Marble is a metamorphic rock resulting from the metamorphism of limestone. Metamorphism can be defined as the solid state recrystallisation of pre-existing rocksdue to changes in heat and/or pressure and/or introduction of fluids. This metamorphic process causes a complete recrystallization of the original rock into an interlocking mosaic of calcite and/or dolomite crystals.

What does this mean to the marble floor owner? Marble is one of the softest stone flooring products on todays market, however it is one of the most popular choices due to its natural beauty. Marble is highly pourous. So it is very easily etched by acids such as orange juice, tomatoe juice, and vinegar.

Taking Care of it Right Away

The first step in maintaining and cleaning your marble floors is "wipe it up immediately". This is so important with marble floors as salt dissolves and pits marble and acids will etch marble. Any liguids or solids which contain salt or acids are your marble flooring's worst enemy. So if you spill it, wipe it up immediately with warm water, followed by drying the surface with a soft cloth. To further protect your marble flooring, it is recommended that you use small carpet rugs at any entrance and around sinks as these rugs will also assist in trapping soil, dirt, water or any ice-melting salts brought into your home.

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Maintaining the Beauty

To maintain the beauty of your marble floors, weekly maintenance should include cleaning with a damp mop and then drying the surface with a soft cloth or chamois. Drying the surface will bring back its natural shine. It will also avoid any water stains. This is very common on marble floors. Always dry your marble floors with a soft cloth. Use a neutral, non-abrasive cleaner to ensure all spots or stains are removed once per month. Never use vinagar to clean marble flooring as it will destroy the finish.

It is very important to dry your marble floors after each cleaning with a soft or chamois cloth. To further enhance the beauty of your marble floors you will want to polish or wax them. Using a wax designed for no wax floors is recommended. There are alos products which are safe for marble flooring, designed to mop and shine in one step, saving the home owner valuable time.

To Seal or Not to Seal?

Unlike most stone flooring, professional's do not recommend sealing a marble floor. This will take away from it's natural finish. The sealer can become dulled and scratch and will have to be professionally stipped. It is also recommended that for any set in stains, chips, or pits, to have a professional to handle these problems. Your marble floors are one of the softest stone floors available. Your marble flooring also probably came with a huge price tag. The weekly care and maintenance is most important step in maintaining the natural beauty of your marble floor. The beauty of marble being the reason for your purchase in the first place can be easily maintained.

Author Vincent Platania represents the Fuller Brush Company.

Fuller Brush has been in business since 1906, and offers safe, environmentally friendly products for keeping your home and your body clean.

Visit http://www.fuller-brush-products.com

Marble Vinyl Floor Tile 36 Pcs Self Adhesive Flooring Actual 12 x 12 US $69.99

Marble Vinyl Floor Tile 36 Pc Adhesive Kitchen Flooring Actual 12 x 12 US $69.99

GRANITE MARBLE KITCHEN BATH FLOOR TILE SLATE BLUE PEARL US $7.45

GRANITE MOSAIC 2x2 MARBLE FLOOR TILES TAN BROWN US $10.00

ANTIQUE PRIMITIVE OLD FLOOR LAMP MARBLE BASE AND BRASS GLASS PARTS US $9.99

5x3 Rectangle Satin Marble Salon Floor Mat Anti Fatigue Barber Comfort Hair Work US $65.95

80x48 MARBLE MOSAIC STONE FLOOR RUG ART TILE HANDMA US $1,250.00

French Pattern Cappuccino Marble Versailles Travertine Stone Tile Flooring US $4.49

4 Lot Antique Art Nouveau Victorian Torch Floor Reading Lamp Cast Iron Marble US $49.97

20s ART DECO Rembrandt Marble Antique Torchiere Floor Lamp w Red Satin Shade US $275.00

MARBLE GRANITE BATH FLOOR STONE CREMA MARFIL TILE US $6.00

Green Marble Vinyl Tile 20 Pcs Self Adhesive Flooring Actual 12 x 12 US $19.99

Beige Marble Vinyl Floor Tiles 20 Pcs Adhesive Flooring Actual 12 x 12 US $19.99

Set of 5 Spinergy 17 Stone Marble Travertine Polishing Floor Pads GUC US $425.00

Accent Mosaic Marble Tiles Stone Floor Art Wall Mural never used Brand New US $279.99

