Children playing on carpet cleaned by Pro-Care Of Cookeville

Three steps for proper carpet care

Caring for your carpet is much like staying in shape—consistency is key! Establishing a routine will not only save you time but also ensure your carpet stays looking great. Using the right cleaning methods and products from the beginning can help you avoid extra work later. Products with a Seal of Approval not only keep your carpet in top condition but also help you meet manufacturer warranty requirements. Here are three easy steps to keep your carpets clean and looking their best:
  1. Vacuum regularly with a CRI-approved vacuum.
  2. Quickly clean up spots and spills using products that won’t damage the carpet or cause it to re-soil faster.
  3. Schedule professional deep cleaning every 12 to 18 months to remove embedded dirt and grime.


Stop dirt at the door

Preventing dirt from getting into your home is one of the best ways to keep carpets clean. Here are a few tips to keep dirt at bay:
  • Use mats – Place outdoor and indoor mats or runners at entrances to reduce the amount of dirt coming into the house.
  • Take off your shoes – Ask guests and family members to remove their shoes when entering to protect the carpet from extra wear and tear.
  • Change air filters – Regularly change your HVAC system’s air filters. The more dust and particles your filter catches, the less dirt will settle onto your carpet.

In the Case of Spots or Spills…

Act quickly when you have a spill or call Pro-Care

Act Quickly!

Most carpets today come with stain-resist treatments, which means many spills can be removed if you act quickly. The longer you wait, the higher the chance the spill will become a permanent stain. Remember, while most carpets are treated, no carpet is completely stain-proof.
  • Blot liquids with a dry, white cloth or paper towel (no prints). Avoid scrubbing, as this may distort the pile. Continue blotting until the area is dry. For semi-solid spills, gently scrape with a spoon. Solid spills should be broken up and vacuumed.
  • Pretest before cleaning – Test the cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area to ensure it won’t harm the fibers or dye. Apply a few drops, press a white cloth onto the area for 10 seconds, and check for any color transfer or changes. If any damage occurs, choose a different cleaner.
  • Apply gently – Work from the edges of the spill toward the center to prevent spreading. Use a white cloth, blotting gently. Repeat if necessary, and only switch cleaning solutions if the first one doesn’t work.

Be patient!

Sometimes, removing a spill requires repeating the process multiple times. Keep blotting and applying the cleaning solution until the spill is gone.

Rinse Thoroughly

Once the spill is removed, rinse the area with cold water and blot dry. It’s important to remove all cleaning solution, as any residue can attract dirt and lead to rapid re-soiling. Lay down a layer of white paper towels and weigh them down with something heavy to absorb any remaining moisture. Replace the towels as needed. A dry cleaning compound can speed up drying. For more information on specific spots, check out our Spot Removal Tips section. Many carpet manufacturers also offer toll-free cleaning advice through their warranty programs.

Wool Care

Wool rugs and carpet need special care Pro-Care of Cookeville can provide. Promptly addressing spots and spills is crucial when caring for wool carpets and rugs. Always keep cleaning materials on hand and act fast when something spills. We recommend a WoolClean Spot Removal Kit, which can be purchased from a Wools of New Zealand Partner Retailer. You can call 800-367-0462 or visit the Woolsafe website to find a nearby retailer. Frequent vacuuming is a wool carpet’s best friend. Use an upright vacuum with a beater bar/brush for cut pile carpets, and a suction-only vacuum for loop pile Berbers to avoid fuzzing. Make sure to empty the vacuum bag when it’s half full. For further protection, place absorbent mats at frequently used entrances and wash them regularly. Change HVAC filters often to reduce the amount of dust and dirt in the air. Periodically clean traffic areas and spaces in front of frequently used chairs with an absorbent powder such as Host®, Dri-Matic®, or Capture®. Avoid applying silicone-based stain repellents, as they tend to speed up carpet soiling. Some manufacturers will not cover warranties where these treatments have been used. When hiring professionals to clean your wool carpet, make sure they’re WoolCare Specialists.