All About Carpets

I finally called Stanley Steemer to come clean the carpets. They left without cleaning them, but I did learn a lot about carpets and appreciated their friendly honest opinions and genuine concern for saving me money.

Before having kids, I'd describe myself as proactive, especially at work. At home, especially since being thrown off by the unexpected challenges of parenthood, sometimes things get put off that shouldn't be.

So- what's the right way to do it:

1. When you buy new carpets, they have a protective coating that eventually wears off from traffic.
2. High traffic marks on carpets won't come out, even with professional cleaning. They will be clean, but they won't look clean.
3. Choose a carpet designed for high traffic, with dark specs that mask dirt.
4. Have the professionals come clean at least once a year and apply a protective coating (additional cost).
5. Clean spots and stains immediately so they don't set in (and vacuum regularly).
6. Soot and soil filtration won't come out with professional cleaning either.
7. Budget accordingly: The minimum at Stanley Steemer was $109, and that's what it costs for 2 rooms. They also do furniture.

Treat yourself and have your carpets cleaned. Then plan to have them replaced at least every 10 years.

If you decide to do it yourself

• Use half the recommended amount of soap and the hottest water you can.
• The vacuum on your personal carpet machine isn't as strong as the professionals and it will leave soap residue behind, which attracts dirt.

So, even the Stanley Steemer guys are not miracle workers. But, they can help you stay on top of your big cleaning projects (like the carpets) and teach you about how to actually take care of your carpets from the beginning. Hey, you never know unless you ask.

*This post is not sponsored. It expresses my experience with Stanley Steemer and what I learned about carpets from having them come to my house.