You're living the American dream with a home of your own and your new Imperial Floors carpet.

There is a lot you can do to extend the good looks and life of your carpet. We have some tips from the old-timers at Imperial Floors who know how to care for your carpet.

Preventative Maintenance Will Help
to Protect Your Carpet Investment

Use Mats Around Entrances
Using a mat around doorways and entrances helps to reduce the soil brought in from the outside. Mats need to be cleaned on a regular basis to prevent spreading soil to the rest of the carpet, especially during wet weather. Don't forget to put outdoor mats on the outside of the entrance to collect dirt before it gets inside. Working to keep dirt out of entry ways will help to reduce soil throughout your home.

Use Area Rugs
Area rugs can help offload some of carpet wear, especially around heavy traffic areas. Be sure to clean area rugs regularly, as well as the carpet underneath. Make sure you restore the carpet pile and give it loft so matting doesn't occur. Also be sure that rugs placed on top of carpets are color fast so the dye doesn't bleed through and stain the carpet underneath--especially if it gets wet. If area rugs get wet or damp, it is best to remove them until both the rug and carpet are completely dry. Also allow plenty drying time before laying down rugs on top of carpets again.

Use a Quality Carpet Pad
Using a good quality carpet pad, especially in high traffic areas and stairways, can add life to your carpet. Some carpet warranties require specific density and thickness requirements for padding. Before buying your carpet pad, review your carpeting warranty. Padding also makes carpet comfortable to walk and stand on.

Avoid Direct Sunlight
Protect your carpet from sunlight, especially prolonged exposure. Use window coverings, like blinds, drapes, shades and even awnings to protect the original color of your carpeting.

Move Heavy Furniture Occasionally
Carpet pile can get crushed and lose its loft after having furniture resting on it for periods of time. It is a good idea to not only use a coaster under furniture to spread the weight, but also to move the furniture to allow carpet piling time to recover its shape. Chairs and appliances with rollers can cause damage to carpeting. Use chair pads around office desks and other areas exposed to this type of wear.