Beige Marble Vinyl Floor Tile 36 Pcs Adhesive Flooring Actual 12 x 12 US $69.99

Gray Green Marble Vinyl Tile 36 Pcs Adhesive Flooring Actual 12 x 12 US $69.99

Antique French Style Electric Floor Lamp w Shade Marble Metal Glass HEAVY US $9.99

VINTAGE FLOOR ASHTRAY SMOKING STAND MARBLE ON BASE GREEK LEAF DESIGN US $79.99

Floral Rug Marble Mosaic Tile Stone Art Floor Inlay US $750.00

MARBLE MOSAIC 2x2 GRANITE FLOOR TILES NEW CARRARA US $8.00

ONYX MOSAIC 1x1 MARBLE GRANITE FLOOR TILES RED US $11.00

Green Marble Vinyl Tile 40 Pcs Self Adhesive Flooring Actual 12 x 12 US $38.49

Cream Marble Vinyl Floor Tile 36 Pcs Adhesive Flooring Actual 12 x 12 US $69.99

White Marble Vinyl Tile 40 Pc Adhesive Kitchen Flooring Actual 12 x 12 US $38.49

GLASS MOSAIC 1x1 GRANITE MARBLE FLOOR TILES MOCHA US $12.25

Sun Rays Marble Mosaic Tile Stone Art Floor Wall Table US $265.00

GRANITE MARBLE KITCHEN BATH FLOOR TILE BALTIC BROWN US $4.75

MARBLE CIGNO SWAN FLOOR LAMP GI 101 LIMITED EDITION US $399.99

Green Marble Vinyl Floor Tile 20 Pcs Adhesive Flooring Actual 12 x 12 US $19.99

• Why There Exists a Huge Market for Marble Flooring?
• The Benefits of Carpet – Cleaning Tips to Keep Their Beauty

We all know how difficult it is for consumers to select an area rug for their home. This is not a purchasing decision they make every day, and therefore do not feel comfortable with it. Not having any knowledge as to the specific characteristics of a high vs. poor quality, as well as the required care and maintenance for these works of art, they often postpone their decisions or even abandon it altogether. If you find yourself in a similar situation, here are some tips that may help you make a decision:

1- Decide on the right size and color combination as the first step in this process.  With so many beautiful floor coverings of hardwood, tile, laminate, and so many others out there, you may want to use an area rug as a centerpiece rather than coverage for the whole floor. There is no set of rules indicating that some certain percentage of the floor always be covered by a rug. Keep in mind that the measurement of a rug, sometimes displayed on a price tag, normally does not include the fringe. So add a few inches from either side if you are trying to picture a certain size on your floor.  As for the pattern and color combination, choose what you like. You will be living with your rug for a long time, so be patient when selecting the one that best meets your taste.

2- A handmade Rug made of natural wool is definitely more desirable compared to one made by machines and often using synthetic fibers in the pile. It has been proven that these fibers can be harmful to people exposed to them. You may have to increase your budget for such a rug, but look at it as an investment of a life-time, and not as gambling. Natural wool of Persian and Oriental rugs is a much better choice compared to artificial fibers of machine-made rugs. Why go with cheap imitations when the original is readily available?

3- If you happen to be travelling abroad and decide to buy yourself an area rug, make sure the merchant provides you with the proper documents, stating the USD value for the rug clearly as getting your rug through the customs can prove to be difficult and take a lot of time. Of course it all depends on the declared value by you. If buying locally, make sure you learn about the dealer's return policy. An area rug can look very different once you get it on your floor in your own environment. Make sure you have the option of returning the rug if it did not work for you or for any other reason.

4- The number of knots per square inch (KPSI) is definitely a factor in deciding the value of any handmade rug. But what is it worth to you if you get the highest KPSI in a rug on your floor, but you still cannot make yourself like it? Try not to pay too much attention to KPSI. Concentrate instead on the proper size and color combination best for your space.

