How To Make High-Traffic Carpet Look New Again

Giovanni Valle is a licensed architect and LEED-accredited professional and is certified by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB). He is the author and managing editor of various digital publications, including BuilderSpace, Your Own Architect, and Interiors Place.

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There’s no denying that carpets in your home take a beating. Between kids, pets, and everyday traffic, they can quickly become stained and dingy. However, before you buy a new set of rugs, there are still a few solutions you can try out to make your high-traffic carpet look new again.

Here’s how you can make high-traffic carpets look new again:

Vacuum your carpet.
Deep clean your carpet every few months.
Use a steam cleaner once or twice a year.
Consider using a rug or runners in high-traffic areas.
If you have any pets, groom them regularly.
Avoid walking on wet carpets as much as possible.

In the following sections, I’ll dive into more detail on how to make your high-traffic carpet look new again. Following these maintenance tips can significantly extend your rug’s life, making the most out of your investment.

1. Vacuum Your Carpet

High-traffic carpets can quickly become stained and matted if not vacuumed regularly. Vacuuming removes dirt, dust, and other particles that can cause damage over time. Vacuuming carpets at least once a week is recommended for the best results.

The best way to vacuum a carpet is to use the suction-only setting and move the vacuum back and forth across the rug’s surface. However, be sure not to press too hard on the vacuum cleaner, or you could damage the material’s fibers.

When you buy a new carpet, sometimes they’ll come with a brush attachment that can be used to vacuum the edges and corners of the rug. This is a great way to remove any dirt or dust that may have been missed by suction alone. You can also use this attachment to vacuum between the cracks of your floorboards if needed.

However, you shouldn’t use a beater bar on your carpet, as doing so will damage it over time and cause more wear than what would naturally occur by foot traffic alone. Also, ensure not to pull or tug at any dirt, as this could permanently discolor your carpet.

All things considered, vacuuming is the easiest way to keep high-traffic carpets looking new. It will also help reduce the amount of dirt and dust tracked in, keeping your home cleaner overall.

Best Vacuum Cleaners

A good vacuum cleaner is a must for any home. Here are some of the best ones on Amazon:

Eureka Bagless Vacuum Cleaner. This vacuum cleaner is designed for homes with pets and children. It has a HEPA filter that traps up to 99 percent of dust, dander, and other allergens in your home. The bagless design makes emptying the canister quick and easy when needed.
Bissell Featherweight Vacuum Cleaner. This vacuum cleaner is perfect for those with many carpets or hardwood floors. It has a low profile, which allows it to fit under low furniture and other tight spaces. The powerful suction ensures that your carpets will be clean in no time.
Shark Professional Vacuum Cleaner. If you are looking for a vacuum cleaner that is powerful and durable, the Shark Professional Vacuum Cleaner is an excellent option. It has a detachable canister that makes cleaning both carpets and floors easy. The cord wrap system also ensures that you never have to worry about tangled cords again.

2. Deep Clean Your Carpet Every Few Months

A carpet cleaner is an excellent way to deep clean your carpets and remove any built-up dirt, dust, or allergens. It is recommended to use a carpet cleaner every few months for the best results.

Keep in mind to always avoid over-spraying carpet cleaner on your pieces. If you’re not careful enough, the substance can leave marks, discoloration, and even structurally damage the material’s fibers. Additionally, the chemicals in this cleaning product can damage some types of finishes with time.

How To Get the Best Results With Carpet Cleaners

Before using a carpet cleaner, please read the manufacturer-issued instructions carefully and test it on an inconspicuous area of your carpet first. This will help you avoid any unwanted damage.

Once you have tested the product, start by vacuuming your carpets thoroughly. This will remove any loose dirt or debris that could clog the cleaner or spread onto your furniture.
Next, fill up a spray bottle with water and add about one cup of vinegar to it. This will create a safe cleaning solution for most fabrics without causing any damage. Use this mixture to pre-treat any stains on your rug before using the carpet cleaner.
Finally, use the carpet cleaner according to the instructions on the bottle. Make sure to start in a small area and work your way out, being careful not to saturate the entire carpet. Afterward, allow the rug to dry completely before walking on it (more on this in a moment).

Best Carpet Cleaners

If you need a good carpet cleaner, here are some of the best ones on Amazon:

Resolve Professional Carpet Cleaner. This carpet cleaner is designed to remove even the toughest stains and odors. It has a low-foaming formula that works well with most carpet-cleaning machines. The Resolve Professional Carpet Cleaner is also effective and safe for stain-resistant carpets.
Resolve Pet Stain Remover. This is an excellent option for pet owners. It works to remove even the toughest stains, including poop, vomit, and more. This product contains enzymes that break down organic materials so they can easily be removed from your carpet without leaving any odors or residue behind.

3. Use a Steam Cleaner Once or Twice a Year

Steam cleaners are another excellent tool for deep cleaning your carpets. These machines heat water to create steam that helps break down dirt and debris without harsh chemicals or other abrasive tools. Not to mention they can be used on nearly any type of carpeting, including Berber, nylon, wool, and more.

