Keeping Carpets Clean for Summer

Summer has finally arrived and with it comes a ton of outdoor activities, but all that outdoor fun can be hard on carpets in your home. So, to keep your carpets looking clean all summer, here are a few simple tips and tricks for avoiding some of the most common summer issues.

Mud & Dirt

It’s great when kids and pets are outdoors playing, but when they come inside after playing in the dirt you’ll quickly wind up with dirty little footprints all over your carpets. One good, simple tip to prevent the spread of mud and dirt is by keeping a shoe rack near your front and back doors. Most importantly, make sure your kids know to remove their shoes before coming in the house. You can also keep a towel close by to make sure your pets feet are also clean.

Ketchup, BBQ Sauce, and Mustard Stains

No summer party is complete without a bit of barbecuing, which means the involvement of some stain-worthy condiments like ketchup, barbecue sauce, and mustard. Here’s how to deal with those stains.

First, using a spatula or butter knife, delicately scrape away any excess ketchup, barbecue sauce, or mustard. Then, mix one tablespoon of liquid dishwashing detergent with two cups of cool water. Next, using a clean sponge, dab the affected area, taking care not to saturate the carpet. Once you’re done applying the cleaning solution, carefully blot the stain with paper towels or a fresh rag. Resist the urge to rub the carpet as this will only spread the stain. Repeat this process as necessary. Once the stain is gone, remove any excess cleaning solution by gently wiping the affected area with a damp cloth. Finish with a thorough vacuuming.

Red Wine

While red wine is good for your health and at stimulating conversation, it can quickly ruin your carpet. If a spill does occur, the first step is to blot the soiled area with a clean cloth, preferably white. Be sure to always use a clean portion of the cloth when blotting, otherwise you may be forcing some of the wine you’ve already removed right back into the carpet. Then, using a mixture of two cups warm water, a tablespoon of dishwashing detergent, and one tablespoon white vinegar, dab the stain with a clean sponge. Continue blotting until the stain is removed and vacuum the area.

If these do-it-yourself tips aren’t quite getting the job done, don’t wait until your next scheduled cleaning to call in the professionals: the longer a stain sits, the more difficult it can be to remove.

Do you have any tips for keeping your carpets clean during the summer? Share them with us in the comments below and contact Smart Carpet and Flooring for your next installation in New Jersey, Eastern Pennsylvania, or Staten Island!