4 Simple Steps to Make Carpet Last Longer

This post is brought to you by Sears Home Services. All opinions are 100% my own.  We have three kids, a big hairy dog and it rains nine months out of the year where we live. Keeping our carpet clean seems nearly impossible. On average, I read that carpets get replaced every seven years. Apparently, we are far greater than average! But then, you all knew that, amIright?! Flooring can be expensive and as a homeowner you want it to last. For years in our old home, I wanted to get our carpets replaced but it didn't seem practical with three little people spilling, romping and generally running amok in the house. We literally could not be trusted with new carpets as a young family and moved out before we installed them for the new homeowners. What a difference the new carpet made throughout the whole home! However, I totally understand not wanting to be average and doing your best to make your carpets last as long as possible. I've got 4 simple tips on how you can do just that.

4 Simple Steps to Make Carpet Last Longer

1. Remove Your Shoes We are a house divided on this one, but tests show that it takes up to 17 steps before the soles of your shoes are clean. Dirt tracked in gets down into carpet fibers and literally wears those fibers down leaving them dull and dirty looking. Removing your shoes is an easy solution to helping you keep your carpets looking clean and like new for longer.

2. Spot Clean When Necessary

The earlier you get to the spill the better! Even if your carpet comes with a stain blocker, that doesn't mean it blocks the spill. It only helps prevent the stain from getting set it and makes it easier to clean. Always blot to clean, never rub or scrub and don't over wet the carpet.

3. Get Carpets Professionally Cleaned Yearly

We don't bat an eye when it comes to regular oil changes for our car, but we tend to put off the simple maintenance of carpet cleaning.  You won't be able to give your carpet the deep cleaning that it needs and that only the professionals can give. Sears offers carpet cleaning that will clean, rinse, protect and deodorize.  While you are getting those carpets cleaned, you can get your upholstery cleaned too!

4. Vacuum Often

I vacuum daily with our robot vacuum {take that Jetson's!} in our heavily-used areas. Picking up dirt daily helps prevent it from getting down to the fibers and wearing down your carpet. Experts recommend with an active family that you vacuum 2-3 times a week. Also, make sure you are maintaining your vacuum, cleaning the brushes and emptying the bag or cylinder.  At some point, you will know when you need to throw in the towel and get new carpet or change flooring options and consider an alternative. Until December 31, 2017 you can get up to 12 month special financing on installed flooring purchases over $1500 when you use Sears Home Services. Until then, do your best to make your carpets last for as long as you can by following these 4 simple tips.
disclaimer: this post is written by me on behalf of Sears Home Services. All opinions are 100% my own.