Why Regular Maintenance Is Important
Having your carpets professionally deep cleaned once or twice a year is crucial for removing embedded dirt, allergens, and stains. However, there are things you can do between deep cleanings to keep your carpets looking and smelling fresh. Maintaining your carpets in between deep cleanings will extend their life, improve air quality, and create a healthier home.
Prevent Dirt Buildup
One of the best ways to keep carpets clean between professional services is to prevent dirt and debris from being tracked inside in the first place. I make sure to take my shoes off as soon as I enter the house and encourage guests to do the same. Placing mats at every exterior door helps collect dirt from shoes before it gets ground into the carpet fibers. I also keep a small handheld vacuum by the front door to quickly suck up dirt that has been tracked inside.
Vacuum Frequently
Frequent vacuuming is crucial for keeping carpets clean and refreshed between deep cleanings. I aim to vacuum high-traffic areas like hallways and living spaces at least every other day. For low-traffic areas like bedrooms, vacuuming once or twice a week is sufficient. Be sure to use a vacuum with strong suction and change out filters regularly for the best results.
Spot Clean Spills and Stains
It’s inevitable that spills and stains will happen between deep cleanings. Treating them quickly prevents them from setting and becoming permanent. I always keep a dedicated carpet spot cleaner on hand to apply to problem areas as soon as they occur. Letting it sit for a few minutes before blotting with a clean cloth lifts the stain. For tough stains, repeat applications may be necessary.
Consider Interim Professional Cleanings
Depending on your lifestyle and how quickly your carpets get soiled, interim professional cleanings one or more times a year may be worthwhile. Even if you don’t opt for a full deep cleaning each time, having a pro use a carpet rake or absorbent compound to freshen things up can extend the time between full services.
DIY Maintenance Tips and Tricks
In addition to vacuuming, there are some simple DIY methods you can use at home to keep carpets fresh between deep cleanings:
Baking Soda
Sprinkling baking soda over carpets, let sit for up to an hour, and then vacuuming up is an easy way to absorb odors and freshen the air. The baking soda also acts as a carpet cleaning powder to lift some ground-in dirt and debris.
Steam Cleaning
Handheld steam cleaners are a useful tool for spot cleaning and sanitizing between deep cleanings. The pressurized steam helps lift stains, kill germs and bacteria, and remove allergens from carpets.
DIY Carpet Shampoo
For a deeper clean, make a simple carpet shampoo solution with warm water, liquid dish soap, vinegar, and essential oils. Use a sponge or brush to work it into soiled areas then rinse clean. This helps lift dirt from fibers and makes carpets smell fresh.
Deodorizers
Carpet deodorizing powders and dry carpet freshening sprays are easy to apply. Let sit for at least an hour before vacuuming up. These products help eliminate odors left behind from spills, pets, smoke, and cooking.
Signs It’s Time for a Deep Cleaning
While regular maintenance at home can help, there will come a point when it’s time to call the pros for a thorough deep cleaning. Signs your carpets need more than DIY touch-ups include:
- Noticeable dark traffic patterns on lighter carpets
- Carpets feeling rough or matted in high traffic areas
- Visible staining despite spot cleaning efforts
- Musty or bad odors coming from carpets
- Allergy flare ups and irritated eyes/nose/throat
- Visible dirt in fibers after vacuuming
- Last professional cleaning was over a year ago
Neglecting necessary deep cleaning causes dirt, allergens, and grime to build up in carpets over time. Getting them professionally cleaned once or twice a year is the best way to keep carpets fresh and extend their lifespan. Properly maintaining them in between will allow you to go longer between deep cleanings.
Conclusion
Regular vacuuming, prompt spot cleaning, entrance mats, interim professional services, and DIY cleaners like steam, carpet shampoo, and deodorizers allow you to keep carpets fresh in between yearly or bi-yearly deep cleaning. While deep professional cleaning services are still essential, taking a little time for maintenance at home will help carpets stay clean, free of odors, and looking their best. Taking good care of your carpets protects your investment and creates a healthier indoor environment.
