Keep Your Carpet Looking NewerFor Longer

Your beautiful new carpet will look stunning when first installed, so you want to make sure it stays that way for as long as possible. Here are some simple ways to help you keep your carpet looking newer for longer

1. Vacuum - as often as you can

Not just a quick pass to pick up visible dirt and crumbs but a thorough 4-6 pass treatment in high traffic areas and 2-3 passes in others. We recommend vacuuming at least weekly, though particularly busy rooms may need more frequent vacuuming.

Make sure your vacuum is working efficiently too. The bag (or bagless cylinder) should be no more than half full, brushes should be free of hair and not worn, and the belt that drives them should be tight.

• Tip 1: Set up a roster and make sure the whole family helps out. Let them know that pocket money has to be earned.
• Tip 2: Cue up your favourite playlist or podcast on your portable device, insert your ear buds, and forget you are doing housework.

2. Clean spills immediately

Even with a food and drink stain resistant carpet such as STAINMASTER^® carpet, it's important to address any spills straight away. The longer a spill is left to sit on the carpet, the more difficult it can be to remove.

For the majority of spills on a STAINMASTER^® carpet, we recommend a simple cleaning solution of warm water and mild dishwashing detergent.

• Scoop up as much of the spill as possible
• Apply the cleaning solution and blot gently. Never rub or scrub.
• Dry with white paper towel and weigh it down with a heavy object such as a glass to absorb all of the moisture.

For more specific cleaning instructions, go to stainmaster.com.au/carpetcare for advice on over 70 different types of stains.

3. Move your furniture around

Your carpet will wear more in busy traffic routes and in front of where people sit. So if you can, move furniture around every six months to a year, to even-up the wear.

New layouts can be quite refreshing, and even modest adjustments can help keep carpet wear more even. Glides under the furniture will make the job easier and combat carpet crushing.

4. Invest in professional steam cleaning

Steam cleaning, also known as hot water extraction, removes more soil and spot types than other methods, and it's worth having it done every 18 months. In fact, in most cases you'll need to get it done this often to maintain the warranty on your carpet.

Make sure you use a certified carpet steam cleaner and avoid dry-cleaning, as it can be abrasive to the fibres in your carpet.

5. Minimise tracked in dirt

When you and your kids walk straight into the house, you're using the carpet to clean the soles of your shoes. Surface soil dulls the carpet colour and dirt can grind away at the fibres, making the carpet look even duller. Invest in good quality entry mats and issue firm instructions on their use.

Follow these five simple steps to help your carpets look newer for longer.