Keeping Carpets and Upholstery Clean In A Busy Home

The owner of a busy home, which translates into children, roaming pets and overworked grown-ups who still find time to entertain frequently, is always wondering how to keep carpets and upholstery clean. Here are some easy things to do to keep the carpets and upholstery presentable:

Use the Right Fabrics

There are fabrics that can tolerate wear and tear better than others. These fabrics are usually synthetics and technology has allowed them to mimic such sumptuous natural fabrics as wool and hold on to dyes as beautifully as silk. Acrylic is the fabric that feels most like natural wool. It sheds dirt and resists mildew and abrasion.

Nylon is very strong and long-lasting and hides dirt beautifully, though it should be treated for static electricity. Polyester resists dirt and stains and is moisture resistant. This allows a polyester carpet to be laid down on any floor, including the basement floor.

Use the Right Colors

White rooms look floaty and immaculate, but if they are part of a busy household, they can’t possibly stay that way. Bright, bold colors are the thing for 2019 anyway. Let them hide the irregularities until the slipcovers or drapes can go into the wash or the carpet is shampooed.

Clean Up Spills Immediately

Spills should be blotted up, not wiped, immediately. Indeed, when cleaning a spill on a carpet, Oliver Smith from Carpet Melbourne Direct Sales says to use patting motions instead of rubbing motions, which will cause the carpet to look distorted. Rubbing the stain will also just grind it into the fabric and spread it. There seems to be a solution to every type of stain, so a homeowner shouldn’t despair that red wine is going to mar their carpet forever. Red wine often responds very well to dishwashing detergent, lots of cool water and vinegar or hydrogen peroxide.

Vacuum Often, Shampoo Once in a While

A carpet that gets a lot of traffic might need to be vacuumed more than once a week and might need to be shampooed every two years or so. The latter is best done by a professional. Don’t forget to vacuum the draperies and the upholstery as well.

Make People Take Off Their Shoes

This does sound very hippy-dippy, but it goes far in extending the life of a carpet. Have a cubby by the front door and simply have everyone put their footwear in or on it. Also, it’s more comfortable for everyone in the household to walk around barefoot or in socks or fuzzy slippers.

Slip Covers

Slipcovers not only save the upholstery, but they are just the thing when the seasons change. For spring, consider flowery slipcovers. For fall, put on slipcovers that have a more autumnal theme. Change the draperies seasonally too. Send the ones that have been taken down to the cleaners or put them in the washing machine if they’re machine washable.

These are a few things a homeowner can do to keep their carpets and upholstery clean, even if their home sometimes resembles a commuter train station at rush hour. By the way, don’t be shy about getting the kids to help keep their home clean too.