5- The Use of padding underneath your rug is a good idea as it will keep it in place, preventing unwanted movement and wrinkles and, as a result, protecting your rug. However, a more important protective measure would be to keep your rug as clean as possible. Dust particles act as sharp razors once they get into the body of your rug, cutting the fibers of the pile as you step on it. Vacuum clean your rug as often as you wish, at least once a week. It will not harm your rug, only be careful not to get the fringe stuck in the cleaner as it can damage the rug. Have your rug washed professionally every few years. Do not attempt to wash it at home.

8x12 BLUE PEKING PHOENIX CHINESE ORIENTAL WOOL AREA RUG US $1,690.00

IVORY floral BORDER 2x3 area RUG accent mat CASUAL Actual 2 x 3 US $26.39

10x12 ANTIQUE 1900 PERSIAN SULTANABAD ORIENTAL HAND KNOTTED WOOL AREA RUG CARPET US $1,290.00

12x15 BLACK IVORY INDIAN AGRA ORIENTAL HAND KNOTTED WOOL AREA RUG CARPET NEW US $1,190.00

Black Red Cream Beige Area Rugs Carpet 5x8 NOT 6x8 NR US $49.98

6x8 OLIVE GREEN PERSIAN TABRIZ HANDSPUN WOOL AREA RUG US $399.00

25x86 Blue Hand Knotted Handmade Chobi Wool Runner Area Rug H222 US $279.00

9x12 ANTIQUE 1880s INDIAN AGRA ORIENTAL HAND KNOTTED AREA RUG CARPET WOOL US $3,900.00

40 BURGUNDY INDIAN AGRA ORIENTAL HAND KNOTTED WOOL RUNNER AREA RUG CARPET NEW US $1,290.00

8 BLACK MAROON PERSIAN MAHAL ORIENTAL HAND KNOTTED WOOL RUNNER AREA RUG CARPET US $230.00

NEW Silk ROUND Machine made Persian Traditional Design Area Rug US $65.00

Stunning New Silk ROUND Machine made Persian Traditional Design Area Rug US $65.00

SAGE green IVORY border 6x8 area rug CASUAL carpet Actual 5 3 x 7 3 US $98.99

zebra print rug 66 area carpet cheap price high quality US $78.00

deer BEAR wolf LODGE carpet 4x6 GREEN burgundy AREA rug Actual 3 11 x 5 3 US $125.84

8x5 5x8 PotteryBarn FRINGED area rug carpet wheat US $265.00

Modern Ivory Geometric 6x8 Area Rug Squares Carpet Actual 5 3 x 7 2 US $110.00

4x6 Nourison Liz Claiborne Striped Modern Multi Colored Oriental Area Rug US $175.00

BLACK african LEOPARD TRIBAL area rug 6X8 BORDER carpet Actual 5 3 x 7 4 US $76.95

Ultra Sleek Sand Beige Modern Area Rug 4X6 Contemporary Actual 3 7 x 5 3 US $27.49

Gray black hand carved 5x7 area rug carpet modern grey US $129.99

Modern Shag Beige 5x7 Area Rug Swirls Shaggy Carpet Actual 4 9 x 6 6 US $87.99

brown beige area rug modern abstract 8x11 carpet black US $199.99

burgundy beige cream 9x16 carpet area rug diamond new US $349.99

SOUTHWESTERN beige FISH carpet 4x6 LODGE area RUG Actual 3 11 x 5 3 US $125.84

Rose pink green victorian 10x13 area rug carpet floral 1 US $349.99

burgundy black 8x11 area rugs persian carpet ivory new US $149.99

LEAVES FLOORMAT FLOWERS HALF MOON AREA RUG DOORMAT NEW US $24.99

NEW CUTE GOLDEN LAB AREA RUG CARPET MAT WHITE LAB PUPPY THROW RUG DOOR MAT NEW US $24.99

GOLDEN LABRADORS AREA RUG CARPET MAT WHITE LABS PUPPIES THROW RUG DOOR MAT NEW US $24.99

• Installation and Refinishing Concrete Floor Project: Tips and Tricks That Save Time and Money
• Epoxy Floor Paint Projects: Tips and Tricks That Save Time and Money

Cleaning a wool carpet takes care and attention, in fact just as much care and attention as you would use when washing your real wool garments. Wool is without a doubt the best type of carpet to have in any home, providing many advantages over synthetic alternatives.

