Carpets are an investment that
provides returns if handled with care. They require special attention to be
able to maintain its beauty and grace. Cleaning carpets can be a hassle free
exercise if conducted regularly and in the most efficient manner. It is
important to clean carpets regularly to avoid damage caused due to dust and
moths which in turn harm the health of the people residing in the house.
Carpets are made of very fine
yarn’s that can be sensitive to wear and tear. There will come a time that our
yarn’s quality will degrade because of aging. We can however ensure that the
aging process is delayed by applying the below techniques.
- Stop
sun damage and keep your carpet out of direct sunlight. Sunlight damages
the rug by causing it to fade or become lighter where the sun hits it.
This is especially true of antique carpet or those with natural substances
used for colours.
- Rotate
your carpet frequently if it is in the direct sun; rotate least once a
month. The carpet will fade, but it will be uniform in colour. If your
carpet is not in direct sunlight, rotate at least 4 times a year. A good
way to remember to rotate your carpet is the change of seasons.
- Vary
the pathways on your carpet. When furniture is placed on the carpet, it
creates a natural pathway that is used frequently. Move the furniture on
the carpet so walkways are changed. This will stop the damage of a wear pattern
in just one place.
- Flip
the carpet end over to straighten any twisted fringe. Do not comb the
fringe as the natural fibres can be damaged. Flipping the carpet end over
end is done by grabbing one end of the carpet and walking it to the other
end. The carpet will then be upside down and the fringes will straighten
out. Shake the rug gently to help straighten fringes.
- Vacuum
your carpet regularly to keep it clean. Vacuuming will also keep the
natural fibres from becoming packed down. If you have an old, antique or
expensive rug you may want to turn off the beater bar of your vacuum. The
beater bar can grab loose fibres, which can cause a run or tear. If you
have a threadbare spot on the carpet, a beater bar can also make the
damage worse.
- Clean
all spills immediately. Do not use soap or bleach on your valuable carpet
to clean it. First absorb the spill with paper towels by gently daubing if
from the end of the spill towards the centre; this will keep the spill
from spreading. Place paper towels under the spill to stop further damage
to the backing. Use only water to clean spills on a valuable or antique
carpet; call a professional who has experience if the stain cannot be
removed.
- Moths
and carpet beetles can destroy the carpet. Check the edges and area of
your carpet under furniture for any infestation. Act immediately and get
your entire house sprayed if you see any bugs or eggs.
