Proper carpet cleaning and care protects your carpet investment. According to the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI), carpet cleaning can be accomplished with a simple five-step routine. The practices below can help you maintain your carpet’s high quality look and feel.

1. Soil containment. About 80%-94% of soil that is brought into the building is due to soil on shoes. Either remove shoes at the front door and/or use walk-off matting to reduce dirt, mud, and other debris from soiling and damaging the carpet. Sweeping and cleaning the sidewalks and parking lots can also help because this reduces the buildup of debris on walk-off matting, making them more effective in removing dirt and soil from shoes.
2. Vacuuming. Vacuum when needed and at the right frequency. Vacuum at least once a week with a CRI approved vacuum and a CRI approved carpet cleaning product. Regular vacuuming will reduce loose soils on carpets and can also improve air quality. Regular vacuuming of carpet in high traffic areas will also help reduce visible traffic lanes and help prevent permanent damage.
3. Spot and stain remover. Clean spots and spills immediately! The longer the spot or spill remains on the carpet, the more it will be absorbed and harder to remove. Cleaning it immediately will significantly reduce the chances of that stain turning permanent.
4. Interim cleaning. If vacuuming or spot cleaning isn’t doing the job, interim cleaning methods such as bonnet cleaning or encapsulation cleaning can be utilized. Bonnet and encapsulation cleaning is only effective if the carpets aren’t heavily soiled, otherwise the dirt and soil will only spread.
5. Restorative cleaning. The CRI suggests that you get your carpets professionally deep cleaned every 12 to 18 months to remove embedded soil. Extraction cleaning is still recognized as the only deep cleaning method for carpet by professionals.

For more resources on carpet care,

watch the video Secrets to Carpet Cleaning Success

or to read more about carpet care, please refer to Carpet Care or Carpet Floor Care Method Bulletin 1401.