Carpet is more than just flooring — it’s an investment in your home. Keeping it looking fresh and maintaining its quality for years requires regular care and attention. Most carpets are durable, but they can still wear down over time due to dirt, spills, and everyday wear. Fortunately, you don’t have to put in a lot of effort; you can extend the life of your carpet by applying these six easy steps.

Vacuum Regularly

Vacuuming your carpet once a week is the best way to keep up with dirt and debris and extend its life. Dirt and dust slowly break down carpet fibers, acting as sandpaper when you walk on them. Most carpets only need to be vacuumed once a week for regular maintenance, but high-traffic areas may need to be vacuumed two to three times a week. If you don’t vacuum regularly, the carpet will lose its soft texture and start to become discolored. 

Most upright vacuums are suitable for regular cleaning as they possess more power than cordless, stick vacuums and can easily lift hair, dirt, and other debris embedded in carpet fibers. Vacuums with adjustable height settings can also provide extra care for your carpet, as you can control the amount of pressure you put on the fibers. 

Protect High-Traffic Areas

Carpet that receives a lot of foot traffic needs to be protected. Most people need to take two to three steps with each foot in order to remove dirt and debris, so you should consider adding a rug or mat to high-traffic areas. A rug or mat will protect high-traffic areas and contribute to the longevity of your carpet. 

A nylon mat with a vinyl or rubber back is the best for in front of doors because it’s highly resistant to wear, absorbs moisture, and won’t shift or slide when walked on. Other spots to consider for a rug are hallways and areas in front of couches or chairs. 

Take Off Your Shoes

To further extend the life of your carpet, encourage family members and guests to remove their shoes when they enter the house. This is especially important if you have light-colored or high-maintenance carpets. Shoes can track in mud, dirt, and other debris that quickly break down carpet fibers. They can also track in outdoor pollutants, like pesticides or chemicals. 

In addition to removing shoes, consider placing a dormant outside. This can add a layer of protection for your carpet as people can remove some debris before entering the house. 

Clean Spills Immediately 

Part of carpet maintenance includes watching for spots, spills, or stains. The sooner you take care of a potential stain the less likely you will be left with a permanent problem. Certain liquids, such as coffee, wine, or pet waste, can seep under the carpet into the padding, leading to odors, potential mold growth, and damage to the surface and the underneath of the carpet. 

For minor stains, you can use household items such as dish soap, water, rubbing alcohol, white vinegar, or baking soda. Which combination of items you will use will depend on the stain. Make sure you identify the spill correctly and blot (don’t rub) it to clean it. For big, deep, or hazardous spills, call a professional. 

Rearrange Your Furniture

If you want to ensure even wear on your carpet, you could consider rearranging your furniture regularly (every six to 12 months). This allows you to distribute foot traffic, avoid unsightly wear patterns, and prevent constant pressure on the same spots of your carpet. 

If you don’t like the idea of rearranging your rooms and you have lots of heavy furniture, consider using coasters under the legs as this will reduce the pressure and extend the life of your carpet.

Invest in Deep Cleaning 

Getting your carpets deep cleaned every 12 to 18 months can not only remove deeply embedded dirt and dust not reached by your vacuum, but it can also revitalize the fibers. A deep clean can also remove any potential allergens and bacteria. For high-traffic areas, such as entryways, consider deep cleaning your carpets every six months. 

You can rent carpet cleaning equipment and do it yourself or you can save time and energy by hiring professional carpet cleaning experts. 

Extend the Life of Your Biggest Investment — Your Carpet

You don’t have to put in much when it comes to maintaining your carpet. A little effort goes a long way. Mindful habits, regular cleaning, and yearly deep cleaning will preserve the life of your carpet and allow you to enjoy it for years to come.