Keeping your carpet clean will make it last longer. Vacuum your floors as often as you can. Vacuuming not only removes dirt from the carpet but it also keeps the pile from matting down. The best vacuum for your carpet is one that has a beater bar and rotating brush that helps to rise up the pile of the carpet. Be sure to shampoo your carpet at least once every two months in order to remove built up soil that is not removed by vacuuming. By the time your carpet looks dirty the soils have already had a chance to damage the fibers of your pile.

Most of the dirt and soil that ends up on your carpet is tracked in from outside. You can easily eliminate this problem by instituting a “no shoes” policy. Have your family members remove their shoes as soon as they come in the door. This rule will be easier to follow if you place a bench or chair near the door where people can sit to remove their shoes. Place a mat near the door to place dirty shoes on or clear a hall closet to make room for them. From time to time you may have guests who will come in with their shoes on but you can put a mat outside the door for them to wipe their feet on. You will be surprised at how much cleaner your carpet will be and you can avoid stains from mud and soil.

Placing area rugs and runners over high traffic areas of your carpeting such as hallways and in front of sofas and chairs can prevent worn out areas and matted pile. Change the arrangement of your furniture often in order to wear the carpet evenly and to avoid permanent dents from the legs of your furniture.

If you are installing new carpeting always have a quality carpet pad installed underneath it. Carpet pad helps carpeting from becoming matted and it also allows for more efficient vacuuming. While it may be an extra expense it can really make your carpet last much longer.

It is a proven fact that a good looking carpet is the most important component to a homes appearance, but replacing a carpet is expensive. You want your carpet to last as long as possible. Use the following tips to extend the life of your carpet:

Tip 1: Padding is important, ideally no more than 7/16-inch thick, unless your carpet came with it attached. Also use pads under small rugs, and rotate them from time to time.
Tip 2: In areas that get a lot of sun exposure, keep your drapes or curtains closed to prevent fading or browning.
Tip 3: Leave dirt outside. You may feel a bit uneasy about asking guests to remove their shoes, but by leaving footwear at the door, you keep the dirt out. In addition, take the time to sweep your home’s sidewalks, and at the very least invest in heavy-duty doormats to prevent excess dirt from entering the house.
Tip 4: Confine all snacking to the kitchen. Your family may protest this rule, but it’s the only way to prevent spills from staining your carpeting. Sauces, chocolate and juices are lethal to your carpet’s aesthetic value. If food does find its way to your carpet, be sure to clean it up immediately.
Tip 5: Run the vacuum often. In high-traffic areas, carpets should be vacuumed daily. In less-traveled areas, vacuum one to two times per week. Vacuuming often will remove damaging dirt from the fibers. Buy an upright vacuum fitted with beater bars.
Tip 6: Keep your socks on. While walking without shoes will help to make your carpet last longer, you shouldn’t walk on your carpeting with bare feet. The oils present on the skin will stick to carpet fibers and attract dirt and grime.
Tip 7: Change the room’s layout often. To break up the same old traffic pattern and to avoid wearing the carpeting down in the same spots, move your furniture around. This will create new foot traffic and your whole carpet will last longer, not just one area.