Tile and hardwood floors have a way of dominating the spotlight nowadays, but there is something to be said for the sumptuous feel of carpet beneath your feet.
Be it a few well-placed area rugs or wall-to-wall Berber, designing with carpet creates a warm and welcoming space within your home—provided you take the time to care for it.
Because everyday traffic can take a toll on your carpets, here are some quick tips to help you keep them looking like new.

 

Take preventative measures.

The simplest way to safeguard your carpets is to limit their exposure to dirt, debris and heavy foot traffic. Start by keeping a good doormat at every entrance to prevent guests from tracking the outside in.

If muddy paws are a problem, keep an old towel by the door to wipe them off before your dog comes inside. Another quick and easy save? Lose the shoes and make your carpet a socks-only zone.

For wall-to-wall carpet, you can place throw rugs across high-traffic areas. Just be sure to clean and restore the pile (the rug’s fibers) and the area underneath regularly. Because the color in some rugs can bleed through and dye the carpet underneath, always check for colorfastness when choosing a rug.

Rearrange furniture frequently.

To avoid pile crushing, make it a habit to rearrange heavier pieces of furniture on a seasonal basis. If your furniture has casters or rollers, make sure they are designed for carpet; if not, they may cause damage. Using carpet protectors under furniture and table legs can also protect the integrity of your carpet by making sure the weight is evenly distributed.

 

Make vacuuming part of your regular routine.

The best bet to keep your carpets looking like new is a regular vacuuming routine. This will prevent dirt and debris from becoming embedded in your carpet. For those areas that see heavy traffic such as entryways and hallways, make several passes with the vacuum to ensure a thorough cleaning. Choose a lightweight, easily accessible vacuum so frequent use feels like less of a chore.

Add yearly cleaning to your to-do list.

Vacuuming is important, but sometimes you need a deeper clean. Use a hot-water carpet cleaner at least once a year to remove trapped and stuck-in grime. Nowadays you can easily rent a carpet cleaner from your local home improvement store or pet supply store, just remember to allow your carpet and rugs time to dry completely after cleaning them. For a quick spot clean, use a commercial cleaner specifically designed for your type of carpet.

Be smart about sun exposure.

You may love all the natural light pouring in through your windows, but your carpets don’t share your feelings. Because prolonged exposure to sunlight can lead to fading and damage, consider installing blinds, shades or awnings over your windows.

Daydreaming about the perfect carpet? Start at Primera.

The home interior experts at Primera can help you pick out the perfect carpet for any room. Not sure where to start? Click here to learn more about the different carpet styles we offer, or schedule an appointment to meet with us and plan your next home décor adventure.

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