Expert Tips On Carpet Maintenance Between Professional Cleanings

Copyright (c) 2011 Maeling Demdam

It would be nice to have your carpet professionally cleaned every week after the kids have tracked everything and the dirt into the house, but that's just wishful thinking. While we can still dream, there are easy solutions to maintaining your carpet in between each professional cleaning. Read up on these simple tips and you and your carpet can stop dreading the moment your local carpet cleaning professional walks out the door and the muddy paws run in.

Trust in the Power of the Vacuum

Your dog isn't the only one scared of the vacuum. Dirt and soil on your carpet can be reduced and eliminated by vacuuming one to two times a week, keeping your carpet feeling fresh even between professional cleanings. Make sure to remove debris from the vacuum brushes and empty out the bag when necessary to ensure that your vacuum is operating at its full potential. If you don't have the time to vacuum twice a week yourself, divide the work with your spouse or teenager - a little extra work will go a long way for your carpet.

Take a Cue from the East

More often than not, Asian households require that shoes come off at the door or before entering the house. This is the easiest way to prevent dirt from tracking into the house - it's just a matter of training your children and guests to remove their shoes at the door. A great way to politely remind those entering your house to take off their shoes is by placing a door mat at the front door. Door mats come in various styles and sizes, and some are even stitched with a kind reminder to please remove shoes before entering. This simple gesture is not too much to ask and can vastly reduce the amount of soil on your carpet - before you know it your neighbors will be doing it for their homes too.

A Clean Pet Means a Happy Pet…And a Happy Carpet

If your vacuum becomes clogged regularly with Buster's long golden retriever fur then it's time to reconsider your pet cleaning routine. Brushing your dog outside with a dog comb or a lint roller after a walk will reduce the amount of soil, fur and dander that is tracked in. This simple step will remove an excess of fur and keep the hair outside rather than inside on your carpet. Washing your pet regularly is another step to reducing the amount of fur that is shed and maintaining a fresh coat for both your pet and your carpet.

When It's Finally Time to Call the Professionals

Before you go running into the arms of your professional carpet cleaner, make sure you know that you are getting the right service for your carpet and your family. First off, how often should you get your carpet professionally cleaned? This varies from household to household, but the following descriptions will help you estimate the right frequency for your home:

Light Soil - Every 12-18 months

Normal Soil (families with children) - Every 6-12 months

Heavy Soil (families with children and pets) - Every 3-6 months

Extreme Conditions (large families, multiple pets) - Every 2-3 months

Typically, these guidelines target the traffic areas of your house including the foyer, hallways and bedrooms.

Be cautious when hiring a professional carpet cleaner. Make sure you research the company and become educated on the services they provide and the technology they use. Look for companies that utilize fast-drying techniques to ensure that your carpet dries quickly and eliminates the risk of mold and mildew development. Another excellent feature to look for in a carpet cleaner is the use of green technology - green carpet cleaning not only helps maintain a healthy environment for your family, but is also friendly to the planet.

A clean carpet helps maintain a healthy household and all it takes is a collective effort from your friends and family. A simple vacuum twice a week, an easy slip off of the shoes and bath for the dog are all ways to extend the life of your carpet - now waiting for your next professional carpet cleaning won't be so treacherous anymore.


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Oxi Fresh Carpet Cleaning is one of the leading green Phoenix carpet cleaning solutions on the market today. Their innovative products and technology continue to set the standard, making them a very popular carpet cleaner in Phoenix and one of the nation's fastest growing carpet cleaner franchises.