Summer brings sunshine, outdoor fun, and increased activity in our homes. However, it also introduces challenges for maintaining clean carpets and upholstery. From dirt and allergens to humidity and spills, your home’s soft surfaces can quickly become breeding grounds for stains and odors. At Professional Carpet Systems, we understand the importance of preserving the beauty and longevity of keeping your carpets and upholstery clean.
Here’s your comprehensive guide to keeping them fresh and clean all summer long.
Common Ways Carpet and Upholstery Get Dirty in the Summer
Summer is a time for fun, but it also brings unique challenges for maintaining clean carpets and upholstery. With the change in weather and lifestyle, your home’s soft surfaces face more wear and tear than usual. Understanding the common culprits of summer messes can help you stay proactive in your cleaning routine.
1. Increased Foot Traffic
With kids out of school, summer guests, and outdoor activities in full swing, your home experiences a lot more foot traffic. This means more dirt, grass, sand, and debris being tracked inside, especially on carpets near entryways and in living areas.
2. Outdoor Elements
Whether it’s beach sand, garden soil, or pool water, the outdoors often makes its way indoors during the summer months. Wet swimsuits, muddy shoes, and sunscreen-covered skin can leave stains and residue on upholstered furniture.
3. Food and Drink Spills
Summer is full of snacks, cookouts, and cold beverages. Icy drinks, popsicles, ketchup, and BBQ sauce are some of the top offenders for carpet and upholstery stains—especially when meals move from the dining room to the living room or patio.
4. Pet Activity
Pets are often more active in the summer, going in and out of the house more frequently. They may bring in mud, grass, pollen, and other outdoor elements. Plus, shedding tends to increase with the heat, which then leaves behind fur and dander.
5. Humidity and Moisture
High humidity can create a breeding ground for mold, mildew, and musty odors—especially in carpets and upholstered furniture. Moisture from damp clothing, towels, or spills can also settle deep into fibers if not addressed quickly.
6. Allergens
Pollen levels peak in spring and summer, and it often gets carried indoors on objects such as shoes, clothing, pets, and through open windows. Once inside, it can settle deep into fabric and carpet fibers, which then aggravates allergy symptoms and makes surfaces feel grimy.
Tip: The key to preventing buildup and damage is catching these issues early, maintaining a regular cleaning routine, and then following the tips below.
1. Establish a Regular Vacuuming Routine
Increased foot traffic during summer means more dirt and debris being tracked indoors. Regular vacuuming is your first line of defense.
- Frequency: Vacuum high-traffic areas at least twice a week and other areas weekly.
- Technique: Use slow, overlapping strokes so that you get a deep clean.
- Equipment: Ensure your vacuum is equipped with a HEPA filter to trap allergens effectively.
Regular vacuuming prevents dirt from embedding into carpet fibers, reducing wear and prolonging the life of your carpets.
2. Implement a No-Shoes Policy
Shoes can carry dirt, pollen, and other contaminants into your home. Encouraging a no-shoes policy helps maintain cleaner carpets and upholstery.
- Entryway Solutions: Place doormats at entrances and provide a designated area for shoe storage.
- Guest Communication: Politely inform guests of your no-shoes policy to ensure compliance.
This simple practice can significantly reduce the amount of dirt and allergens introduced into your home.
3. Manage Indoor Humidity Levels
High humidity can lead to mold and mildew growth in carpets and upholstery. Maintaining optimal indoor humidity levels is crucial.
- Use Dehumidifiers: Keep humidity levels between 30-50% to prevent moisture buildup
- Air Conditioning: Running your AC helps control humidity and promotes air circulation.
- Ventilation: Ensure proper airflow by using fans and opening windows during less humid times of the day.
Controlling humidity not only protects your furnishings but also improves overall indoor air quality.
4. Address Spills and Stains Promptly
Summer activities often lead to spills and stains. Immediate action can prevent permanent damage.
- Blot, Don’t Rub: Use a clean cloth to blot spills, because if you rub it, it can spread the stain.
- Use Appropriate Cleaners: Choose cleaning solutions suitable for your carpet or upholstery material.
- Test First: Always test cleaning products on an inconspicuous area so that they don’t cause discoloration.
Quick response to spills maintains the appearance and integrity of your carpets and upholstery.
5. Schedule Professional Cleaning Services to Keep Carpet and Upholstery Clean
While regular maintenance is essential, professional cleaning provides a deeper clean.
- Deep Cleaning: Professionals use specialized equipment to remove embedded dirt and allergens.
- Expertise: Trained technicians can identify and treat specific issues effectively.
- Frequency: Consider professional cleaning at least once a year, or more frequently for high-traffic homes.
Professional cleaning rejuvenates your carpets and upholstery, which then extends their lifespan.
6. Protect Against Sunlight Damage
Prolonged exposure to sunlight can fade and weaken fabrics. Taking preventive measures helps preserve your furnishings.
- Use Curtains or Blinds: Close them during peak sunlight hours to reduce exposure.
- UV-Blocking Window Films: Install films to filter harmful UV rays so that you don’t sacrifice natural light.
- Rearrange Furniture: Periodically move furniture to prevent uneven fading.
Protecting against sunlight maintains the color and strength of your carpets and upholstery.
7. Regularly Keep Upholstery Clean
Upholstered furniture requires consistent care so that it remains fresh and clean.
- Vacuum Weekly: Use upholstery attachments to remove dust and debris.
- Spot Clean: Address spills immediately with appropriate cleaners.
- Rotate Cushions: Flipping cushions distributes wear evenly.
Regular maintenance keeps your upholstery looking and feeling new.
8. Utilize Protective Covers to Keep Upholstery Clean
Protective covers can shield your furniture from things such as spills, stains, and wear.
- Slipcovers: Easy to remove and wash, they provide a barrier against dirt and spills.
- Armrest and Headrest Covers: These high-contact areas benefit from additional protection.
Using protective covers is a proactive approach because it maintains clean upholstery.
9. Incorporate Area Rugs and Runners
Strategically placing rugs and runners in high-traffic areas is smart because it can protect your carpets.
- Entryways: Place rugs to catch dirt and moisture from shoes.
- Hallways: Runners can prevent wear in frequently used paths.
These additions not only protect but also enhance the aesthetic of your home.
10. Educate Household Members
Ensuring everyone in your home understands and participates in maintenance routines is key.
- Set Guidelines: Establish rules for things such as eating, drinking, and shoe removal in carpeted areas.
- Assign Tasks: Delegate cleaning responsibilities to maintain consistency.
A collective effort is essential so that your family can enjoy a cleaner, healthier living environment.
Enjoy Carpet and Upholstery Clean Views This Summer
Maintaining clean carpets and upholstery during the summer requires a combination of regular maintenance, preventive measures, and professional care. When you implement these strategies, you can enjoy a fresh, inviting home all season long.
At Professional Carpet Systems, we’re here to assist with all your carpet and upholstery cleaning needs. Contact us today if you’d like to schedule a professional cleaning and experience the difference.