Keeping carpets fresh, clean, and inviting does not need to be difficult. This article addresses the four most common carpet problems and how they can be resolved or avoided.
Common Carpet Problems
The true condition of carpeting goes much deeper than what you can see. Spots, odor, allergens, and dirt are the four most common carpet problems. Of these problems, spots are usually conspicuous and odor can alert home or business owners to a problem, whereas the other problems may not be as apparent. Allergens in carpet can go unnoticed until people with allergies have some sort of reaction. Many people do not realize that dirt and other abrasive contaminants cause premature wear. Once signs of wear become apparent, the damage is already done.
How to Remove Carpet Spots
It is hard to look past spots on carpet. These unsightly marks can have a way of making people question the overall cleanliness of your home, even if your home is perfectly clean. Basic spot removal procedures are as follows. First, remove any loose debris. Use a paper towel to grab and lift, or if necessary, use a spoon or plastic spatula to scrape the carpet. If the spot is dry, vacuum up any remaining loose stuff. If the spot is wet, use a clean white cloth to blot up the moisture, rotating to clean areas of the cloth as you progress. This can take a while. Be patient. For carpets with protective treatment, moistening a clean white cloth with plain water and dabbing the spot may be enough. Use a dry white cloth to remove any excess moisture once the spot is gone. For more challenging spots, refer to the spot removal tips starting on page 10 of our free, downloadable Carpet and Interior Textiles Care Guide.
Odors
Carpeting acts like a large filter. This can be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on the level of care your carpet receives. Indoor air quality improves with carpeting, because it traps all kinds of odors. However, odors, and especially pet odors, can be a big turn-off. With regular vacuuming and professional carpet cleaning your indoor air AND your carpet can smell clean and fresh.
Allergens
For people with allergies or sensitivity to dust particles, removing dust, dirt, allergens, and other pollutants from your carpet is especially important. Sneezing and watery eyes are no fun. To resolve this problem, vacuum often. Use high quality HEPA filters in both your HVAC system and your vacuum cleaner. These filters can help trap small particles and prevent them from moving through the air or landing on your carpet.
Dirt
Carpets that look brand new create a positive first impression. The best way to prevent premature wear of your carpeting is to vacuum often so that abrasive dirt and debris does not have a chance to break down the tiny fibers deep down in your carpet. Regular, professional deep cleaning will remove damage-causing grit that becomes embedded despite vacuuming. Professional cleaning will also help bring out the color and like-new beauty of your carpets.
Fresh, clean carpets enhance the quality of your living space. Actively resolving or avoiding the most common carpet problems can go a long way in not only making your space feel more inviting, but also in maximizing the life of your carpet.
