Carpet is soft on the feet, can help muffle loud noise, and can assist in keeping your house warm in the cold winter months. When you have carpet, it is normal to want to keep it in good condition and extend its life for as long as possible. Use the following tips to keep your carpet looking great for years to come:

Vacuum Regularly

Every house has some dust and debris in the air, and these particles typically land in the carpeting and can become trapped in the carpet fibers. Excessive dust and debris can damage carpet fibers, so it is important to vacuum regularly in order to keep your carpet clean and in good condition. In addition to the frequency, also pay attention to how you vacuum.

Many people quickly push a vacuum cleaner quickly back and forth across the room, which does not give the vacuum the opportunity to properly clean the carpet. Instead, focus on pushing the vacuum slowly, and don't hesitate to vacuum over an area several times.

Implement a No-Shoe Policy

The bottoms of shoes have oil, dirt, and other debris on them, and when you or anyone else enters your home with shoes on, the contaminants on the bottom of the shoes will end up on your carpet. If you want your carpet to look good for a long time, implement a no-shoe policy for yourself, your family, and visitors to your home-- your carpet will thank you. For extra protection, consider wearing socks or house slippers in the house so the skin oils from your feet don't end up on your carpet.

Clean Spills Right Away

No matter how hard you try to prevent them, there is a good chance that a spill will happen on your carpet at some point. It is essential that you clean up spills as quickly as possible in order to prevent stains from setting in. Use a plain white towel or paper towels to soak up as much of the initial spill as you can. Then use a carpet cleaner to remove residue and keep a stain from forming. It is a good idea to contact the manufacturer of your carpet for carpet cleaner suggestions so you don't use a brand that can damage your carpeting.

Schedule Professional carpet Cleaning Services

Vacuuming can go a long way in keeping your carpet looking good, but don't skip professional carpet cleaning services. This type of cleaning cleans each carpet fiber and pulls up trapped debris that can't be reached by your vacuum. You should plan on having your carpet professionally cleaned every 12 to 18 months.