If you want to keep your carpets looking fresh and clean, then regular vacuuming is necessary. However, over time your carpets will begin to look tired and faded – even with regular vacuum cleaning. This is due to the fact that standard vacuums can only remove loose dirt and dust from the outer layers of the carpet. Deeply ingrained dirt which is trapped in the carpet cannot be removed by even the most efficient vacuum cleaner. In addition, liquid spills, if not attended to rapidly, can be slightly sticky when they dry and they will act as a dirt trap.

Clearly vacuuming on a regular and frequent basis is a good way to prevent dirt and dust becoming trapped in your carpet in the first place. If the dirt can be removed before it becomes ground in or trapped then that is the ideal scenario. Heavily used areas – the patch of floor near doors, hallways etc. – should be cleaned at least twice weekly. If you have pets, young children, or both, then you may even want to do this three times a week. This should prove an effective way to prevent dust and dirt being collected and trapped in the carpet.

Even with regular vacuuming, some ingress of dirt and dust into the deeper layers of your carpet is unavoidable.Accidental spills, heavy traffic, wet and muddy shoes will grind dirt and dust into the carpet and it will start to look shabby and worn out. Given that it’s not possible to remove this ingrained dirt by using a vacuum cleaner, some alternative cleaning method is necessary.

The most effective way of removing this trapped dirt is by the periodic use of a specialised carpet washer. This loosens any trapped dirt using water and a cleaning agent and then removes it. A deep cleanse using a carpet washer once every six months or so – perhaps more frequently if you have children and pets – will make a big difference to the appearance of your carpet and will also help to extend its life.

As with standard vacuum cleaners, carpet washers tend to come in a variety of different styles and, as with standard vacuum cleaners, upright and cylinder models are the most common. You can hire carpet washers in larger supermarkets and DIY stores. If you wish, you can even hire a professional carpet cleaning firm to come to your house and clean your carpets for you. You can also buy your own carpet washer, and the price of these cleaners is relatively low these days, so that may be an attractive option for many. If you do elect to buy your own cleaner then you will be able to use it to deal with any accidental spills and stains before they have a chance to become ground in and established.

It doesn’t matter if you decide to rent or buy, regular deep cleaning of your carpets will prolong their life and cover the cost of hire or purchase. Not only will your carpets look better but lingering odours will be reduced. The overall environment will be more hygienic – an important consideration if you have young children.

Find out how to prolong the life of your carpet using carpet washer – your carpets will look cleaner and so will your home. Also learn how you can reduce the amount of time you spend on housework with a Tefal steam generator iron – you’ll wonder how you ever got by without one.