Carpets have been popular decorative items for centuries. On a practical level, they protect against cold, act as a sound barrier and add softness and warmth to a space. In terms of interior design, they elevate a room and can even be works of art in their own right.
You were likely influenced by several of these factors when it came time to purchase a carpet or rug. Even if you choose a high-quality specimen, you may be wondering how to maintain and care for it properly as the years go buy.
Fortunately, Montreal carpet specialists at Tapis André Viau are here to offer tips and advice on how to keep your carpet or rug looking its best through proper care.
How to restore a rug or carpet to its original color
Wear and tear and exposure to sunlight can cause carpet and rug colours to fade. If your carpet has lost its original color, you can bring it back to life with one of these three simple and effective home tips.
- Mix a handful of salt and water in a bowl until it forms a paste. Spread it over the carpet and leave to dry. Then scrub with a brush and remove any residue with a vacuum cleaner.
- Soak a cotton cloth in hot spirit vinegar (5 to 24% acetic acid), then use it to rub the surface of the carpet. Let it sit for a few minutes, then soak up the moisture with a dry cloth and vacuum.
- If your carpet is dark in colour, you can sprinkle slightly damp coffee grounds over it. Leave until dry, then vacuum.
Reviving the colors of your carpet will give it a new lease on life. You can save money by taking a bit of time and effort to care for your floor covering.
What to do if your carpet has an unpleasant odour
Carpet odours can be neutralized with baking soda. Simply sprinkle some soda over the surface of the carpet, leave it to act, then vacuum it off.
You can also lightly perfume the carpet with lavender or cinnamon essential oils after the soda has been removed. This is best done using a spray bottle (be careful not to overdo it!).
How to clean dust accumulation on a carpet
Dust damages carpet fibers and, if not removed, can cause them to break and result in visible carpet wear. The best thing to do is simply to remove dust once a week with a vacuum cleaner.
We recommend not using the brush on your vacuum. Instead, for less wear and tear, just use the tube.
How to remove carpet stains
The best way to respond to stains is to act fast. Immediately remove residue with absorbent paper, wiping from the edge to center. Never use a wet sponge, as this will only spread the stain. Before using a carpet stain remover, test the product on a small, inconspicuous area. And for the most stubborn stains…
- Red wine stain: Remove by rubbing the affected area with sparkling water, then apply a foam cleanser.
- Tea or coffee stain: Clean by rubbing the stain with a mixture of detergent and white vinegar.
- Chewing gum: Don’t try to remove it directly. Harden the gum with an ice cube to make it easier to pull away from the carpet fibres.
- Ink stain: Remove this type of stain by “pinching” it with a clean white cloth soaked in milk.
5 easy carpet care and maintenance tips
As well as following the advice in Part 1 of this article, here are 5 simple tips to keep your carpet looking beautiful for as long as possible.
1. Opt For A Top-Of-The-Range Carpet
The best way to make your carpet last is to choose a top-of-the-range model, made from high-quality materials by professional carpet or rug manufacturers.
A good carpet is a good investment. Not only will it keep its shine for years and resist soil, it has the potential to improve the appearance of your entire room, if you have selected it with care.
Keep in mind that choosing the right carpet is not always easy. Refer to our article, “How to choose a carpet“, to learn about the most important factors in selecting the right type of carpet or rug.
2. Careful With Your Shoes!
It may seem obvious, but keeping your home clean will help keep your carpets in good condition. You may wish to avoid wearing shoes in your home. Get into the habit of removing them every time you enter and ask your guests to do the same.
To avoid clutter, just store your shoes in a dedicated piece of furniture (shoe rack or cupboard).
3. Regular Vacuuming Is Not Enough
Besides avoiding shoes, the most effective way to maintain the appearance of your carpets is to vacuum them regularly. Once a week is ideal, to prevent dust and dirt from sticking to the carpet fibers.
However, regular vacuuming is not the same as cleaning. It’s a good idea to do a thorough carpet cleaning once every six months or at the change of season, for example. When winter is over, take advantage of warmer days to move carpets around a bit, clean and dust them…
In fact, the start of a new season is the perfect time to move furniture around and give your rooms a new look!
4. Be Aware That Pets Impact Carpeting And Rugs
Living with pets often makes carpet maintenance a little more difficult. Even if they’re clean, pets inevitably expose your carpet to extra dust and fur. And for many of our animal friends, a carpet is an ideal place to take a nap.
It helps if your pet is always groomed and brushed, so that their hair doesn’t accumulate. You’ll probably also have to do more frequent home maintenance, including sweeping and vacuuming, if you have pets.
5. Purchase Dedicated Carpet Cleaning Products
We recommend that you opt for specific products for at-home carpet cleaning and always follow the instructions.
Come and visit our store to find out in person how to care for your rugs and carpet! You can take the opportunity to ask for other advice and browse new carpet trends.
Drop by with your questions at 1333, rue Fleury Est in Montreal.