Such carpets are not only the most expensive of any kind of carpet you could buy, but as with anything, you also get what you pay for. They have an outstanding natural ability to resist wear and tear, and the ability to resist most stains far better than any synthetic material.

Wool is a luxurious fiber because it is natural, but also because it is soft. However, as with the vast majority of natural fibers, wool has its own particular weaknesses when it comes to cleaning materials, and you have to be careful what you use if you want to maintain your wool carpet properly.

Cleaning a wool carpet is quite different to that of carpets fashioned from synthetic fibers such as nylon, and if you have built up a collection of cleaning solutions for synthetic fiber carpets, you would do well to discard them immediately. Most carpet cleaners will be either too acidic or too alkaline to use on wool. Any cleaning solution for a wool carpet should have a pH value as close to neutral as possible, otherwise it could well cause the wool fabric to break down and dissolve, or at the very least lose its natural softness and become severely discoloured.

The best method of helping to keep a wool carpet clean is to regularly vacuum it, since the wool will resist most stains and dirt for a short while. Whereas with most carpets perhaps weekly vacuuming is perfectly acceptable, wool carpets need to be vacuumed a minimum of three times a week, although it is preferable to vacuum daily in order to make sure that your carpet remains in the best condition.

Should your carpet suffer a spill or spot then it is important to act as quickly as possible. Use an absorbent cloth and dilute the spill using water. Wool is absorbent and so it is important not to use too much water. For best results use a solution which is three parts water to one part vinegar. This slightly acidic solution will not harm your carpet, but it will help to dilute the stain and at the same time will help to keep the wool soft.

Never scrub a stain on a wool carpet as this will almost certainly break down the fibres, which will result in your carpet becoming fuzzy. Never become too eager to use too much liquid as over-wetting a wool carpet can result in discoloration, causing a yellow or brown tinge to appear.

Always lift spots and stains immediately using a ph neutral cleaning solution or a vinegar and water mixture. Vacuum your wool carpet at least every day or every other day and it is important to make sure that once a year, or at least every 18 months, you use a professional carpet cleaner who is able to use methods, which are safe for cleaning wool carpets.

This should involve any of the several wool safe dry cleaning methods. By using a professional dry cleaner, you will help to ensure the longevity of your carpet, and guard against any possible damage to the fibres and unnecessary wetting, which could also cause discoloration.

Wool carpets are the first choice for many homes, at least for those who can afford the expense. Naturally resistant to fire, they are not only extremely comfortable and attractive but also add a significant level of safety. Able to absorb a tremendous amount of moisture they can help to keep the humidity in your home down to a minimum. Wool will almost certainly outlive any synthetic carpet material, and if cared for properly will continue to look and feel in an excellent condition for many, many years.

However, in order to achieve this longevity it is important to follow the above advice for cleaning and caring for your wool carpet. Remember, never use traditional carpet cleaning detergents, never over-wet your carpet, and never scrub it. With regular vacuum cleaning, and annual dry-cleaning, your wool carpet should prove to be the best value for money.

Cleaning wool carpets is neither simple nor as quick as for most other types of carpet, but if done properly your wool carpet will reward the care and attention you give it with many years of faithful and hardwearing service. They are both beautiful and functional.

