Now that the cooler months have arrived it’s time for homeowners to consider the proper care for their carpets throughout the winter. Snow, dirt, and busy schedules can create wear and tear on even the best-kept surfaces. To avoid needing to replace your carpets earlier than usual, here are a few of our top tips for Winter Carpet Maintenance.
Place Mats Strategically
For rooms that will see higher daily traffic, it’s important to place mats at the entrance. Why? Mats will help you trap dirt and moisture before they can come into contact with your carpets. They’re also far easier to remove and clean, meaning you’ll spend less time on overall maintenance. For good measure, you’ll want to try and give your mats a good shake out/vacuum every other week, or as needed.
Shoes off!
It can be easy to forget to remove our shoes, especially when in a hurry. Taking those extra few seconds during the winter, however, can be a lifesaver for your floors. Salt, sand, dirt, and of course snow that are trapped in your tread can easily get buried in carpet fibres. Not only does that become tedious to remove, but where moisture is concerned, exposure can also lead to moulding or onset signs of carpet rot.
Amp up your care
Vacuuming may not be your favourite chore, but when it comes to extending the life of your carpet, it’s a must during the colder months. As we said, there’s a variety of different containments that could damage your flooring if left untreated. Try to double your typical vacuuming schedule. If you typically do bi-weekly, try to plan for once a week, etc. It’s also important to spot clean if you notice a trail of dirt being left behind.
Bonus tip:Notice a build up of road salt or sand? Fret not! You can treat it early on by mixing a 1-1 solution of water and white vinegar and misting it over the area (careful not to use too much. You want it moist, not soaked). From there, use a microfiber or terry cloth towel to gently blot the area, reabsorbing as much moisture as possible. Then, carefully rinse the area with warm water to remove any vinegar leftover and again, blot to absorb any moisture.
Plan to have your carpets professionally cleaned in the Spring
It’s a best practice to have your carpets professionally cleaned once a year to extend their lifetime, and most people opt to this in the Spring. That way all of the dirt and grime that may have accumulated during the winter is removed, leaving your carpet plush and like new! One thing to remember here is: book early! Many cleaners are booked months in advance, especially once the snow starts to melt. Thinking ahead will save you money, and avoid a potential headache.
Carpets are a fantastic way to keep your home warm and cozy in cooler temperatures. To learn more about what styles are best suited to your home, contact us today!