7 Tips on How to Clean and Maintain Your Carpet to Extend Its Life

Some people think maintaining a carpet is hard work—but in reality, it’s simple. It just takes a little getting used to.

All you need is a sprinkle of patience, the right cleaning supplies, and expert carpet-cleaning tips that actually work.

That’s why in this post, we’ll share exactly how to clean and maintain your carpet to extend its life. Implement these tips, especially tip #7, and maintaining your carpet won’t feel too much like a chore!

1: Protect Your Carpet From Dirt

The first thing to remember as a carpet owner is: prevent as much dirt as possible from entering your home. 

After all, the cleaner your carpet stays, the less you’ll worry about maintaining it in the long run. 

The simplest way to do this? 

Encourage everyone in your household to take off outdoor shoes at the door. You can also place walk-off mats at every entrance for extra protection. 

This small change reduces the headache of dirt smudges getting tracked across your carpet. Especially since light neutral colours are still part of the top carpet trends in Australia for 2025.

But that’s just the beginning. Here are a few more dirt-prevention tips for your floor:

• Place rugs and runners in high-traffic areas, as they’re easier to clean and replace.
• Move furniture periodically to avoid permanent indentations.
• Protect your carpet from direct sunlight.

Prevention is half the battle when it comes to long-term carpet care. 

2: Know Your Specific Carpet Type

Different carpet materials require different maintenance routines. While many of the tips in this guide apply across the board, the specific cleaning steps, routines, or frequency will depend on the type of carpet you have.

At Middleton’s Carpets, we exclusively specialise in wool and other high-quality, sustainable carpets, so many of the recommendations below will apply specifically to those.

If your carpet is synthetic, be sure to double-check that any product or cleaning method you use is compatible with its fibres.

We have this ultimate guide to buying carpets in Australia if you’re still in the planning stage of owning carpets, by the way!

3: Clean Spills and Stains Immediately

With high-quality carpets like wool, spills don’t become stains right away thanks to their natural protective oils. But that protection is temporary.

You’ve got a short window of about 5 to 15 minutes before something like red wine, coffee, or juice soaks into the carpet fibres and becomes a permanent stain.

So when a spill happens, act fast—faster than you finish that cup of coffee. Dab, don’t scrub. Blot the spill gently from the outside in to prevent it from spreading.

We have this ultimate guide to buying carpets in Australia if you’re still in the planning stage of owning carpets, by the way!

4: Use Carpet-Safe Cleaners or Verified DIY Mixes ​

We always recommend using store-bought, certified carpet-safe products. They eliminate guesswork—and since you’re investing in a surface that should last years (or decades), you don’t want to risk damage.

However, DIY methods can still work well if you’re careful. 

Here’s how to use them safely:

• Only use recipes that are mentioned consistently by trusted sources.
• Always do a patch test in a hidden area of your carpet first.
• Make small, fresh batches—don’t store DIY solutions in bulk.

Pro tip: Always consider your carpet’s material. A DIY recipe safe for synthetic carpets may damage wool or natural fibres.

5: Vacuum Regularly  ​

The general rule is to vacuum your carpets as often as possible. At a minimum, aim for twice a week—and in high-traffic areas, daily if you can.

It’s similar to brushing your teeth: regular maintenance prevents buildup. But skip it for too long, and that buildup becomes much harder—sometimes impossible—to remove.

If you're serious about protecting your carpet, invest in a high-quality vacuum with rotating brushes that clean deeply without damaging the fibres.

6: Deep Clean Every 12 to 18 Months   ​

There’s a big difference between everyday upkeep and professional-level cleaning—just like brushing your teeth versus visiting the dentist.

To keep your carpet in excellent condition for years, schedule a professional deep clean every 12 to 18 months.

Professional cleaners do far more than vacuum. They use industrial-grade equipment and expert techniques, along with a deep understanding of carpet fibres and construction. That means they can remove stubborn dirt and stains that typical home supplies simply can’t reach.

7: Keep an Eye on Pets and Kids

Pets and kids may enjoy the carpet the most—but let’s face it, they’re also the most likely to damage it. So as much as possible, supervise little ones and furry friends, or avoid leaving them unattended in carpeted areas.

Occasional spills or shedding won’t ruin your carpet—but daily accidents or rough use can shave years off its life.

Here are some extra tips:

• Avoid letting kids bring stain-causing items (like markers, paint, or food) into carpeted rooms unsupervised.
• Trim your dog’s nails regularly to prevent them from catching or tearing carpet fibres.
• Remove children's outdoor shoes and clean your pet’s paws before they come indoors.

Keep this tip in mind, and you’ll enjoy shorter vacuuming sessions! 

Let’s Talk About Your Flooring Options—Carpet or Not! 

Here at Middleton’s Carpets, our goal is to provide the Albury-Wodonga community with carpets that last not just for years, but for decades. 

But to achieve that, you—the homeowner—must play a role as well by following the carpet care tips above.

Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that carpets are high-maintenance. 

They’re an investment that adds property value, lifestyle comfort, and warmth to your home. So, just like homes, cars, or appliances, a little care goes a long way toward enjoying long-term benefits.

Ready to turn your house into a carpeted, cosy home? 

If you’re unsure about maintaining carpet, we’re more than happy to walk you through it—or suggest other flooring alternatives that may better suit your lifestyle, such as engineered timber, vinyl planks, or laminate flooring. Give us a call to chat about your options.