond Hill and surrounding areas. We provide professional cleaning services using green-certified cleaning products. As a Chem-Dry franchise, we clean more than a billion square feet of carpet every year using patented hot carbonating extraction technology. Call 416-916-0550 to get your free estimate now.