9x12 or 8x11 Rug Pad Over Carpet Non Slip Padding Teebaud on Carpeting Rug Pads US $134.95

MINIATURE DOLLHOUSE GREEN CARPET CARPETING US $.99

Needlepoint Plastic Canvas DOLLHOUSE w Carpeting Rugs Wallpaper Tile Ceiling US $9.99

CARPET INSTALLER KNEE KICKER KICKING TOOL FOR CARPETING US $39.99

BLACK AREA RUG about 9 x7 EASY TO VACUUM carpet carpeting US $140.00

RUG SALE BANNER SIGN persian carpet carpeting area wall to wall oriental US $22.99

4x6 Rug Pad Over Carpet Non Slip Padding Teebaud on Carpeting Rug Pads US $39.95

007 JAMES BOND MISSION LOGS RELIC JBR6 JUMP BOAT CARPETING 3 CASE INNCENTIVE US $80.00

72 CARPET SALE BANNER SIGN store carpeting signs remnants wall to wall area rug US $38.99

VINTAGE CAST IRON ADV ASHTRAY LONDON FURNITURE CARPETING CLEVELAND OH US $24.00

WHITE THROW RUG Shag Carpeting Fashion Fever Home Decor Doll Miniatures US $.99

Self Adhesive Soft Cream Dollhouse Carpeting DE8508 US $5.99

JAMES BOND MISSION LOGS RELIC JBR6 199 JUMP BOAT CARPETING US $90.00

1880 NYC The STATUE of LIBERTY Hemphill Hamlin Co Wholesale Carpeting US $9.99

NEW BATHROOM WALL TO WALL CARPETING US $54.99

Pocher 1 8 Ferrari Testarossa Real Carpeting Trunk Kit US $39.99

12 CARPET SALE DECAL sticker store carpeting area rugs rug wall to wall floor US $9.99

12 RUG SALE DECAL sticker persian carpet carpeting oriental area remnants US $9.99

PEDAL BOARD CARPETING 2 COVER YOUR PEDALBOARD LOOP HOOK US $24.95

6x9 Rug Pad Over Carpet Non Slip Padding Teebaud on Carpeting Rug Pads US $79.95

CARPET SALE BANNER SIGN store carpeting signs remnants wall to wall area rug US $22.99

Root Caps 25 Pack Bottle Root Fertilizer For Crypts Swords Carpeting Plants US $8.00

Cargo Area Carpeting for Blazer Jimmy Bravada RQ9302 US $20.00

MODERN FAMILY ROOM DECOR IN 1946 BIGELOW CARPETING AD US $12.98

05 09 CHEVY COBALT SS COUPE CARPETING US $49.99

48x120 CARPET SALE BANNER SIGN store carpeting signs rugs wall to wall US $119.99

36x96 CARPET SALE BANNER SIGN store carpeting signs rugs wall to wall US $64.99

Burgandy Self Adhesive Dollhouse Carpeting DRV008 US $5.99

65 68 Mustang Black ACC Floor Carpeting Coupe US $144.15

8x10 Rug Pad Over Carpet Non Slip Padding Teebaud on Carpeting Rug Pads US $109.95

• What Everybody Should Know About Cleaning Berber Carpets
• The Benefits of Carpet – Cleaning Tips to Keep Their Beauty

Carpet flooring has always been a popular choice for home owners because of the number of advantages it presents. It lends character and color to any room – whether you choose a casual ambience or opt for a more formal and elegant setting, carpet flooring can do the trick. Carpet flooring also provides extra comfort; the plush feel you get when you’re bustling around barefoot cannot be matched by any other type of flooring.

As much as you would want to preserve your carpet in the best manner possible, accidents do happen. Spills and stains can mar your carpet for good, if not given immediate care. And though carpet flooring is relatively low-maintenance, the nature of its material demands a weekly routine carpet cleaning. Apart from that, specific stains call for certain concoctions. For example, red wine spills are to be treated with cold water and salt before being vacuumed while acid stains require baking soda, cold water and club soda.

Carpet restoration, especially for water-damaged carpets, is actually being serviced by carpet cleaning companies. After flooding, the carpet can breed mold and mildew, as well as give off a damp stench. Other services from carpet cleaning companies include pet stain and odor removal, smoke odor removal and deep stain treatment. When you are faced with this dilemma, the best solution is to find a reputed carpet cleaner within your area for a quick fix.

Routine cleaning always starts with vacuuming. It is advised that you vacuum your carpet once a week in areas that are rather unused, and twice a week for areas with high traffic. Consistent vacuuming can preserve your carpet longer because it thwarts the incidence of build up which may cut through the carpet fibers.

