[av_one_full first min_height=” vertical_alignment=’av-align-top’ space=” margin=’0px’ margin_sync=’true’ link=” linktarget=” link_hover=” padding=’0px’ padding_sync=’true’ border=” border_color=” radius=’0px’ radius_sync=’true’ background=’bg_color’ background_color=’#ffffff’ background_gradient_color1=” background_gradient_color2=” background_gradient_direction=’vertical’ src=” attachment=” attachment_size=” background_position=’top left’ background_repeat=’no-repeat’ animation=” mobile_breaking=” mobile_display=” av_uid=’av-jjodg0tr’ custom_class=’post_container’]
[av_codeblock wrapper_element=” wrapper_element_attributes=” codeblock_type=” av_uid=’av-1dmjz’ custom_class=”]
[house_meta_top/]
[/av_codeblock]
[av_textblock size=” font_color=” color=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” av_uid=’av-jjodg6rz’ custom_class=” admin_preview_bg=”]
They’re a heavenly paradise underfoot, but can be a – witch – to clean. It’s not that carpets aren’t durable – if you treat them right, they can last for many years and remain in excellent condition; but, the average homeowner or renter has little understanding of how to keep a carpet looking clean and fresh – nor the dangers and dirt lurking in the fibres of your carpet.
It doesn’t help that they’ve been taken out of the game by hard-flooring for a while – a trend which we argued against in this article. Many of our readers did not agree with wall-to-wall carpeting, and we won’t argue with their points, which included the well-known fact that Malta’s weather and humidity makes it a nightmare to keep carpets clean and tidy.
But, in defence of carpets, and to play the devil’s advocate, we will also stick to our guns and say: People have the misconception that carpets uneconomical, expensive, and hard to keep clean. It’s actually quite simple, and this article will show you why.
1. First, choose your carpet wisely
It all depends on foot traffic. Chances are you’ll be stepping on a carpet in your living room far more often than the one in your bedroom.
In the living room, wool or wool-rich twist piles have superb resilience to wear and tear, whereas easy-clean polypropylene carpets are stain-resistant and can be bleached.
In the bedroom, you can opt for something more luxurious.
2. Add an underlay as a foundation
The right underlay will increase the comfort level of your flooring, as well as the lifespan of your carpet by a whopping 30 – 50%. It acts as a shock absorber, protecting flooring from the comings and goings of a normal household, increases insulation, and helps with soundproofing.
There are many different kinds of underlays, so for the sake of brevity, we’ll leave that part to another article.
3. Use doormats
Reduce the amount of sand and dirt that gets dragged into the home with a few dollars and enjoy the benefits for many years.
4. Vacuum frequently
Foot traffic is responsible for 80% of all soiling. Thankfully, a weekly vacuum is all that’s required to keep a carpet’s appearance and prolong its life. When you purchase a carpet, ask what kind of vacuuming is suitable for it to ensure no damage is done.
5. Remove spills immediately
Act promptly and blot off all the liquid stain with dry kitchen roll or a clean, dry, white cloth. Always work from the edge of the stain inwards, and blot – don’t rub.
There are products you can get from the counter, but if you don’t have time for that, Use 1/4 cup of white vinegar, 1 tbsp. of Dawn dish soap, and fill with water. Spray area liberally and let soak for 5-10 minutes and then proceed with blotting with a clean, dry towel until the stain is removed.
6. Get it professionally cleaned
Every 12 – 18 months, hire carpet & upholstery cleaning professionals to restore and groom your carpet back to its full health.
7. Buy a carpet extractor
If you have a pet who commits frequent crimes on the carpet, buy a “carpet extractor,” a small handheld vacuum designed to suck liquids out of carpets.
Are you willing to give carpets a chance? Do you have carpets – and how do you maintain them?
[/av_textblock]
[av_hr class=’invisible’ height=’40’ shadow=’no-shadow’ position=’center’ custom_border=’av-border-thin’ custom_width=’50px’ custom_border_color=” custom_margin_top=’30px’ custom_margin_bottom=’30px’ icon_select=’yes’ custom_icon_color=” icon=’ue808′ font=’entypo-fontello’ av_uid=’av-jmarhe79′ custom_class=” admin_preview_bg=”]
[av_codeblock wrapper_element=” wrapper_element_attributes=” codeblock_type=” av_uid=’av-q30v’ custom_class=”]
[house_meta_bottom]
[/av_codeblock]
[/av_one_full][av_hr class=’default’ height=’50’ shadow=’no-shadow’ position=’center’ custom_border=’av-border-thin’ custom_width=’50px’ custom_border_color=” custom_margin_top=’30px’ custom_margin_bottom=’30px’ icon_select=’yes’ custom_icon_color=” icon=’ue808′ av-desktop-hide=” av-medium-hide=” av-small-hide=” av-mini-hide=” av_uid=’av-9gsyd’]
[av_slideshow size=’featured’ animation=’slide’ conditional_play=” autoplay=’false’ autoplay_stopper=” interval=’5′ control_layout=” perma_caption=” av-desktop-hide=” av-medium-hide=” av-small-hide=” av-mini-hide=” av_uid=’av-aulff’][/av_slideshow]
