Page 22 THE VILLADOM TIMES II, III & IV • February 27, 2013 Much like paint, carpeting can quickly transform the look of a room. Carpeting can be a durable flooring material, but it will need upkeep to look its best. Carpeting that will be in high-traffic areas, such as halls and entryways, may require the most TLC. Routine vacuuming is necessary to dislodge dust and dirt particles. But at some point a more thorough cleaning may be necessary. Clean regularly and carefully. Frequent vacuuming will prolong the life of the carpet by preventing a buildup of particles inside the carpet fiber that can eventually cause friction and sever carpet fibers. Use of a crevice tool and other attachments can enable cleaning in the corners where the carpet meets baseboards and moldings. When vacuuming larger rooms, divide the room into separate areas and tackle each area one at a time. Take time when vacuuming carpet. Plush carpets will trap dirt more easily than a thinner or less dense carpet, so more passes of the vacuum might be necessary. Overlap strokes in a crisscross pattern to get at dirt at different angles. Manage odors. Pet hair and vacuumed particles of food can create odor inside the vacuum bag. Think about adding baking soda or an odor-relieving product designed to be used when vacuuming. Clean spills quickly. Spills are one thing that homeowners in carpeted homes may fear. If not addressed quickly, liquid or food may permanently damage a carpet. It is advisable to manage a spill as soon as it happens to reduce the likelihood that it will contribute to a permanent stain. Carefully blot up the spill until much of the offending item is removed before adding any type of cleaning agent. Test the cleaning product in an inconspicuous area prior to using it on the spill to ensure it will not damage or discolor the carpet. Work from the outside of the stain and move inward to keep the stain from spreading outward. Use a plush, white towel to blot up any remaining moisture and spill. The towel also will help to fluff up the pile of the carpet. Remove your shoes. Dirt and germs can be tracked into the house on the bottoms of shoes. Eventually, this material can be deposited on carpets, which then becomes lodged inside the fibers. To reduce the amount of dirt tracked in, make it a rule to take off shoes upon entering the house. If pets are the culprits of tracked-in dirt, keep a towel by the door and wipe the animal’s paws before allowing him or her to roam through the house. How to clean and maintain carpeted floors Stem clean your carpet. If you do not own a steam cleaner, rent one. Together with steam, a cleaning solution is usually part of the carpet steaming procedure. The steam and cleaning product will loosen and dissolve dirt and the dirty remains will be sucked up into a receptacle to be emptied. Steam cleaning is one of the easiest methods of thoroughly cleaning carpeting and reviving it to look as good as new. Many homeowners are surprised to see how much dirt can be removed from the carpet by using a steam cleaner. Intermittent use of a steam spot cleaner can help keep high-traffic areas of the home and stairs clean or treat a persistent stain that does not respond to hand cleaning. Use area rugs. There is a misconception that area rugs are used in lieu of carpeting, but both can be used together. An area rug may be placed near an entryway to catch dirt from shoes before it is tracked elsewhere in the house. Area rugs can be used under a dining table where the frequent pulling out and pushing in of chairs may wear down carpeting. Eliminate static. Static electricity can plague people who live in homes with carpeting, especially during cool, dry weather. Placing a dryer sheet on the bottom of a dry sponge mop and then running it over the carpet can alleviate static. This will help prevent those annoying shocks or even damage to electronic equipment from static shocks. Carpeting is something that can make a statement in a home. When well maintained, it can look beautiful for years to come.