Wall to wall carpet vacuuming, especially in large rooms, can be very labor-intensive. If not done properly, the vacuuming can be pointless. A good technique is to divide the floor by equal sections, run the vacuum cleaner on one section thoroughly before moving on to the next. In this manner, you will be certain that no space is left untouched.

Never rush your vacuuming task, especially if you have the plush-type of carpet. The build and materials of plush carpets allow dust and soil to be easily embedded. One go-through will not be enough for this type of carpet, so make sure you allow plenty of time for the suction to do its dirty job. In areas of heavy traffic activity such as the living room, go over several times with criss-cross strokes.

Newly cleaned carpets can be treated with soil retardants if you so wish, so ask your carpet cleaner if they have this kind of treatment. Soil retardants or carpet protectors prevent the re-soiling of carpet, and stops liquid from penetrating the carpet fibers. Essentially, soil retardants extend the life of your carpet. Another option is to buy the carpet protector for a DIY project. This will save you on service cost, however, make sure you use professional equipment as advised by the manufacturer.

Lastly, always put in a bit of baking soda into the vacuum bag. Baking soda is proven to eliminate and prevent unpleasant odors. This will definitely leave your carpet smelling crisp and clean! Taking care of your carpet could be cumbersome but well worth the effort! Unless you plan on tearing up the entire carpet flooring in place of a new one, you would want to preserve it in the best way possible. Contact a residential carpet cleaner, ask help from a friend or do it yourself – anything to save the life of your carpet flooring!

9x12 or 8x11 Rug Pad Over Carpet Non Slip Padding Teebaud on Carpeting Rug Pads US $134.95

MINIATURE DOLLHOUSE GREEN CARPET CARPETING US $.99

Needlepoint Plastic Canvas DOLLHOUSE w Carpeting Rugs Wallpaper Tile Ceiling US $9.99

CARPET INSTALLER KNEE KICKER KICKING TOOL FOR CARPETING US $39.99

BLACK AREA RUG about 9 x7 EASY TO VACUUM carpet carpeting US $140.00

RUG SALE BANNER SIGN persian carpet carpeting area wall to wall oriental US $22.99

4x6 Rug Pad Over Carpet Non Slip Padding Teebaud on Carpeting Rug Pads US $39.95

007 JAMES BOND MISSION LOGS RELIC JBR6 JUMP BOAT CARPETING 3 CASE INNCENTIVE US $80.00

72 CARPET SALE BANNER SIGN store carpeting signs remnants wall to wall area rug US $38.99

VINTAGE CAST IRON ADV ASHTRAY LONDON FURNITURE CARPETING CLEVELAND OH US $24.00

WHITE THROW RUG Shag Carpeting Fashion Fever Home Decor Doll Miniatures US $.99

Self Adhesive Soft Cream Dollhouse Carpeting DE8508 US $5.99

JAMES BOND MISSION LOGS RELIC JBR6 199 JUMP BOAT CARPETING US $90.00

1880 NYC The STATUE of LIBERTY Hemphill Hamlin Co Wholesale Carpeting US $9.99

NEW BATHROOM WALL TO WALL CARPETING US $54.99

Pocher 1 8 Ferrari Testarossa Real Carpeting Trunk Kit US $39.99

12 CARPET SALE DECAL sticker store carpeting area rugs rug wall to wall floor US $9.99

12 RUG SALE DECAL sticker persian carpet carpeting oriental area remnants US $9.99

PEDAL BOARD CARPETING 2 COVER YOUR PEDALBOARD LOOP HOOK US $24.95

6x9 Rug Pad Over Carpet Non Slip Padding Teebaud on Carpeting Rug Pads US $79.95

CARPET SALE BANNER SIGN store carpeting signs remnants wall to wall area rug US $22.99

Root Caps 25 Pack Bottle Root Fertilizer For Crypts Swords Carpeting Plants US $8.00

Cargo Area Carpeting for Blazer Jimmy Bravada RQ9302 US $20.00

MODERN FAMILY ROOM DECOR IN 1946 BIGELOW CARPETING AD US $12.98

05 09 CHEVY COBALT SS COUPE CARPETING US $49.99

48x120 CARPET SALE BANNER SIGN store carpeting signs rugs wall to wall US $119.99

