As 2021 moves forward, there’s no better time to undertake some post-holiday deep cleaning. It can be essential to clean given how much time we’ve spent in our homes since the beginning of the pandemic. Here are four tips to help you schedule a carpet cleaning sooner rather than later.

Carpet Cleaning Tip #1: Carpets and Upholstery Trap Everything

Soft surfaces like carpets, sofas, and curtains help to make your house feel like a home. Common sense would suggest that vacuuming these soft surfaces would help, but this isn’t always the case. Irritants like dust, pollen, pet dander, and other environmental troublemakers tend to linger. In fact, vacuuming can kick them into the air and your HVAC system. Scheduling a carpet cleaning is the best way to erase these factors.

Carpet Cleaning Tip #2: Don’t Forget the Area Rugs

While installed carpets have to be cleaned in place, area rugs and other smaller upholstered items can be moved to easier cleaning locations. When it comes to cleaning area rugs, taking them outside is a great first step. On a warm, sunny day, carry the rugs outside and let them sit on a clothesline or over a balcony. Gravity will help to remove dust, dander, and odors. Depending on the dirtiness level, you can attempt to spot clean, hand wash, or machine wash your rugs. Be sure to take a close look at the tag for appropriate care of the items. In some difficult situations, using a steam cleaner for carpets and rugs can provide a superior cleanliness level.

Carpet Cleaning Tip #3: Preventing Mold and Mildew

Much like the other factors and suggestions that have already been discussed, regular maintenance can prevent serious damage to your soft surfaces—one of the most harmful risks to the health of you and your family: mold and mildew. If you arrive home to find wet carpet or a significant sign of water damage, contact professional assistance as soon as possible. Water left unmitigated in a carpet for as little as 24-48 hours can lead to significant mold or mildew growth. The problem with the growth is how it spreads. When mold spores are caught up in HVAC systems, they move throughout the house and cause health or allergy problems.

Carpet Cleaning Tip #4: Managing High-Traffic Messes

In each of the scenarios already discussed, keeping an active eye on your flooring surfaces' condition is essential. When stains happen on your floors, clean them up right away. If you have pets, be sure to vacuum at least twice a week to help control dander, fur, and other allergens. To keep things simple, scheduling a deep cleaning for your carpets at least once a year can help extend your soft surfaces' life. While no carpet will ever last forever, keeping the four tips discussed in mind will help to keep your home looking wonderful, no matter the season.