Carpets can make an office floor easier on the feet and provide a cosy and luxurious feel to a dwelling. But if not properly cared for they will eventually start to look ragged and unkempt. Poorly maintained carpets can also harbour dirt, insect larvae and mould without you even being aware of it.
However, regular care and maintenance of your carpets can keep them looking and smelling fresh and new – read on for some suggestions on how to make this happen.
Carpet care and maintenance tips
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Use mats at entry areas to your building
Really, our mums were right when they told us to always remember to wipe our feet! External ‘foot-wiping’ mats made from coarse-textured and heavy duty material can remove a considerable amount of dirt from shoes and prevent it from being dragged inside onto carpets.
If you also use mats inside entrance doors, they should ideally be water-absorbent to prevent moisture on people’s shoes from being transferred onto carpeting.
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Use protective mats inside
Protective mats under table or desk legs and chairs can protect carpets from indentations and marks that these items can cause. You might also want to consider mats in vulnerable areas such as around water coolers.
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Clean your carpets regularly
Simple daily vacuuming can go a long way towards keeping your carpets in good condition by quickly removing dirt, insects, crumbs and dust.
It’s also important to spot clean spills quickly to prevent them from being absorbed into the carpeting material. This should be done using a blotting rather than a scrubbing technique and the right removal agent for the substance that has been spilled.
Intermittent carpet shampooing is also recommended to give your carpets a deep clean and to remove embedded contaminants.
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Consider scotchgarding for extra protection
Scotchgard is a waterproofing product that helps to repel stains and spills and neutralise sticky residues. You might particularly want to consider applying scotchgard if your carpets are prone to spills from drinks or other substances.
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Remove odours promptly
Spills and soiling that has not been completely removed can lead to a build-up of mould and carpets that don’t smell so good! Carpets can often be deodorised with a simple mixture of sodium bicarbonate and vinegar. To apply, mix a couple of teaspoons of bicarb with 2 capfuls of white vinegar in a spray bottle, and add water to about half-way up the bottle. Spray on your carpets and leave to thoroughly dry before vacuuming.
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Insect-proofing
Unfortunately, insects can enjoy our carpets as much as we do! To remedy, vacuum your carpets and apply a spray or powder designed to target the insect in question, and follow up with another vacuum when dry.
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Replace the padding
Padding under your carpet helps to absorb the impact of foot traffic on your carpet and protect it from damage. Unfortunately sometimes spills and stains can leach through to the padding and create a mould problem which damages the padding itself. If areas of your carpet are looking thin and worn or uneven, it might be time to look into replacing the padding underneath it.
Get it professionally cleaned
Regular cleaning of your office carpets through professional office cleaning is invaluable for protecting them and for keeping your office looking and smelling good and feeling fresh and hygienic. Professional office cleaning services often use heavy-duty vacuum cleaners that can remove microscopic specs of dirt and dust that you would not be able to pick up with a domestic machine. Check out our cleaning services that we offer at JAN-PRO.