36x96 CARPET SALE BANNER SIGN store carpeting signs rugs wall to wall US $64.99

Burgandy Self Adhesive Dollhouse Carpeting DRV008 US $5.99

65 68 Mustang Black ACC Floor Carpeting Coupe US $144.15

8x10 Rug Pad Over Carpet Non Slip Padding Teebaud on Carpeting Rug Pads US $109.95

• What is the best way in Carpet Cleaning
• The Benefits of Carpet – Cleaning Tips to Keep Their Beauty

Because carpet acts as a floor covering, carpeting can be subjected to quite a beating. Over time, carpet can look prematurely dirty or faded, and carpet fibers can actually start to lose their fullness. However, with routine care and maintenance, years can be added to the life of your carpets and rugs. Follow these simple guidelines and learn how to keep your carpet looking its absolute best.

Frequent Vacuuming is Key

Many people may not be aware that frequent and thorough vacuuming is one of the most important (and easiest) things you can do to help retain your carpet's original appearance.

With that being said, choosing the right vacuum cleaner to handle your carpet cleaning needs is extremely important. While household tools such as carpet sweepers can remove surface dirt, vacuuming prevents deep abrasions that can ruin carpet. When shopping for a vacuum, one of the most important things to look for is the vacuum's filtration abilities. Vacuums with dual motors, or those with one motor to provide suction with the other motor powering a beater bar to loosen dirt, are excellent at removing dirt and grit, particularly upright vacuums with this feature. Also, vacuums with beater bars or rotating brushes are better at loosening dirt than standard canister vacuums. In addition, be sure that the vacuum you choose provides the correct height adjustment for your specific type of carpet

Because vacuuming helps remove dirt particles which can degrade and dull the appearance of carpets and rugs, carpets should be vacuumed at least once a week and perhaps even more frequently in heavy traffic areas. Frequent vacuuming prolongs the life of your carpet by preventing any buildup of gritty debris that can cut up carpet fibers, and every few weeks, you should use your vacuum's crevice tool to clean the tight areas around baseboards, radiators, and other difficult-to-reach places.

Reduce Traffic and Retain Your Carpet's Texture

To prolong the appearance and overall life of your carpet, reduce the amount of traffic in heavily traveled, carpeted areas, as these areas will receive the most wear. Use rugs under and in front of heavily used furniture such as chairs, and clean these rugs on a regular basis. Furniture and area rugs should also be moved periodically to reduce the wear on these paths.

Heavy furniture can also cause permanent indentations in your carpet, and it is important to use furniture glides or cups under the legs of heavy pieces. Temporary indentations can be remedied by working the carpet back in place with your fingers or with the edge of spoon, dampening the area in question, and heating the carpet with a hair dryer.

Fluffing, Shedding, and Sprouting

You may sometimes find tiny balls of fluff or loose fibers on your carpet or in your vacuum cleaner. Fortunately in most cases, this is not cause for alarm, as it is the normal result of fiber that is left in the carpet during the manufacturing process. Proper vacuuming with a high quality vacuum cleaner will usually cause this shedding this disappear if your carpet is relatively new, and removing these large fibers will not affect the life or appearance of the carpet.

In some cases, you may even notice a yarn tuft or two sprouting above the pile surface of your carpet. Simply snip off these large tufts with a pair of scissors to the level of the carpet, but never pull these out. If sprouting proves to be a persistent problem, contact your carpet's manufacturer or flooring representative.

Address Carpet Stains Immediately

Even with the utmost of care, carpet staining is inevitable. Therefore, it is important to understand that when spills occur, time is of the essence, as the sooner a stain is cleaned, the easier it will be to completely remove. Don't be fooled by stains that appear to be clear, as these can change color and be quite visible over time. For even additional cleaning, look to wet/dry vacuums which not only have the ability to suck up dust and debris, but also liquid spills as well.

