THRILLS AND SPILLS The GH carpet responded well to cleaning solutions. It’s very durable GHI REVIEWER
Keep your carpet as fresh as the day it was fitted with our expert care tips
There’s nothing like the feel of new carpet: plush and soft underfoot, it can transform a room. However, it doesn’t take long for everyday life to take over — pets with muddy paws, red-wine mishaps and general wear and tear can all spoil that new-floor feeling. So, how do you keep it fresh? Here are some tips from the Good Housekeeping Institute (GHI) experts.
CHOOSE WISELY
When selecting a new carpet, think about where it’s going to go. Long-pile styles are great for bedrooms, where you want an extra level of indulgence, while short-pile carpets work well for high-traffic areas such as stairs, landings and dining rooms.
INVEST IN QUALITY
If you’re after flooring that not only looks great but will also withstand everything family life throws at it, the new Good Housekeeping x Carpetright collection can do both. The GH Chartwell range comes in a luxurious velvet pile and 12 modern colours, plus it’s bleach-cleanable; while the GH Wentworth range is available in 12 neutral shades and a soft-twist finish. Both are durable, stain resistant and GHI Approved.
BLOT, DON’T RUB
If you spill liquids on your carpet, it’s important you act fast! Use paper towels to absorb as much of the excess as possible, slightly pressing into the carpet to soak up what you can. For spills that need more intensive treatment, use a carpet-stain remover
– and always do a patch test of the product on a hidden section of the floor first to check for any potential discolouration. The golden rule is to work from the outside in to stop the stain spreading further.
PASS ON THE SALT
Never put salt (or more wine, for that matter) on a red-wine spill because you run the risk of setting the stain permanently. Instead, try dabbing it with sparkling water and blotting as much moisture as possible with paper towels. Spray the area with a remover such as Wine Away and leave for a few minutes before blotting again.