Simple, Inexpensive Carpet and Interior Textiles Care Tips

If you are like most people, the more time you spend at home, the more you discover room for improvement in your living space. If you are planning home improvement projects and spring cleaning, be sure to add carpet and upholstery care to your to-do list. When it comes to carpeting, upholstery, and other interior textiles, cleanliness is a simple and inexpensive way to improve the appeal of your home. Here’s what you can do:

Treat Spots

It can be as difficult to overlook a spot on carpet or upholstery as it is to overlook a blob of mustard on someone’s white shirt. Like tending to a spot on clothing, time is of the essence. Hopefully, you are aware of a spot as soon as it happens, but even if you discover a spot after the fact, you may still be able to remove it.

First remove any solid debris. Press a clean white cloth into the spot if it is moist to soak up and lift the spill out of the surface. Repeat as needed until no more moisture transfer is taking place. Apply a mild detergent solution to a fresh white cloth. Dab and blot the surface in an inconspicuous area to test for possible discoloration. If all goes well, dab and blot the spot. Avoid rubbing the spot, because this will cause it to spread into the surrounding surface. Alternate moistened cloths and dry fresh cloths to repeat the process, as needed — dab and blot, then absorb moisture, dab and blot again, and so on. More often than not, professional cleaning and spot removal can remove particularly stubborn spots.

Get Rid of Dirt

Interior textiles that look brand new create a welcoming atmosphere. The best way to prevent premature wear on carpets and upholstery is to vacuum often. When dirt, grit, and other abrasive contaminants are left on the surface of carpets and upholstery, they act like sandpaper. Vacuuming removes most of these damaging particles. A professional deep cleaning will extract any debris and grime that gets trapped deep within the fibers.

Banish Odors and Allergens

Carpeting acts like a large filter that traps all kinds of odors and allergens, but especially pet odors. Upholstery, drapery, and other interior textiles can trap odors and allergens, as well. Eliminating dust, dirt, dander, allergens, and other pollutants from your home is especially important for people with allergies or sensitivity to dust particles. Vacuuming regularly can help keep your carpeting and interior textiles clean and fresh. Keep your vacuum in tip-top shape in order to prevent particles from escaping your vacuum, returning into the indoor air, and settling back onto carpets and upholstery. Use high quality vacuum bags, do not allow bags to become overly full, and never reuse bags.

Read Our Carpet and Interior Textiles Care Guide

For good, sound care information on treating spots, maintaining your vacuum cleaner, and more, read our free, downloadable Carpet and Interior Textiles Care Guide. Chances are you will find the answers to any questions you may have about caring for your carpet, upholstery, or other interior textiles in this valuable resource, and of course, you can always feel free to contact us with specific questions.

This is one of a series of articles written and published on behalf of Surface Care PRO Partners.