The benefit of steam cleaning is that it can help remove any allergens or other contaminants that may be hiding in your carpets. It also helps to kill any bacteria or mold that may be present.

How To Steam Clean Your Carpets

To steam clean your carpets, start by vacuuming them thoroughly. All carpet cleaning methods can benefit from preemptive vacuuming. This approach will leave you with a dirt and debris-free material you can easily work on.
Fill up a spray bottle with water and add about one cup of vinegar to it. As mentioned in the “How To Get the Best Results With Carpet Cleaners” section of this article, using a water and vinegar solution is an excellent way to pre-treat any stubborn stains.
Finally, use the steam cleaner according to the instructions. As always, try to start small as you get the hang of the process and then work your way out. Leave the carpet enough time to dry out completely.

Best Steam Cleaners

Here are some of the best steam cleaners on Amazon:

Bissell Steam Shot. This is an excellent option for homeowners with pets. The Bissell Steam Shot Carpet Cleaner uses hot water extraction to clean your carpets, which helps remove any pet odors or stains. It also comes with various attachments that can be used on different types of carpets and furniture.
McCulloch Heavy-Duty System Cleaner. This steam cleaner is perfect for those who have a lot of carpets to clean. It has a large water tank that can hold up to 18 ounces (510 g) of water and comes with a variety of attachments to help clean all types of surfaces. The McCulloch Heavy-Duty System Cleaner is also equipped with a self-cleaning system that helps keep it free from mold and bacteria.

4. Consider Using a Rug or Runners in High-Traffic Areas

You can use a rug or runner to cover up a carpet that is beginning to show signs of wear and tear. These rugs come in different styles, colors, and patterns, so you’ll always be able to find one that fits your style.

The difference between a rug and a runner is that rugs are larger than runners. Carpets can cover an entire area of your floor, while runners are usually only about 3 feet (0.9 m) wide by 10 feet (3 m) long.

Carpets come in all shapes and sizes, so there’s sure to be one that fits perfectly in any room or hallway. You can find pieces that are round, square, rectangular, or any other shape you want.

How To Choose the Right Rug for Your Situation

When choosing a rug, you’ll need to consider the following

room size
color scheme
type of flooring you have.

It would help if you also thought about how much traffic the rug will have. If it’s in a high-traffic area, you’ll want to choose a carpet that is made of a durable material such as wool or cotton.

If there are children and pets in your home, you’ll want to choose an easy-to-clean rug that won’t show stains easily. You might even want to consider purchasing a separate runner for each room if you have kids or if you have a pet who likes to lie on the floor.

Best Rugs and Runners on Amazon

Thigpen area rug. This area rug is excellent for those who want a soft and durable material. It comes in different colors, so you’re sure to find one that fits your style. This rug is machine washable and can be used both indoors and outdoors.
Loom Sofia Runner. This runner is perfect for hallways, entryways, or anywhere else you need a narrow rug. It’s made of wool and comes in different colors to fit any decorating style. It’s also machine washable and can be used both indoors and outdoors.
NULoom Outdoor Runner. This runner is perfect for those who want a rug that can be used both indoors and outdoors. It’s made of polypropylene, so it’s resistant to water and fading. It also comes in a wide range of shades, allowing you to find an option that fits your color scheme perfectly.

5. If You Have Any Pets, Groom Them Regularly

Grooming your pet is an excellent way to keep their coat clean and free of mats. It also helps them look good, making you feel better about yourself as an owner!

The required grooming frequency will depend on the type of animal you have and its hair length. For example, cats with long fur should be groomed every two to four weeks, while dogs with short hair can go up to six weeks without grooming.

If you don’t groom regularly, your carpet will become matted with pet hair and be much harder to clean. Grooming your pet also helps keep them healthy and can help prevent skin allergies.

For best results, it’s recommended that you groom your pet at least twice a month. You can use a comb, brush, or clipper to groom your pet, but be sure to use the proper tools for the type of coat they have. This will ensure your pet’s coat is clean and healthy and will help keep your carpet looking good for years to come.

6. Avoid Walking on Wet Carpet As Much as Possible

This is one of the most important rules for keeping your carpet in good shape. When you walk on a wet carpet, the fibers can get matted together and become damaged. You should always wait until the carpet is completely dry before walking on it again.

If you have children or pets that like to run through puddles, try putting down some towels or rugs in the area to absorb moisture before it gets onto your carpeting. Doing so will ensure that you don’t have to worry about your carpet becoming wet and damaged.

Conclusion

When it comes to keeping your carpet looking new, following these six simple tips is a great place to start. Grooming your pet’s hair regularly, using the proper tools, and staying off a wet carpet are all easy ways to keep them in excellent shape for years on end.

You might also want to consider purchasing a rug or runner for high-traffic areas. This will help protect your carpet from becoming damaged or even hide any stains that might already be there. With these tips in mind, you’ll find that keeping your carpets looking new isn’t as difficult as you might’ve thought.