Don’t sweep these helpful tips under the rug
Expert advice: Carpet diem
By Sheila Paz
Nearly every homeowner embraces the comfort of carpets or rugs in their homes. However, maintaining these additions can become cumbersome when the wrong products worsen stains or fade the vibrant hues of your rugs. We asked Gerald Brant of Lowcountry Clean Care to share a few tips to help you ensure the longevity of your carpets, rugs and upholstery.
1. Fighting the stain game
Stains are unavoidable for our carpets and rugs, even in pet-free environments. With many house-cleaning products available, finding one that works without causing damage can be like searching for a needle in a haystack. Lowcountry Clean Care offers a simple yet effective solution that might already be in your home: three percent peroxide. Housed in its typical brown bottle, this powerful cleaning agent tackles stains and odors, including pet urine, while ensuring the well-being of your carpets and rugs. Light mist with peroxide, gently buff with a cotton towel and let dry. Do not apply heat to dry the stain, as heat will act as an activation agent and result in a bleach stain. If the stain persists, repeat these steps. Remember, not all stains can be removed.
2. Dust-busting equipment
Improve your home cleaning routine with the addition of a dependable vacuum – a game-changer for cleanliness. Lowcountry Clean Care recommends the Miele canister vacuum, renowned for its effectiveness in eliminating dirt and allergens. Featuring sealed compartments to prevent dust blowback, this high-quality investment ensures lasting maintenance for your rugs, carpets and upholstery. Vacuum high-traffic areas, like hallways and living rooms, at least twice a week. In homes with pets or children, you might need to vacuum these areas more frequently. For rooms that aren’t used as often, such as guest rooms or formal living rooms, vacuuming once a week is typically sufficient. Even with regular vacuuming, it’s a good idea to have your carpets professionally cleaned at least once a year to remove deep-seated dirt and debris.
3. Curtain call
Though it might be tempting to overlook your drapes, ensuring their longevity requires adding them to your cleaning routine. Gently brushing and vacuuming your drapes once a year will prevent dust build-up and deter bugs from calling your drapes home, ensuring a pristine appearance and contributing to a healthier living environment. Optimal tools for this task include a detachable crevice or brush tool on your vacuum. Stay clear from using water-based cleaners, as the chemicals in household cleaners can result in stubborn stains that are challenging to remove.
4. Lasting elegance
Having been around for about 2,500 years, oriental rugs showcase a legacy of craftsmanship and timeless elegance that endures through generations. Ensuring their lasting beauty involves using proper cleaning techniques. Lowcountry Clean Care recommends keeping them out of high-traffic areas and maintaining routine vacuuming. If relocating is not feasible, professional washing every one to two years, combined with regular vacuuming, becomes essential to their preservation.
