-
Step 1
Choose a carpet made of a fiber that has had a fabric protection or stain resistant treatment. This extends the life of the carpet because it makes the fibers stronger by coating them. It also helps stains to clean up nicely by not allowing them to permanently set. Add any extra protective coatings that are available to whatever carpeting you purchase. The more layers of protection that you have, the better your carpeting will wear.
-
Step 2
Vacuum regularly. Your carpet will often hold a ton of dirt before it actually looks dirty. This dirt will drop down between the carpet fibers and be ground into the carpeting as you walk. Too much embedded dirt will wear the carpeting out sooner. It will make it look dingy and out of shape.
-
Step 3
Clean up spots as soon as you see them. Even with carpet treatments, a stain will often set if it's left there long enough. Clean the stain with carpet foam or some other treatment made for that purpose as quickly as you can. If you can blot the spot up with a damp cloth, don't bother with other products. For a stain removal guide for carpeting, check out the Website in our Resources section.
-
Step 4
Cover your carpeting with carpeting. Area rugs provide great protection. The first places to wear out on a carpet are the high traffic paths between your furniture or down your hallways. Use a second carpet runner or rug to add extra protection to those more vulnerable areas.
-
Step 5
Keep the direct sun from beating on your carpets. The sun will fade the carpets. It can make the area it hits look old and dingy before its time. Use shades, blinds and curtains in the sunniest part of the day.
-
Step 6
Move your furniture around regularly. You won't wear a pathway or make permanent furniture dings in the carpet if you rearrange things once in a while.
-
Step 7
Take care of your carpeting by protecting trouble spots and keeping it really clean. They will stay beautiful for years if you put just a little time into caring for them.
