1. Keep your carpet clean. Sand and dirt act as sandpaper and are abrasive to carpet fibers.  The more sand and dirt in your carpet the more abrasion and damage that can occur to your carpet.   Damaged carpet stains more easily, and it’s harder to remove the stains from it as well. Vacuum often to remove dirt, and your carpet will last longer.  The EPA recommends one day vacuuming for each person or pet in your home .  This is pretty difficult for many busy households like my own family of 5 with 2 dogs.  I don’t have the time to vacuum every day but we vacuum very frequently at 2-3 times a week.

2. Use rugs. Place rugs outside and inside the front door, and any other entrances. They will catch much of the dirt that people bring in on their feet. That means less vacuuming and longer carpet life.

3. Remove shoes. This is a sure way to make your carpet last longer. Most people don’t mind being asked to take off their shoes when coming into someone’s home.  Depending on where you live it might be the norm.  Here in Alaska it is very common to take your shoes off when going in someone’s home.  We have snow in the winter and mud in the Spring, Summer and Fall. 

4. Clean Your Pets. Wipe your pets paws and fur when they come in from being outside.  This time of year it is wet and mucky outside.  If there is mud around it’s guaranteed my dogs will find it.  We keep an old towel by the door and wipe off their paws and fur if we see mud on them.  It saves us from cleaning dirt & mud off the carpet later.

5. Clean stains quickly and properly.  By taking care of stains right away your carpet will stay looking great!  

6.  Get your carpets professionally cleaned on a regular basis. This link of EPA guidelines will help you determine how often to schedule your cleanings.