Three Pre- and Post-Cleaning Tips for Your Carpet

As a homeowner, you may know the importance of a good carpet cleaning, but what about before and after cleaning? There are a few things you can do to prepare for and follow up on a carpet cleaning that can maximize the effort and extend the life of your carpet.

Pre-Cleaning Tips for Your Carpet
Using walk-off mats, foot mats, and small rugs to cover high-traffic carpet areas is typically always a good idea for keeping your carpets clean. Spot-cleaning and regular surface cleaning is also smart. But there are a few additional things you can to do actively make your deep cleaning more effective.

1. Vacuum away. Vacuuming should always be the first step in any carpet cleaning.
2. Solve surface problems. The surface of your carpet is important, and things like furniture and foot traffic really do a number on it. For furniture leg indents, simply wet the area with water and warm with a hair dryer while working the area with your fingers.
3. Carpet haircuts are important. Check your carpet for "sprouts," or threads that have come loose and stick out on the surface of your carpet. Simply snip these sprouts away for an even surface and so threads don't get caught and pulled out.

Post-Cleaning Tips
Letting your carpet fully dry and keeping it traffic free for a day or two can be the best things to do after a carpet cleaning. But here are a few more tips that can help you make the most of your carpet cleaning after it's done.

1. Water is your enemy. Fully extracting the water or liquid you use from your carpet after you're done is generally key to a successful cleaning.
2. Don't let invisible stains get comfortable. Clean a carpet stain immediately, even if you can't see it. Spilling clear liquids, water, or chemicals onto your carpet, if left unaddressed, often results in a brown ring or blemish later.
3. Post-cleaning keeps carpets cleaner. Sweeping and vacuuming your carpet the day after a cleaning helps remove any dust and dirt that may have settled during the cleaning process.

With regular preparation prior to and maintenance after a carpet cleaning, you can keep your carpet looking great for years to come.

About the Author
Joe Cooper writes home services and design articles and manages corporate communications. He holds a bachelor's in American literature from UCLA.