Carpet is a beautiful and functional flooring type that has been enjoyed by homeowners for centuries. While luxury vinyl and other surfaces have become immensely popular in recent years, carpet has a warmth and comfort that is tough to recreate with any other material.
Unlike more durable flooring types, carpets can be extremely susceptible to damage. Its fragile, porous nature allows for liquids and stains to set more easily, and its texture can easily be altered by repetitive friction, especially in high-traffic areas. The key to preserving your carpet and extending its lifespan is properly protecting it against different situations that ultimately occur.
Here, we’ll look at some of the most common causes of carpet damage and what steps you can take to protect against them.
What Can Damage My Carpet?
As mentioned, carpet is more fragile than other flooring types and there are several things that can cause lasting damage. While carpet may not be the longest-lasting flooring material, it should still last for many years. Identifying common culprits of damage can help you take the preventative action you need to extend its life. Some of these include:
- Everyday Wear and Tear
- Pet Waste
- Furniture
- Home Projects
Protecting Your Carpet From Personal Use
The everyday wear and tear that your home goes through is undoubtedly the greatest factor in carpet damage. While you certainly can’t prevent normal use, you can take steps to prevent permanent damage. Here are some tips you can use to help protect your carpet.
Wear and Tear From Foot Traffic
Dirty shoes can bring an astonishing amount of dirt into your home. If not addressed, this will cause some serious staining on your carpet. Taking your shoes off at the door is the simplest method to maintain a clean carpet.
Consider turning your entrance into a mudroom where all outdoor footwear can be left. If your home is carpeted all the way up to the front door, you can place a shoe rack or boot tray to hold your family’s dirty footwear.
Excess traffic can also cause the carpet fibers to matt over time. Consider changing the layout of your furniture regularly so that new walking patterns are created around the home.
Children
Many homeowners choose to install carpeting for the comfort it provides for their children. Children love playing on the floor with their toys, and this can be quite uncomfortable if the floor is a hard surface such as hardwood. However, children can also be quite messy, leading to increased staining and damage to your carpet.
An easy way to reduce this damage is to install area rugs in their favorite play places. These rugs are much more affordable than commercial carpets bought from a distributor and easier to clean. Additionally, consider avoiding letting children eat snacks or meals over the carpet.
How to Protect Your Carpet During a Party
Everyone loves a party, but not the cleanup. If you’re planning a large gathering at your house, you may be concerned about the impact it’ll have on your carpet. The easiest way to prevent accidental spills is by having the party outdoors if the space and weather allow. If the party must be indoors, ensure that there are enough tables for everyone’s glasses and dishware so that spills are avoided.
While it may be an expensive investment, purchasing carpet protection film or shields may be worth it if you entertain often. These will help preserve your carpet entirely against accidental spills and excess traffic.