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Carpets are a big investment and you want to make sure they last as long as possible. Follow these 8 tips to extend the life of your carpets.

1. Vacuum

Vacuum, vacuum, and then vacuum some more. It's the easiest and cheapest thing you can do to extend the life of your carpet. That's because vacuuming often removes the fine grit that falls deep into the carpet and causes wear. The more you vacuum the longer your carpets will last.

2. Buy A Good Vacuum

All vacuums are not created equal and you need one that has enough suction to pull the grit that lays low in the carpet not just the surface debris. It's the grit deep in the carpet that rubs and wears the fabric causing your carpets to look old and wear out faster. So spend a little more on that vacuum and save thousands in replacing your carpets.

3. Replace The Padding

When you replace the carpet replace the padding. If you don't you'll void the warranty on your new carpet and you'll shorten the life of your carpet. There are specific types of padding designed for specific types of carpet. The compositions can be quite different. Replacing the padding with new padding will eliminate or reduce stretch, footprints, and dips and sags. It will keep your carpet looking fresh much longer and extend the life of your carpets.

4. Carpet Cleaning

Next to vacuuming carpet cleaning is the next most important maintenance you can do. You should carpet clean your rugs at least once a year and if it's a high traffic area more often. Carpet cleaning removes the grime and debris that wears away at the fiber it also removes oily residue and stains. It will make your carpet look newer and it will extend the life of your carpet. When carpet cleaning make sure you do not use a cleaner that leaves a residue as this will attract dirt and compound your problems.

5. Shoes Off

Have people remove their shoes when entering the room. Even though the soles may be clean they carry fine particles and oily substances from outside which can damage the carpet and age it.

6. No Bare Feet

Now I bet you didn't realize that bare feet are as damaging to your carpets as shoes are. That's because the soles of your feet will have a oil film [no you can't feel or see it] that will be picked up by your carpets leaving a residue behind that attracts dirt which then abrades your carpet.

7. Mats and Runners

For high traffic areas such as halls or entrances a mat or runner is an excellent way to save abuse to the carpet and it can add an additional touch to your decor. Use the mats and runners to absorb initial dirt and grime upon entering the house and keep it isolated. The mats can easily be replaced or cleaned. This will add years to the carpet in these areas.

8. Remove Stains

Remove stains immediately after they occur. Follow the manufacturer's directions or use a carpet cleaner solution. Stains once set can be difficult to remove and nothing will age your rug faster than a bunch of stains. Most stains, yes even the difficult ones, can be lifted if the proper procedures are followed.

These 8 tips will extend the life of your carpets, and keep them looking fresh and newer for longer.