Dirt on carpets can be more harmful than most people presume. Sand on carpeted surfaces is abrasive and the dirt is accompanied by dangerous bacteria. Since carpets are a major home décor investment, carpet cleaning should be a major focus since carpet prices are continually on the rise. Regular daily cleaning of carpets together with the occasional professional carpet cleaning go a long way in sustaining the quality and durability of your carpet. A clean carpet will serve you longer and better. Each acre of soil carries a ton of bacteria according to research findings by National Resources Conservation Service. The harmful health effects of bacteria are felt through repeated exposure. The carpet traps and filters most of the dirt that we bring from outside and therefore accumulates dirt and bacteria over time. The carpet cleaning and maintenance are meant to reduce harmful health effects by clearing out this accumulated dirt.The most damaging aspect about dirt is its abrasivness. Think of small shards of glass embeded in your carpet and what that might do to the carpet fiber. With carpet cleaning over time, these tiny scratches begin to cause the light to reflect differently off the carpet. This causes the carpet to dull and look worn, especially in highly trafficked areas.The best way to prevent dirt buildup aside from carpet cleaning has always been to vacuum on a regular basis regardless if the carpet looks like it needs it or not. Quite often we do not see the dirt buildup in the carpet and decide to maybe skip vacuuming that time. Also it is important to invest in a high powered vacuum with proper suction. When vacuuming, always vacuum in both directions across the carpet.The shoes we wear act like a hammer slamming the dirt across our carpet fibers. Our shoes rub the dirt and sand across the fibers increasing the harm we do to our carpet on a daily basis. If at all possible its best we not wear shoes inside the house.Another tip to reduce not only the dirt in carpet but in the house overall is to have walk-in rugs at each entrance to the home. You will want to place these rugs on the outside and on the inside of exterior doors. Keep in mind that like an air filter, once these rugs become too soiled, they lose their effectiveness.Once every couple of years you need professional carpet cleaning. The best method of professionaly cleaning carpet to remove dirt is what is known as hot water extraction which is a restorative cleaning. Many years ago it was called steam cleaning but this is somewhat of a misnomer. It is actually super heated water (but not hot enough to steam) being injected into the carpet then immediately vacuumed out. This flushes the dirt and other contaminates from the carpet and removing it from the house.You can make inquiries about a carpet protector after your carpet has been cleaned by a professional carpet cleaning service. This protector is essentially meant to shield your carpet fibers. The shield not only blocks sand and dirt from damaging the fiber but also helps with spills and spots. The protection will eventual wear off as time goes by and therefore you need to reapply it yearly or after every two years. Most professional carpet cleaning services apply the carpet protector following the carpet cleaning process. Other than the beauty of a clean carpet and the elimination of health risks, regular carpet cleaning and maintenance also helps in retaining you home value. Carpet replacement is quite costly, and if you are able to abide to the regular carpet cleaning techniques that are quite simple and acquiring the help of professionals every once in a while, this is one cost that you will not have to worry about for some time.

Ash Downing is the author of this article on Carpet Cleaning. Find more information on Professional Carpet Cleaning here

Article Source: http://www.infoarticles.us