As per a report by MarketWatch, the home renovation market in the U.S. is set to grow by around 4% every year from 2020 onwards. If you are planning to join the crowd and renovate your home, it is essential to understand how to protect your carpeting during this process. Implementing methods for keeping carpets clean can seem daunting, but with proper techniques and measures in place, you can keep your carpets pristine amidst renovations.
Understanding Carpet Types
Before getting into preservation techniques, it is crucial for you to know the type of carpet installed in your home. Different carpets have differing materials and construction methods; therefore, their care requirements vary. From plush pile to Berber style, frieze to level loop pile- each type of carpet has unique characteristics that affect its resilience during renovation work.
Selecting Robust Walk-Off Mats
Placing walk-off mats at key entrances and exits can significantly reduce the amount of dirt and debris tracked onto your carpet. These mats act as a barrier and absorb most of the damaging material before it reaches your precious carpeting. Make sure you choose high-quality mats that are easy to clean so that maintaining them does not become another chore during renovations.
Using Protective Coverings
Protective coverings like rolls of heavy-duty plastic or specialty carpet protection films can be a lifesaver during renovations. These coverings are designed to withstand foot traffic and resist penetration by dirt, dust, and spills while still allowing the carpet underneath to breathe.
The Evils of Fine Dust
Renovation work often results in a significant amount of fine dust floating throughout the house. This dust can easily get embedded into plush carpet fibers causing lasting damage. It is crucial to make sure that dust controls are in place, like using closed doors or plastic dividers to segregate the construction area.
Regular Vacuuming Essentials
During renovations, carpets must be vacuumed regularly to prevent permanent damage from accumulated dirt and debris. Remember, the longer you wait to cleanse your carpet, the harder it will become to get rid of debris. Thus, daily vacuuming should be made a priority.
The Magic of Carpet Cleaning Solutions
Using appropriate carpet cleaning solutions is an effective method for preserving them during renovation work. However, this method should be applied sparingly and only as a last resort because the chemicals in the cleaning solution might cause potential damage to delicate carpet fibers over time.
Professional Carpet Cleaning
If your renovation project is extensive, consider hiring professional carpet cleaners once renovations are complete. They have expert knowledge and special equipment to deep clean carpets effectively, ensuring all residual dirt and debris trapped in the deep fibers are completely removed.
Care in Moving Furniture
When moving furniture during renovations, care should be taken not to drag heavy items across the carpet surface as they can cause unseen damage to the fibers. Instead, use sliders or lift and carry these items to their new locations.
Proper Storage of Rugs
If you have area rugs decorating your floor, make sure these are properly stored away during renovations. Roll them up neatly and store them in a cool, dry place where they will be protected from potential damage from dust, excessive heat or moisture.
Beware of Sharp Objects
Renovation work usually involves sharp tools and objects that can easily damage carpeting when dropped or dragged across the floor. Keep an eye out for any such objects and make sure they are immediately picked up and stored safely away from your carpets.
Regular Aeration of the Room
To mitigate the effects of chemical pollutants released from renovation materials and paints, regular aeration is necessary. This will help to purify the air, reducing potential harm to your carpets.
Proper Laying of New Carpets
If new carpets have been installed as part of your renovation, make sure they are laid correctly. Incorrect installation might cause wrinkles or buckles in the carpet, which can wear out prematurely causing permanent damage.
Pet Movement Restriction
Pets might find the renovation work distressing and can accidently cause damages to your carpeting. As best as possible, restrict pets movement in areas where you have valuable carpeting during the period of renovation.
Seeking Expert Advice
Every carpet type and home will have its own unique preservation needs. Therefore, do not hesitate to seek advice from carpet manufacturers or professionals on proper methods for preserving your particular type of carpeting during home renovations.
Final Thoughts
Maintaining pristine carpets amidst renovations may seem difficult, but with some forethought and effort, it can certainly be achieved. The key is to understand the needs of your carpet, implement preservation techniques diligently and resort to professional assistance when needed. By doing this, you ensure that your rejuvenated home also includes fresh, clean, and undamaged carpeting that adds charm to your abode.
