Carpet Cleaning: Understanding the Basics

The carpet constitutes one of the main elements of furniture in a residence or office. It is mainly found in areas with heavy pedestrian traffic. In an office space, carpets are mainly used for soundproofing purposes and to adhere to certain insurance policies, as they provide a non-slip surface and help prevent injuries to employees. In most homes, rugs are used in active areas such as living rooms and bedrooms for essentially the same reasons. Anyone who has lived in an apartment has had to deal with rowdy neighbors, whose noise carried through the floor, ceiling and poorly soundproofed walls.

You probably wish the upstairs neighbors had been considerate enough to install a rug on their floor to reduce noise. Or maybe you have young children who run and play around, much to the chagrin of your neighbors. Installing a carpet or rug on the floor of their bedroom or playroom will help reduce sound intensity, noise and echo, and spare your neighbors from high-pitched screams and other annoyances such as toys falling on the floor. The mats also have shock absorption properties that protect against injury in the event of a fall. Since carpet is mainly used in rooms with heavy traffic, it is important to maintain it appropriately in order to extend its lifespan. Basic carpet maintenance is therefore the only way to keep it clean, safe and looking good for many years to come.

Carpets and clean air

There is a common misconception that carpet contributes to asthma and allergy symptoms. In reality, it’s quite the opposite. Recent studies have shown that people who live and work in rooms covered with rugs or carpets have significantly lower asthma or allergy symptoms than people who live or work on a non-carpeted floor. These studies also demonstrated that the concentration of fine particles was higher than the norm in rooms with hard floors compared to rooms with carpet. This is because particles such as pollen, dust and pet dander fall to the floor and are trapped by the carpet fibers, preventing them from being redistributed into the air. The secret to maintaining clean indoor air is to maintain the carpet and vacuum regularly.

Maintenance and prevention

When it comes to maintenance, rugs are no different from other areas of your home or office. The most effective way to keep them clean is prevention. The principle is simple: identify and eliminate the numerous sources of dirt that infiltrate the fibers. The first line of defense is to place protective mats at entrances and exits to your home or office. This method helps prevent excessive dirt accumulation. When you are at home, ask visitors to remove their shoes before entering, especially during the winter. Most companies also require their employees to remove their shoes or boots and only use shoes worn in the office.

Weekly maintenance

Most people hate vacuuming and make a big mistake by neglecting this operation during housekeeping. Another common mistake: using carpet brooms. Although they are quick and easy to use, carpet sweepers are ineffective because they only remove surface dirt and contribute to premature carpet wear when used too often. It is therefore preferable to vacuum regularly to keep your carpet clean and prevent abrasion. It is recommended to vacuum low traffic areas at least twice a week, and every other day in high traffic areas. Quality carpets should last at least ten years when properly maintained. Regular vacuuming maintenance also helps improve indoor air quality, while respecting the carpet warranty. In summary, the frequency with which you vacuum will have a direct effect on air quality and will help extend the life of your carpet.

Annual maintenance

However, it is important to keep in mind that a lot of research has shown that vacuuming has its limitations and  should always be accompanied by a carpet cleaning service in order to remove the dirt that accumulates. is accumulated in the fibers and which is not visible to the naked eye.  To refresh the texture of the carpet and rejuvenate the fibers, a deep carpet cleaning should be performed at least twice a year by a qualified carpet cleaning professional. Additionally, carpet cleaning using a hot water extraction process is often an essential condition for the validity of the carpet warranty. Certain types of carpet require special cleaning methods. Check with your carpet retailer for the recommended cleaning method for your carpet.

Also remember that carpets are a breeding ground for dust and bacteria when not maintained regularly, especially during the summer. Bacteria and mold thrive in warm temperatures. To get rid of them, your best option is to hire a professional carpet cleaner. These companies know the solutions and have the cleaning tools needed to effectively remove dust mites, allergens, pet dander, and dirt from all types of carpet.

Your furniture and decorations are a reflection of you and your family. Don’t let a shabby carpet ruin your reputation. The primary function of a rug is to add beauty, warmth and comfort to your home, reduce noise and provide additional security. It should never serve as a refuge for dirt, mold, stains or bad odors.