Carpets is a beautiful and functional flooring type that has been enjoyed by homeowners for centuries. While luxury vinyl and other surfaces have become immensely popular in recent years, carpet has a warmth and comfort that is tough to recreate with other materials.
Unlike more durable flooring types, carpets can be extremely susceptible to damage. Its fragile, porous nature allows for liquids and stains to set more easily, and its texture can be easily altered by repetitive friction. The key to preserving your carpet and extending its lifespan is properly protecting it against the different situations that may arise.
Here, we’ll look at some of the most common causes of carpet damage and what steps you can take to protect against them.
As mentioned, carpet is more fragile than other flooring types and there are a number of things that can cause lasting damage. While carpet may not be the longest-lasting flooring material, it should still serve its function for many years. Identifying common culprits of damage can help you take the preventative action you need to maximize its use. Some of these include:
The everyday wear and tear that your home goes through is undoubtedly the greatest factor in carpet damage. While you certainly can’t prevent normal use, you can take steps to prevent permanent damage. Here are some tips you can use to help protect your carpet.
Dirty shoes can bring an astonishing amount of dirt into your home. If not addressed, this will cause some serious staining on your carpet. Taking your shoes off at the door is the simplest method to maintain a clean carpet.
Consider turning your entrance into a mudroom where all outdoor footwear can be left. If your home is carpeted all the way up to the front door, you can place a shoe rack or boot tray to hold your family’s dirty footwear.
Excess traffic can also cause the carpet fibers to matt over time. Consider changing the layout of your furniture regularly so that new walking patterns are created around the home.
Many homeowners choose to install carpeting for the comfort it provides their children. Children love playing on the ground with their toys, and this can be quite uncomfortable if only hardwood is installed. However, children can also be quite messy, leading to increased staining and damage to your carpet.
An easy way to reduce this damage is to install area rugs in their favorite play places. These rugs are much more affordable than commercial carpet bought from a distributor and easier to clean. Additionally, consider avoiding dining over the carpet.
Everyone loves a party, but not the cleanup. If you’re planning a large gathering at your house, you may be concerned about the impact it’ll have on your carpet. The easiest way to prevent accidental spills is by having the party outdoors if the space and weather allow. If the party has to be indoors, ensure that there are enough tables for everyone’s glasses and dishware so that spills are avoided.
While it may be an expensive investment, purchasing carpet protection film or shields may be worth it if you entertain often. These will help preserve your carpet entirely against accidental spills and excess traffic.
Pets are a lovely addition to the family, but they’re also a huge cause of carpet-related damage. From excess shedding to pet stains caused by bodily fluids, you’ve got your work cut out for you. While stains can never be predicted, taking a proactive approach to clean them will eliminate any issues. Knowing what cleaning solutions to use is critical.
Any animal urine that finds its way onto your carpet can be easily cleaned with a simple solution of ingredients found in your pantry: water, vinegar, and baking soda. The steps for cleaning it are straightforward:
Never use consumer steam cleaners or hot water with urine. This will only cause the smell to worsen and the stain to set faster.
It’s also worth noting that this ratio of water to vinegar will work well for bleach spots on your carpet. If you get to a bleach spot immediately, vinegar will stop the damaging process. However, you will still need to repair the carpet by redyeing it.
Source: OShousecleaning.com
The process for cleaning cat urine is exactly the same as dogs, but what do you do about their overactive claws? Cats love to pull at anything that can become loose, and your carpet is no exception.
To prevent your carpet fibers from upending, purchase cat trees and toys that allow your pets a designated space to get this out of their system. Otherwise, they’ll likely be using your carpet and furniture instead.
Due to its weight, furniture can do a number on your home’s carpeting. This is a continuous inconvenience that you’ll have to deal with, as you surely can’t live in your home without it. Luckily, with just minimal effort, you can take steps towards safeguarding the impact your furniture leaves.
Heavy furniture demands the most attention. No matter how light your couch or tables are, they’ll leave impressions in the carpet that can be difficult to reverse if they have set for too long. If left addressed, this can leave ugly, matted flat spots in the flooring. There are two primary approaches you can take to lessen these spots:
Source: Hunker.com
Office chairs can be tricky on carpeting because of the rollers. If you work from home or use your office regularly, you likely noticed that these chairs can leave marks quickly. The best way to stop these marks is by placing an office chair pad at your workstation. These floor mats completely eliminate roller marks, and they also allow your chair to move better as well.
Home renovations open your carpet up to a whole range of damage, from snags and tears to spilled paint. If you’re conducting any significant work on your home, it’s highly recommended to invest in carpet protection films.
These rolls of clear, cellophane-like material will safely cover your entire carpet so not a drop of paint gets on it.
Inevitably, you will deal with carpet stains. This is the most common type of damage that homeowners face. Unless you’ve invested in stain-resistant carpets, you’ll have to take action when a spill occurs. However, stains are quite manageable when the appropriate steps are taken.
No method is more effective at eliminating stains than by facing them head-on. As soon as you notice a spill, get your cleaning supplies ready. Most stains are easily removable from carpeting when addressed immediately. It’s only when they’re left to sit for days (or weeks), that they become a challenge.
Most carpet stains can easily be treated with a natural solution of water, vinegar, and baking soda, as discussed above for pet stains. Some homeowners also swear by club soda. Reserve commercial carpet stain removers for serious, tough-to-remove stains.
Never rub a stain with a cloth or paper towel to remove the liquid. This will only spread it and cause further staining. Always take a blotting approach.
The number one way to prevent carpet damage is preventative maintenance. Develop a cleaning regime and stick to it on a regular basis. Daily and weekly cleaning can be as simple as vacuuming, and deeper services can be conducted with professional carpet cleanings. Professional carpet cleanings done once every year will ensure your carpet remains pristine.
Source: Today
Learn more about carpet cleaning routines with our How to Deep Clean the Carpet article.
When it comes to carpet, you get what you pay for. Gauge, twist, pile height, and yarn resiliency are all key components of a carpet. Ask one of our sales professionals for assistance.
By investing in quality carpets, you can guarantee you’ll receive material built with durability in mind. This alone can be incredibly effective at withstanding damage. Additionally, many manufacturers offer stain-resistant carpets that will help protect your investment over time.
While carpet is a great investment for your home, maintaining it is crucial to its overall lifespan. The more effort you put into protecting your carpet, the longer you’ll be able to enjoy it before needing replacement. With the simple techniques outlined in this article, you’re prepared to handle even the worst carpet damage.
If you’re ready to have a world-class carpet installation done in your home, trust Cornerstone Flooring Brokers for the job. Browse our complete carpeting collection and reach out today to schedule your home flooring remodel.
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