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Over the course of your carpet's lifespan, there are going to be clumsy guests, muddy boots, untrained pets, untrained children, and even the odd DIY disaster doing their best to make a mess. Australian homes face unique challenges too – from red dirt tracked in from the outback to sandy footprints from beach visits. Despite your best efforts, sometimes accidents happen, and the best thing you can do is act fast! Here are some essential tips and tricks to help you maintain carpets and keep them spotless for years to come.
How To Clean Up Stains
There are three simple rules to remember when it comes to carpet cleaning and tackling spills:
- Act immediately – the faster you respond, the better your chances of complete stain removal
- Never rub the stained area, always dab and blot to avoid spreading
- If the stain is particularly tough or unusual, admit defeat early and get a professional in
If the spill is liquid, the first step is to apply dry kitchen paper towel to soak up the moisture – but make sure you just press straight down on the carpet. Do not rub! It will press the stain further into the carpet fibres and make it incredibly difficult to remove. Keep dabbing with paper towel until the area is dry. If there's still a visible stain, moisten a paper towel with warm and slightly soapy water and blot the area gently until it's gone. Finish by drying with a final paper towel.
If the spill involves food or another solid substance, carefully scrape the soiled area using the blunt edge of a spoon, working from the outside of the stain towards the centre to remove any residue. Then apply paper towels as you would for a liquid stain.
Keeping Your Carpet Clean
It's also important to maintain carpets through daily habits. In Australian homes, where indoor-outdoor living is popular, try to minimise walking over the carpet in shoes. Dirt, sand, and grit get deposited from footwear onto the carpet and work deep into the pile, gradually degrading the fibres and causing premature wear.
Vacuuming Your Carpet
Regular vacuuming is crucial for proper carpet cleaning! Modern carpets, including quality options from Harrisons Flooring, are cleverly designed to look clean even when they need attention. Vacuuming your carpet regularly isn't just good for appearance – it also makes your home healthier by reducing allergens and dust trapped within the carpet pile. Try to vacuum at least once weekly, while high-traffic areas should ideally be vacuumed daily to maintain carpets in pristine condition.
Professional Carpet Cleaning
Professional hot water extraction cleaning is highly recommended every twelve to eighteen months. This deep-cleaning method uses very hot water to extract embedded dirt, kill dust mites, and remove bacteria. For Harrisons Flooring carpets, regular professional cleaning is a warranty requirement, ensuring your investment stays protected and beautiful for years to come.
