Tips, tricks and stylish solutions to keep your carpets fresh and clean.

How to keep carpets clean

Step 1: Be diligent about vacuuming. Dragging the machine across the surface once isn’t sufficient. Make a number of passes over each section, giving extra attention to high-traffic areas.

Step 2: Attend to spills immediately. Blot stains with a paper towel before spot cleaning; never rub, as that can push the dirt further into the fibres. Use a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water to wet - not soak - the area, then blot again. For stubborn stains, try spill-specific solutions: Cornstarch works well on grease, club soda on coffee spills and salt on mud.

Step 3: To maintain a clean surface long term, invest in yearly professional deep cleaning. Wall-to-wall carpets as well as rugs that have a waterproof backing can be cleaned on-site; rugs without a waterproof layers should be sent out to a cleaning facility. 

Stylish solution
Got set stains you can’t shake? Swap your current floor covering for carpet tiles like these from Flor (flor.com). If you mark a tile, it can be lifted and replaced easily and inexpensively - prices start at only $8 US each. 

Power sucker
A high-performance vacuum is a worthy investment for keeping carpets looking beautiful year after year. 

1 Lifer
Dyson’s latest innovation is its Cinetic cyclone technology. The 54 cyclones feature new oscillating tips that prevent any dust buildup and blockage. Read: Zero loss of suction for at least a decade. DC78 Turbinehead Animal VACUUM, $800, Dyson, dysoncanada.ca. 

2 Silent
Psst! One of the most powerful machines on the market, made in France, is also the quietest - four times more muted than the average. Silence Force Extreme VACUUM, $500, Rowena, rowentafloorcare.ca.

3 Robot
In true Jetsons-esque fashion, an automated vacuum like this one from Miele does all the work without you. Just set it and forget it - can’t get simpler than that! Scout RX1 VACUUM, $799, Miele, miele.ca.
 

TIP: For a fresh scent, sprinkle baking soda infused with your favourite essential oil, like sage (add one drop per cup of soda), on the carpet. Leave on for 20 minutes before vacuuming.