What Are the Best Things I Can Do to Keep My Carpet Clean?

A carpeted home is a cozy home, but carpets get used a lot, too. Dirt, dust, stains, spills, pet accidents, and everyday foot traffic can take a toll. The good news is that with the right habits and a little attention, you can keep your carpets fresher longer, prolong their life, and reduce allergens in your home.

Know What Kind of Carpet You Have

There are lots of carpet materials, and the type of carpet you have will determine how to best care for it and clean it.

Synthetic Carpets (nylon, polyester, etc. ): Synthetic carpets are generally more durable and affordable. The downside is that carpet fibers can be damaged by high-alkaline cleaning products. These products will also wear off stain protection treatments faster. With synthetics, use a soft-bristle vacuum once a week and skip cleaning products with high alkaline.

Natural Fiber Carpets (jute, sisal, seagrass, etc. ): These are generally not as durable. Be sure to use a vacuum without a beater bar and only on high suction mode. Do not use steam cleaning or shampoo cleaning products on natural fiber carpets. Dry shampoos work best for absorbing dirt and odors.

Vacuum Regularly

Vacuum at least once a week to keep the dirt and dust from settling deep down into carpet fibers. Areas with pets or children might need more frequent vacuuming. Even if your carpet doesn’t look dirty, dust and allergens can still collect and affect indoor air quality.

Pro Tip: Vacuum in a cross pattern instead of in straight lines for maximum dirt pick-up and to get that “just-cleaned” effect.

You can also keep dirt off your carpet by using doormats and designating your home as a no-shoe zone.

Address Spills and Stains Immediately

Accidents happen and pets are particularly notorious for muddy paw prints and urine accidents. Spilled wine and dropped dinner plates are part of life, too. The longer you wait to treat a spill or stain, the more likely it is to set into your carpet.

Note: Some stains have specific removal methods, so be sure to know the right treatment before you start cleaning. You can bookmark this expert spot carpet removal guide for reference:

Professional Deep Clean Every 8-12 Months

Vacuuming helps, but it only cleans the surface of your carpet. Over time, dust, allergens, and stains settle deep into the carpet fibers. By deep cleaning one or two times a year, you can get rid of the buildup and prolong the life of your carpet.

DIY Cleaning: Renting a machine can be effective for light dirt if you have the time to do it yourself.

Professional Cleaning: This will be the most effective cleaning with the right equipment.

Pro Tip: If you DIY, make sure you rinse the carpet thoroughly to remove any leftover detergent. Residue from detergent will attract more dirt.

Preventative Measures

Use Furniture Coasters: Furniture coasters will prevent heavy furniture from denting your carpet.

Apply Carpet Protectant: After a professional deep cleaning, you can also add a carpet protectant spray that will make it more resistant to stains and spills.

Wait for Carpet to Dry: Wait at least 24 hours before walking on the carpet or moving furniture back over it.

Try Eco-Friendly Products

Avoid harsh chemical cleaners when you can. Household products like baking soda, vinegar, and water are effective and natural. Baking soda is also a natural deodorizer, and if you add a few drops of essential oil, your whole house will smell great.

If you’re looking for green, non-toxic cleaning solutions, ThoroClean offers products that are safe for pets and eco-friendly for the whole family.

Know When to Replace Your Carpet

Carpets don’t last forever. On average, you can expect a high-quality carpet to last about 10–15 years. Signs that you need to replace your carpet include heavy wear, stains that won’t come out, or bad odors that linger after cleaning. Replacing your carpet is also a good opportunity to start with a clean slate and apply all of the good carpet care habits we talked about above from day one.

Quick Carpet Care Guide

• Vacuum carpet once a week in a crisscross pattern.
• Treat spills and stains quickly.
• Deep clean carpets once or twice a year.
• Add carpet protectant spray after deep cleaning.
• Use furniture coasters.
• Try eco-friendly carpet cleaning products.
• Allow carpet to dry before walking or moving furniture on it.
• Know when it’s time to replace.

The Bottom Line

With the right routine, you can keep your carpets clean and comfortable for years. Combine regular maintenance with professional carpet cleaning by ThoroClean, and you’re set.