Fall is well underway and, with a constant chill settling into the air, there’s no doubt that winter isn’t too far behind the changing seasons. As much as many Albertans would love to hold onto summer weather all year round, we all know that snow, slush and grime are an inevitable part of the colder months. Winter can be particularly difficult on your home’s flooring, especially if you have a fair amount of carpet to deal with. Fortunately, with the right seasonal care plan in place, you can help to avoid damage to your carpets, as well as extend the life of your floors overall. Below, we’ll cover a few quick tips to help you avoid winter damage to your carpets. Read on to learn more!
1. Identifying the Biggest Risk
It’s no secret that one of the biggest danger to any kind of flooring is moisture. Carpets are particularly susceptible due to the fact that they can often absorb excess moisture and slowly rot on the underside. Taking steps to minimize the introduction of outside materials into your home will help to reduce the risk of mould or rot, as well as keep your floors looking their best all year round.
Prevent moisture (and dirt) from entering your home by placing mats at the front entrance, removing your shoes immediately, wiping your pets’ paws, and being generally mindful of any spills or melting snow that may find a way in otherwise. The key here is prevention, but be prepared to act quick if your safeguards fail!
2. Don’t Let Wet Spots Hang Out to Dry
Okay, we’ve mentioned that your number one goal is prevention, but what happens when moisture does manage to find its way onto your carpets? Sometimes, despite our best efforts, mother nature has other plans in mind. Whether it’s a window being left open, your child forgetting to remove their boots when they get home, or even Fido going on the fritz, you will find yourself having to tend to some wet spots eventually. When you find yourself in this situation, the biggest thing you need to remember is that you’ll want to move fast before things have a chance to soak deep down.
For smaller wet spots, you may be able to resolve any issues by blotting with paper towels, but for larger spots you may need to pull in cloth towels or even look at using a carpet cleaner to remove excess moisture. Bear in mind that the age of your carpet will also play a role here; newer installations may still have more of a protective barrier underneath, where older and more worn carpets will be more susceptible to damage over time.
3. Plan to Clean More Often
Vacuuming may not be your favourite winter past time, but the reality is, stepping up your game can have drastic benefits when it comes to maintaining your carpets. Plan to vacuum once to twice a week minimum during the colder months, once as a quick tidy, and the second serving as a more dedicated deep clean. The more you clean, the less chance dirt will have to bury into the fibre of your carpets. This translates to less allergens, better looking carpet, and the best value possible!
Need Help Finding the Right Flooring?
Whether you’re finishing up a new build or want your home to feel brand new, Ashely Fine Floors is here to help. For over 25 years, we’ve helped Edmontonians find their perfectly flooring solutions, including carpets, hardwood, luxury vinyl tile and more! Learn more about our in-store solutions by contacting our team today!