Finding Flooring For A Beautiful Home

Keeping Polypropylene Carpet Looking Like New

26 July 2017 by Janet Robinson

If you just had polypropylene carpet flooring installed, or are thinking of doing so, then you want it to look fresh and new all the time.This popular synthetic fiber is fairly trouble free, but does need some care from time to time. Though this type of material is durable and colorfast, there are easy ways to keep it looking new longer. Here's some things you should know about keeping polypropylene carpet in good shape for the years to come.

Vacuum frequently:

To keep polypropylene rugs looking good, vacuum often, especially when the carpet is first installed. You may want to vacuum daily the first few weeks to help pick up shed fibers which are trapped during the manufacturing process. After those first few weeks, experts vary on just how often you should vacuum, but try to do it at least once a week up to two or three times a week depending on how much traffic you get.

Clean up stains immediately:

Polypropylene is very stain resistant, except when it comes to oily stains. Whether the stains are oily or not, you should dab up all spills as soon as they happen. Do not rub in the stains as the can get trapped deep in the fibers. You can use carpet cleaner, but try to use one specifically designed to pick up oily stains. If it's a pet stain you're dealing with, cleaners with enzymes will be more helpful. Don't forget to vacuum or brush up the fibers after it dries.

Have the carpet professionally cleaned:

Polypropylene rugs look their best when they are regularly cleaned. The frequency of cleaning is based on how much dirt and traffic you accumulate. Generally, for regular residential use, you should clean the rugs about once or twice a year. Your best bet is to use the steam cleaning method, though a thorough shampoo with especially stained or dirty rugs, wouldn't hurt. If you rent a steam cleaner, you can just use water or dish soap for light dirt and stains.

Cover high traffic areas:

You might want to think about placing a mat near the front door, under your computer chair or anywhere else with higher than normal traffic. Repeated traffic can cause your carpet to not only get dirtier faster, but wear down with holes and tears. Make sure you have a mat or stepping stone where people can wipe their shoes before entering. You can also place tile or laminate just inside your front door. For computer chairs, plastic chair mat are available which can protect against repeated chair movement.

Polypropylene carpets are an inexpensive, yet durable choice for wall-to-wall carpeting and they can look great for years with proper care. Establish a routine and keeping the carpet in good condition won't be a chore. If you haven't had your carpet installed, yet, and are looking to replace your old carpeting, then contact a flooring specialist to see if polypropylene, or another type of fiber, is a good choice for your home.

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