by Sarah E. Sanuth

Created on: May 14, 2008

Carpets hold everything. No matter how often you vacuum, you never seem to get everything up. From pet hair and odor to children and shoes, you carpets take the brunt of it all. First impressions are everything, and most of the time the first thing someone is going to see when they walk in your house is your carpet. Keeping it fresh and looking clean is simple with a few tips, tricks and some equipment to go with it.

Vacuuming

It's a day to day chore that we don't always want to do but we must in order to keep in clean. Carpets collect everything and after time, dirt and other small debris sink to the bottom. Choose a vacuum based on its power, not its price. More often than not, a vacuum that seems to be of good price it not of good quality. Suction power is the most important feature of a vacuum. Choose one that provides the best power.

Vacuuming Tips

1. Consistency is key. Vacuum regularly to prevent debris from being buried too deep.

2. Long slow strokes. Moving too fast will prevent the vacuum from sucking up anything that is deep.

3. Alternate directions. Carpet fibers move when you vacuum. It is crucial to vacuum from all direction to ensure that you are removing everything inside the carpet.

4. Overlap swipes. This will ensure that you don't "miss a spot."

Shampooing

There are many products on the market today that are labeled carpet cleaners. But be aware, most will usually just drop water and suck it back up. Make sure that you choose a quality machine that agitates well and has good suction. Price again is an indicator; the cheaper the prices, most likely it's of lower quality. Be careful though, a lot of these cleaners sold at department stores do not work well on Berber carpet, they were designed before its widespread use.

There is nothing wrong with having a smaller, lightweight cleaner on hand for those spur of the moment spills that need to be tackled right away.

Most of the equipment that can be rented at a vacuum shop is of very high quality. Check these places out to see whether or not they have used equipment for sale. Often times you can get the best quality shampooer at a discount price.

Shampooing Tips

1. Always vacuum first.

2. Use a high quality cleaner designed for your floor type. Tide HE Laundry Detergent works very well, and much less expensive that "carpet cleaners."

3. Long slow strokes. This will ensure that the agitator has enough time on the carpet surface to move, and the suck up and materials that may be in the carpet.

4. Alternate direction.

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