Is there anything cozier than the feel of a soft, warm carpet beneath your feet on a chilly morning? If you’ve recently installed new carpeting in your home, you’re likely savoring that sensation every day. Your house looks great; everything feels fresh and new. But in the back of your mind is a nagging worry: how to keep that cushy elegance underfoot for years to come.

Styles and materials vary widely, but one thing every carpet requires is regular maintenance. Fortunately, there are three simple steps you can take to ensure your investment pays dividends for years to come. Think of them as the ABCs of carpet care.

Ask the Experts

Carpet shampooing is the backbone of your maintenance plan. A good rule of thumb is to deep clean your carpets every six months, but the optimal frequency and method of cleaning will vary based on your particular carpet. For example, long-pile shag carpeting requires a different approach than the denser Berber type.

Another consideration is your family composition and activity level. Because you and your home are unique, your best bet is to leave this important service to the professionals.

Be Proactive

Put doormats at each entryway, both inside and outside. Encourage everyone to remove their shoes at the door; keeping a small bench, convenient shoe rack and cute basket of colorful flip-flops nearby will make this carpet-saving habit even easier. 

If your home’s high-traffic arteries such as hallways and entryways are carpeted, they’ll be the first to show grime and wear. Consider topping them with decorative rugs to protect these central areas and give them a fun style upgrade. 

Clean Correctly

Most of us follow a house cleaning routine we’ve developed by habit over the years. But is vacuuming once a week really the ideal? As it turns out, there is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to how often you should run the vacuum. Among other things, you need to consider how many people live in your home, their ages and activity level, any special health concerns, the number and type of pets under your roof, and the level of pollution in your area.

What about spills? No matter how conscientious and careful you are, something ugly is going to happen to your carpet eventually — whether from children, pets, parties, or just everyday life. The key to keeping the mess temporary is acting quickly but calmly. Above all, resist the urge to scrub the stain away. Instead, blot gently from the outside edges in towards the center. While nothing can replace a deep professional cleaning, these spot cleaning tips for carpets can help in between shampoos.

You’ve invested a lot in your beautiful new carpeting. Protect it for years to come by focusing on the ABC’s of carpet care.