How do I get a stain out of carpet that has dried?

Dried stains are harder to remove but not impossible. Rehydrate the stain with a small amount of cold water first, then treat as you would a fresh stain. For old, set stains, a proprietary carpet stain remover or a professional clean is usually the most effective approach.

Can I use a steam cleaner on my carpet?

Yes, but use caution. Consumer steam cleaners can be effective for surface cleaning, but they don't extract the dirty water like professional hot water extraction machines do. This can leave residue in the carpet that attracts more dirt. For deep cleaning, professional extraction is more effective.

How do I get rid of carpet odours?

Sprinkle bicarbonate of soda liberally over the carpet, leave for 30 minutes to an hour, then vacuum thoroughly. For pet odours, use an enzyme-based cleaner that breaks down the odour-causing proteins. Persistent odours usually require professional cleaning.

My carpet has flattened in high-traffic areas — can it be restored?

Partially. Use a stiff brush or carpet rake to lift the pile. For more severe flattening, place a damp towel over the area and use a warm iron (not hot) to raise the fibres. Prevention is better than cure — regular vacuuming with a rotating brush head helps maintain pile height.

How long does carpet last?

A good quality carpet with proper care should last 10–20 years in most rooms. Wool carpets can last 20–30 years. The main factors affecting lifespan are traffic levels, fibre quality, underlay quality and maintenance routine.

Maintenance 5 min read

How to Care for Your Carpet: The Complete Maintenance Guide

A good carpet is an investment. With the right care routine, a quality carpet can last 15–20 years. Neglect it and you'll be replacing it in five. Here's everything you need to know about keeping your carpet looking its best.

By the Multi-Save Carpets team · Updated 2025 · Based in Bristol since 1955

How Often Should You Vacuum?

Vacuuming is the single most important thing you can do for your carpet. Dirt and grit work their way down into the pile and act like sandpaper, cutting the fibres and causing premature wear.

High-traffic areas (hallways, living rooms, stairs): vacuum at least twice a week. Bedrooms and low-traffic rooms: once a week is sufficient. Under furniture: move furniture and vacuum underneath every month.

Use a vacuum with good suction and a rotating brush head for cut pile carpets (twist, saxony). For loop pile carpets (Berber), use suction only — the rotating brush can snag and pull the loops.

How to Remove Common Stains

The golden rule of carpet stain removal: act immediately. The longer a stain sits, the harder it is to remove.

The basic method: Blot (never rub) with a clean white cloth to absorb as much of the liquid as possible. Work from the outside of the stain inward to prevent spreading. Then apply a small amount of cold water and blot again.

Red wine: Blot immediately, then apply a mixture of washing-up liquid and cold water. Blot again. For stubborn stains, a proprietary carpet cleaner works well.

Coffee and tea: Blot immediately with cold water. A small amount of white vinegar solution (1 part vinegar, 2 parts water) can help lift the stain.

Mud: Let it dry completely, then vacuum up the dried mud before treating any remaining stain with cold water.

Pet accidents: Blot up as much liquid as possible, then use an enzyme-based pet stain cleaner. These break down the proteins in urine that cause persistent odour.

Never use hot water on carpet stains — it can set the stain permanently.

Professional Cleaning: How Often?

Even with regular vacuuming, carpets accumulate deep-down dirt, allergens and bacteria that home vacuuming can't reach. Professional hot water extraction (steam cleaning) removes this deep-down soiling and refreshes the pile.

We recommend professional cleaning every 12–18 months for most carpets. High-traffic areas and homes with pets or young children may benefit from cleaning every 6–12 months.

After professional cleaning, allow the carpet to dry thoroughly before walking on it — typically 4–8 hours depending on ventilation.

Protecting Your Carpet

Door mats: Place mats at all external doors to trap dirt before it reaches your carpet. This single measure reduces carpet soiling by up to 80%.

Furniture pads: Use felt pads under all furniture legs to prevent crushing and indentation. If you get indentations, place a damp cloth over the area and use a warm iron to raise the pile.

Rotate furniture: Periodically rearranging furniture distributes wear more evenly across the carpet.

Shoes off policy: Removing shoes at the door is the single most effective way to extend carpet life. Outdoor shoes track in grit, oil and chemicals that damage carpet fibres.