Short answer
Vacuum often (busy areas a couple of times a week), blot spills instead of rubbing, and have carpet professionally hot-water-extracted every 12 to 18 months, or as your carpet warranty requires. Mats at entrances and felt or wide coasters under furniture prevent most wear.
Most carpet doesn't wear out; it gets dirty. Grit cuts the fibres as you walk on them, so keeping it clean is what keeps carpet looking new.
Vacuuming
- High-traffic areas (halls, stairs, family rooms): a couple of times a week. Bedrooms: weekly.
- Use a vacuum suited to your carpet. Some soft and loop carpets need the brush roll turned off or raised to avoid fuzzing.
- Go slowly, with overlapping passes in different directions.
Spills and spots
- Blot, don't rub. Press a clean white cloth on the spill to soak it up. Rubbing spreads it and frays the fibres.
- Work from the outside in so the spot doesn't spread.
- Use a spot cleaner approved for your carpet; test it somewhere hidden first.
- Rinse with a little water and blot dry. Leftover cleaner attracts dirt.
Professional cleaning
Hot-water extraction (often called steam cleaning) every 12 to 18 months removes the deep dirt vacuums can't. Many carpet warranties require periodic professional cleaning, so keep the receipts.
Protecting carpet
- Mats at every entrance, inside and out, to stop grit and winter salt.
- Furniture coasters under heavy pieces; move them slightly now and then to avoid deep dents.
- Blinds to limit fading from strong sun.
- On stairs, vacuum the nosings often. They take the most wear.
Carpet tile
Commercial carpet tile is cleaned the same way, with one big advantage: a stained or damaged tile can simply be swapped for a spare. Keep a box of spares from your installation. See carpet tile vs broadloom.
More care guides: see all our floor care guides.