The first step in removing a carpet stain is to blot any excess liquid with a paper towel or clean cloth. Liquid stain removers should not be initially added to the stain, as they will only make the spot larger and cause it to sink deeper into the carpet. Once the liquid has been absorbed, if a special cleaning solution is to be used, first test it on an inconspicuous part of the carpet to prevent any possible staining. If the solution proves to be safe to use, try to use the least amount of solution possible and work from the outside of the stain toward the center to prevent any spreading. To prevent fiber damage, don't rub the carpet with too much force, and be sure to dry the area with a hair dryer or fan when you are finished.

Also keep in mind that not all stains can be removed: bleached areas caused by chlorine bleach or sunlight are impossible to get rid of, and liquids like urine, if allowed to dry, will leave permanent stains.

Ultimately, regularly vacuuming your carpet and spot cleaning will prolong the appearance and life of your carpets. Professional carpet cleanings every 18 months are also an important part of a regular carpet care regimen, and investing in a carpet shampooer, wet/dry vacuum, or steam vacuum is also a good idea for interim carpet maintenance.

9x12 or 8x11 Rug Pad Over Carpet Non Slip Padding Teebaud on Carpeting Rug Pads US $134.95

MINIATURE DOLLHOUSE GREEN CARPET CARPETING US $.99

Needlepoint Plastic Canvas DOLLHOUSE w Carpeting Rugs Wallpaper Tile Ceiling US $9.99

CARPET INSTALLER KNEE KICKER KICKING TOOL FOR CARPETING US $39.99

BLACK AREA RUG about 9 x7 EASY TO VACUUM carpet carpeting US $140.00

RUG SALE BANNER SIGN persian carpet carpeting area wall to wall oriental US $22.99

4x6 Rug Pad Over Carpet Non Slip Padding Teebaud on Carpeting Rug Pads US $39.95

007 JAMES BOND MISSION LOGS RELIC JBR6 JUMP BOAT CARPETING 3 CASE INNCENTIVE US $80.00

72 CARPET SALE BANNER SIGN store carpeting signs remnants wall to wall area rug US $38.99

VINTAGE CAST IRON ADV ASHTRAY LONDON FURNITURE CARPETING CLEVELAND OH US $24.00

WHITE THROW RUG Shag Carpeting Fashion Fever Home Decor Doll Miniatures US $.99

Self Adhesive Soft Cream Dollhouse Carpeting DE8508 US $5.99

JAMES BOND MISSION LOGS RELIC JBR6 199 JUMP BOAT CARPETING US $90.00

1880 NYC The STATUE of LIBERTY Hemphill Hamlin Co Wholesale Carpeting US $9.99

NEW BATHROOM WALL TO WALL CARPETING US $54.99

Pocher 1 8 Ferrari Testarossa Real Carpeting Trunk Kit US $39.99

12 CARPET SALE DECAL sticker store carpeting area rugs rug wall to wall floor US $9.99

12 RUG SALE DECAL sticker persian carpet carpeting oriental area remnants US $9.99

PEDAL BOARD CARPETING 2 COVER YOUR PEDALBOARD LOOP HOOK US $24.95

6x9 Rug Pad Over Carpet Non Slip Padding Teebaud on Carpeting Rug Pads US $79.95

CARPET SALE BANNER SIGN store carpeting signs remnants wall to wall area rug US $22.99

Root Caps 25 Pack Bottle Root Fertilizer For Crypts Swords Carpeting Plants US $8.00

Cargo Area Carpeting for Blazer Jimmy Bravada RQ9302 US $20.00

MODERN FAMILY ROOM DECOR IN 1946 BIGELOW CARPETING AD US $12.98

05 09 CHEVY COBALT SS COUPE CARPETING US $49.99

48x120 CARPET SALE BANNER SIGN store carpeting signs rugs wall to wall US $119.99

36x96 CARPET SALE BANNER SIGN store carpeting signs rugs wall to wall US $64.99

Burgandy Self Adhesive Dollhouse Carpeting DRV008 US $5.99

65 68 Mustang Black ACC Floor Carpeting Coupe US $144.15

8x10 Rug Pad Over Carpet Non Slip Padding Teebaud on Carpeting Rug Pads US $109.95

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