If you have invested in a good quality carpet, you likely want it to maintain its lush, plush look for as long as possible. However, over time, even quality carpets can start to show wear from regular foot traffic. The carpet fibers get compressed down from being walked on constantly, causing the carpet to lose its lofty pile and appear flat or matted down in high traffic areas. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to help lift or revive the carpet pile in between professional carpet cleaners.
Regular Vacuuming
Vacuuming frequently with a quality vacuum cleaner is one of the best things you can do to care for quality carpet and lift the pile. You should vacuum at least once per week, more often in high traffic areas, to remove dust, dirt, pet hair and other debris that gets ground down into the carpet fibers. Get a vacuum with adjustable height so you can set it high to lift the carpet nap as it cleans.
Make sure it has a rotating brush head to agitate the carpet pile and lift it upward as it sucks up dirt. Check the manufacturer's guidelines for which height to use on your specific carpet type. Always vacuum slowly and methodically to give the vacuum time to lift and groom the carpet fibers properly.
Fluff with a Rake
For spot areas that look extra flattened, you can fluff up or raise the pile using a special carpet rake or pile lifter tool. This handy tool has metal tines or teeth that you run across the carpet to lift and comb the fibers back upward to restore loft and volume. It works similarly to a dog grooming rake to fluff up the matted carpet nap. Use a gentle back and forth motion and apply even pressure as you rake to bring upright any fibers crushed down from footprints. Focus on high traffic walking lanes or furniture placement areas that need extra attention.
Steaming
An occasional pass with a carpet steamer can also help revitalize a carpet's pile, along with deep cleaning. The heat and moisture from the steam reconditions carpet fibers so they resume their natural upward position. Check for a steam cleaner rental at your local home improvement or grocery store. Use the steamer as directed by slowly passing over especially flattened sections of carpet.
The steam softens and lifts matted fibers while sanitizing with heat. Be careful not to over-wet your carpet, however. Always lift and groom fibers directionally from the center of rooms out toward the edges as you steam small sections.
Rotate Area Rugs
To help prevent uneven wear and flattening across your carpeted rooms, periodically move area rugs to different locations. Rugs placed under furniture legs or in heavy walking paths protect limited zones while leaving surrounding carpet exposed to crushing damage. Shift area rugs seasonally to give the protected sections underneath time to lift upright. Flip rugs over occasionally as well so both sides see even wear. For carpets underneath bigger furniture pieces, lift and reposition furniture every few months to let carpet bounce back.
Professional Cleaning
While regular do-it-yourself care can perk up quality carpet pile between deep cleanings, professional hot water extraction cleans are still needed every year or two. Pro carpet cleaners have powerful truck-mounted wands that penetrate deep down into the carpet base to lift and flush out soil.
The strong suction then extracts not only surface debris but also dirt trapped lower down, which could otherwise continue to wear down fibers. Truck mounts also use high heat for superior dissolving and lifting power. Technicians can concentratively work on matted high traffic lanes and entryways to revitalize flattened fibers and restore cushioning resiliency through improved pile height and texture.
Protect Carpet After Lifting
Once you have lifted flattened spots and revived loft, take extra care to protect carpet and avoid re-crushing. Use carpet runners or area rugs in heavy walking lanes for added insulation. Furniture cups, wide rolling casters, or felt pads below chair and table legs can minimize direct concentrated pressure on carpet fibers. Limit rocky high heels that dig into carpet texture. Arrange a shoe removal zone inside entry doors to leave damaging soil at the doors.
As always, adhere to regular vacuum schedules and professional steaming or hot water extraction cleanings on all your quality carpets. With proper maintenance in between, you can help your carpet investment hold onto its cozy plush feel for many extra years. Consistent lifting efforts combine with routine care for the best long-term results.
But when the carpets are heavily damaged, you will not be able to get any noticeable results. This is where you can buy new ones. Get £600 for new carpets today at Pay As You Go Carpets! Then pay it back £10 per week at a time - easy affordable installments.