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Keeping a carpet in the home clean can be a challenge. Carpeting adds to the beauty of the interior of a home however, many times it is difficult to keep your carpets looking clean and smelling fresh.

Professional carpet cleaners usually do an extraordinary job but the services can be very costly. There are several ways in which you can keep your carpets at home clean and soil free without having to spend a great deal of money.

First, it may be a worthwhile investment to purchase a steam cleaner for home use. You can purchase a decent steam cleaner for about $150. Steam cleaners can clean the carpet just as well as a professional cleaning service. The only thing you have to do is invest in the initial cost of the steam-cleaning unit and be willing to invest the time required to get the job done.

Cleaning your own carpets can be time consuming but the end result is clean carpets and you will save a substantial amount of money. In addition, using a steam cleaner for your carpets should be done on the average of twice per year. If you steam clean your carpets too often you can actually end up destroying the carpet fibers and removing the scotch guard chemical that is applied at the factory prior to installation.

You may want to consider at least once a week using a foam carpet cleaner only on the visible spots on the surface of the rug. Foam carpet cleaners are safe and they are effective in removing surface dirt from the rug. After apply the foam clean wait about 20 minutes and vacuum as usual.

In addition, if you have any stains such as ink or blood; the best way to remove the stain is with a cup of peroxide and warm water. Peroxide and warm water can safely remove most of those difficult stains that would normally require professional cleaning services.

Finally, after all the cleaning and scotch proofing the carpets you may want to consider placing runners over the high traffic areas of the carpets. Generally, runners work well in areas near doors and windows. It is very easy to track dirt from the outside on to your carpets. Runners also enable a person to wipe their feet before entering the main areas of the house in order to remove any excess dirt or particles.

A good carpet should last anywhere from 5-10 years possibly longer. Proper care of your carpeting will keep it clean and may actually preserve the life span the rug. Wool rugs can cost more money but seem to provide better durability and longevity.

Learn more about this author, Pat Rapacchiano.
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