CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – Did you know that many carpet warranties require the carpet to be professionally cleaned every 6 to 24 months? Some people – especially pet owners – need to clean their carpets more often. Other factors include infrequent vacuuming, light-colored carpets, household members with allergies, pets, young children, large families, and wearing shoes indoors can increase the frequency of needed cleanings.
Areas with heavy foot traffic, such as hallways, family rooms, and entryways, naturally get dirtier faster. Champaign-based KleenRite advises that in addition to your carpet, pet stains, hair and odors can be tough on your clothing, bedding and furniture. However, with some preparation and tips, you can easily keep your carpets and bedding clean and fresh, even if your furry family member has an accident or sheds a lot:
1. Do rotate pet bedding and blankets – Make sure to regularly wash and rotate your pet bedding – like removable, machine-washable pet bed covers, pet blankets, and removable
furniture covers to prevent odors, dirt, hair and bacteria buildup. Do this once a week. Have a couple sets of bedding and blankets so you can remove and launder one set while using another.
2. Don’t wait to wash – As soon as you notice dirty paw prints, urine or other accidents, treat and wash the fabric immediately to prevent stains and control odors. Make sure to invest in a
pet-safe stain remover that’s gentle on fabrics.
3. Do use fabric conditioner designed for pet parents – Try using a liquid fabric condition- er formulated for pets. It fights pet odors and repels pet hair, versus detergent alone, while
keeping the clothes soft and fresh. You can worry less about fur sticking to your clothing.
4. Don’t wash with regular laundry – Always wash your pet’s bedding and blankets, as well as any fabrics with pet stains and hair, separately from your regular laundry. Doing so prevents pet odor and bacteria from contaminating your regular laundry.
5. Do use lint rollers and fabric brushes – Lint rollers and fabric brushes are handy tools that quickly remove pet hair, lint and other debris from your upholstery. Buy a few and store
them throughout the house. Remove pet hair as soon as you see it to keep your upholstery looking and feeling fresh
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer for the best time to clean your carpet. Cleaning in the fall, however, can ensure your carpets look pristine for the holidays.