How to Protect Your Carpets and Upholstery from Everyday Wear and Tear

Wear and tear is one of the most common reasons that carpets and upholstery get replaced. However, protecting your carpet and furniture and extending their lifespans is simple. With the right care, you can extend the life of your soft furnishings by years. Read on to find the best ways to safeguard your carpet.

Tackle stains when you see them

The longer a stain sits on fabric, the more likely it is to set there. By removing stains right away, you are protecting your carpet and upholstery from lasting discolouration and lingering smells. Be careful when confronting stains – never use bleach on your carpet, and contact a professional cleaner if you are not sure of the right way to remove something.

Vacuum

Vacuuming several times a week is your first line of defence against wear and tear. It stops too much dust and dirt from building up, removes allergens and gets rid of pet hair. Often overlooked, vacuuming is very important in extending the lifespan of your carpet. You should also use the appropriate attachment to hoover sofas, chairs and any other upholstered furniture. 

Rugs, throws and covers

While putting carpet over carpet may seem counterintuitive, rugs are a great method of protecting carpet. All of the area's footfall is transferred to the rug, slowing the degradation of the carpet below. It’s worth noting, however, that rugs can be a trip hazard for elderly people, especially those with poor vision or pre-existing mobility issues.

Move furniture regularly

Furniture leaves imprints in your carpet which can be difficult to remove. Moving your furniture regularly prevents this damage from being focused on one spot, while giving you a good opportunity to clean underneath them easily. You can also use specially-designed pads as a buffer between your furniture and the carpet, stopping these indents from forming. 

Shoes off indoors

Shoes don't just bring in bacteria and dirt from outdoors – their hard soles wear away at carpet much faster than socks or slippers do. Leaving your shoes at the door makes everyday traffic less damaging to your carpet or sofa. 

Professional cleaning 

Regularly deep cleaning your carpet is the best way to prevent wear and tear. Dirt can get compressed into the deep fibres of your carpet, causing damage, discolouration and weakening of the lining. Professional cleaners have their own equipment and are experts at using it, which is not possible using home methods. Protecting your carpet by bringing in a professional cleaner is vital to maintaining a soft, healthy carpet.

Find a local carpet cleaner 

The National Carpet Cleaners Association (NCCA) has a directory of accredited carpet cleaners all over the UK. Trained, insured and adhering to a code of conduct, every NCCA cleaner can help with protecting your carpet and upholstery. Search by postcode and particular service for best results.

Find a carpet cleaner near you