Winter Carpet Care: Tips to Keep Your Carpets Clean
As the Cape Town winter sets in and the first heavy rains fall, it’s important to pay special attention to the cleanliness and comfort of your carpets in your home or office. Winter can be especially tough on carpets, with muddy shoes, wet feet and moisture in the home or office being a constant challenge. However, with a few easy steps and the right approach, you can keep your carpets clean, comfortable and looking great all winter long.
Vacuum Regularly
One of the easiest and most effective ways to keep your carpet clean in winter is to vacuum it regularly. Winter usually brings in more dirt, mud and debris from outside which can get stuck in the carpet fibres if not removed quickly. Ensure that you vacuum at minimum once a week, or more frequently in high traffic areas. Use a vacuum cleaner with a rotating brush to effectively loosen and remove dirt from your carpet. Alternatively sweep before you vacuum the carpet to loosen any dirt.
Use entrance mats
Prevention is of great importance when caring for your carpet in the winter. Having doormats at both the outside and inside of your entryway can significantly reduce the amount of dirt and moisture that gets walked onto your carpet. Choose a durable, highly absorbent mat that can effectively soak up dirt and moisture. Encourage your family, guests or clients to your business to thoroughly wipe their shoes before entering the home to minimize the amount of dirt brought into the home. In some cases, removing muddy or wet shoes at the door is the best solution.
Clean up Stains Immediately
Accidents happen, all year round and not only in winter. Clean up spills and stains immediately to prevent them from becoming embedded in the carpet fibres. Blot (do not rub) the stain with a clean cloth or paper towel to absorb as much liquid as possible. Then, treat the stain with a carpet cleaner appropriate for the type of stain and carpet material. Always test the cleaner on a small, inconspicuous area of the carpet first to make sure it won’t cause damage. Some over-the-counter products can often cause more harm than good. In our experience we have seen many carpets damaged by using the incorrect chemicals causing white marks where the stains were. Many over the counter products contain bleaching agents.
Schedule Professional Carpet Deep Cleaning
While regular vacuuming and stain removal are basic maintenance tasks, having your carpet professionally cleaned once or twice a year can freshen up your carpet and extend its lifespan. Professional carpet cleaners have the equipment and expertise to thoroughly clean your carpet and remove embedded dirt, allergens, and stains. Although some carpet cleaners may guarantee stain removal, some stains unfortunately do not budge and cannot be removed due to factors such as age of the stain and the type of fibre. Some carpet surfaces are not stain friendly, however nylon fibers are easier to remove stains from than other carpet fibers. Carpet cleaning in winter is not ideal but is possible as long as there is enough airflow through the carpeted areas. Other ways to speed up drying times is to use a fan or a blower. For really wet carpets, additional dehumidifiers can be used to ensure that all the moisture is removed from the carpet.
Control Indoor Humidity
In winter, indoor air is often dry with air conditioners systems running at warmer temperatures. Consider using a humidifier to maintain a comfortable indoor humidity level, ideally between 30% and 50%. Not only will this improve overall comfort in your home or office, but it will also prevent your carpet from becoming too dry and brittle.
Rotate Furniture and Carpets
Rotating your furniture and carpets regularly during the winter can help avoid uneven wear on your carpets. Heavy furniture can compress carpet fibres over time, causing visible indentations and wear patterns. Rotating your furniture and rugs distributes the weight more evenly, reducing the chance of permanent damage to your carpets.
Ensure Proper Drying
In winter, more moisture often finds its way into your home from wet shoes and wet umbrellas. To prevent mould growth, allow wet items to dry thoroughly before placing anything on carpets. Consider installing a designated drying area near entrances to store umbrella’s and shoes to minimize moisture transfer to your carpet.
In conclusion, caring for your carpet during the winter requires a combination of preventative measures, regular maintenance, and occasional professional cleaning. Following these winter carpet care tips will help keep your carpets and rugs looking clean and fresh all year round. Although carpets can improve the aesthetics of your home, insufficient care and maintenance can cause hygiene problems in the long run. Need to get your carpets deep cleaned? Contact us for an obligation free quotation.
