A good carpet can completely transform a room, bringing warmth, comfort, and style to your home. But to keep it looking fresh and feeling soft underfoot, regular care and maintenance are key.
Whether you’ve just had a new carpet fitted or want to give your existing one a new lease of life, here are our top carpet cleaning and maintenance tips to keep it looking like new for years to come.
1. Vacuum Regularly (and Properly)
It sounds obvious, but vacuuming is your carpet’s first line of defence. Aim to vacuum high-traffic areas at least 2–3 times a week, and the rest of the house once a week.
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Use a vacuum with adjustable height to avoid flattening the pile.
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For Loop pile carpets, use suction only (no beater bar) to prevent snagging.
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For Twist and Saxony, a brush roller helps lift dirt and restore the pile.
Regular vacuuming removes grit and debris before it can settle deep into the fibres and cause wear.
2. Treat Spills Immediately
Spills happen — but acting fast can make all the difference.
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Blot, don’t rub!. Use white paper towels or a clean cloth to absorb as much as possible.
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Use lukewarm water and a gentle dabbing motion for most stains.
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Avoid using household cleaning sprays, they can set the stain or damage the pile.
If you’re unsure, check the manufacturer’s care guide or contact us for your specific carpet type.
3. Use Entrance Mats and Runners
One of the simplest ways to keep your carpet clean is to stop dirt before it enters. Place doormats at every entrance and use runners in hallways and other high-traffic areas.
This helps prevent grit, oil, and mud from being carried through the house, which can cause premature wear and discolouration.
4. Move Furniture Occasionally
Heavy furniture can leave dents in your carpet pile over time. To reduce this:
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Move items slightly every few months to redistribute the pressure.
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Use furniture coasters or cups under legs to spread the weight.
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Gently lift flattened fibres with a spoon or the edge of a coin.
5. Deep Clean Annually
Even with regular vacuuming, carpets benefit from a professional deep clean once a year (or every 6 months in busy homes).
Steam cleaning or hot water extraction removes embedded dirt, bacteria, and odours that vacuuming can’t reach, keeping your carpet hygienic and restoring its bounce.
If you prefer to DIY, hire a carpet cleaner, just make sure to follow the instructions and allow plenty of drying time.
Many of our Torbay and Teignbridge customers choose to use Restore and More carpet cleaning for their annual clean.
6. Keep Sunlight in Check
Direct sunlight can fade carpet colours over time.
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Use blinds or curtains during peak daylight hours.
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Consider UV-resistant window films for rooms that get lots of sun.
This helps preserve your carpet’s original colour and vibrancy.
7. Rotate Rugs and Area Carpets
If you use rugs on top of your carpet, rotate them every few months to avoid uneven fading and wear. It also helps your flooring age more evenly and gives your room a quick refresh at the same time.
Final Thoughts
Looking after your carpet doesn’t need to be a chore, a little regular care goes a long way.
At Direct Carpets, we only stock high-quality, durable carpets designed to stand up to daily life, but following these maintenance tips will help them look better, feel softer, and last even longer.
🧹 Ready to give your home a refresh? Visit our showroom or browse our latest ranges online.