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Caring for your carpeting

Installing beautiful new carpet in your home is a major investment.If you spend some extra time to care and maintain it right from the start this will help to preserve its appearance and thickness for many years to come.The more you care for a carpet, the longer it will last.Here are some of the best ways to keep your carpet looking as good as new:

1. Vacuum regularly - at least once or twice a week, especially in high traffic areas.This will prevent dirt build up that can degrade and damage the fibres.Make sure you set the correct height for your carpet pile, otherwise you could damage the fibres or they won\'t be cleaned properly.Invest in a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to keep dust out of the carpet.
   
2. Deep clean every 18 months to 2 years - a good professional cleaning company can recommend the best method to remove stains and give your carpet a spring clean.The most common methods are steam or dry cleaning.
   
3. Treat stains immediately - blot excess liquid before it soaks in.Club soda is excellent for immediate stain action. Simply dash a small amount onto the blotted spill, then blot again.
   
4. Use carpet approved cleaning products - never use just any household cleaner on your carpet as this may damage the fibres and leave a stain. Make sure the product is approved for using on your type of carpet.
   
5. Change high traffic pathways - try to avoid one constant route through your house by rearranging furniture.This helps prevent wear and tear from constant use and reduces crushing of the carpet pile.Also add furniture glides to distribute weight and prevent crushing marks.
   
6. Never scrub your carpet - this will damage the fibres.Always dab stains and marks from the outside to the middle.
7. Use door mats at entrances - this will reduce the amount of dirt brought into your home.Make sure the mats are large enough to be able to enter the house without standing on the carpet and to pick up any mud from shoes.Also encourage everyone to remove their shoes before entering and place a shoe rack by the front door.
   
8. Test stain products before use - always find an inconspicuous area to check whether the product removes the colour of your carpet.
   
9. Keep your kitchen floor clean - this will prevent oil and grease from being trampled through your home.
   
10. Trim stray fibres - sometimes fibres may tuft up above the surface of the carpet.Do not pull them, simply trim to the height of the rest of the fibres.