When you first move into a new apartment make sure that the carpets have been professionally cleaned. This is pretty standard practice with apartment turnover, but you should always ask. Professional steam cleaning will get your carpet clean deep down where dust and allergens can hide.
Vacuum Every Week
Vacuuming is like exercising, it gets easier the more you do it. If you make weekly vacuuming part of your routine, there will be much less dirt to suck up and it won't take nearly as long. Also you should vacuum slowly. It's counter-intuitive, but when you go too fast the vacuum doesn't work as well and kicks more stuff out. Slow even, overlapping strokes are the way to go. The quality of your vacuum also makes a big difference. Some vacuums barely pick anything up, while others can clean deep down into the carpet. Check out these vacuum reviews from Forbes.
When there are spills on the carpet, you should spot clean them immediately. Blot it dry (don't rub back and forth) with a rag or paper towel so that the moisture doesn't soak down deep. Use a carpet cleaning spray to get out tricky stains before they have a chance to set.
Pro Tip: Club soda and salt is a great DIY carpet stain remover. After blotting the area dry, sprinkle with a healthy amount of salt, then soak lightly with club soda. Let it soak in and dry out a little over several hours, then blot it again and vacuum up the salt.
You can rent a Rug Doctor steam cleaner from most major supermarket chains. It should only cost $30 - $50 depending on what attachments you need and how much cleaning fluid you buy. These things will get dirt out of your carpet and furniture that you had no idea was there. Seriously, take a look at the color of the water when you dump this thing out, you will be horrified! Doing this just once every year will keep the carpet in your Hignell Rental properties looking fresh.
For high traffic areas like entryways use mats and carpet runners to absorb most of the dirt. They can easily be taken out and cleaned and eventually replaced if needed. Entryways with carpet are notorious for looking dirty, especially in the winter when you are tracking in wet leaves and mud. Consider a floor mat with a rubberized bottom, so it doesn't let moisture soak through to the carpet below.
The easiest way to keep your carpet looking good is to not get it dirty in the first place. Take your shoes off before tromping around the apartment and make it a rule for everyone. You'll be surprised at how much of a difference this will make. Setup a small shelf or shoe rack just inside the front door and remind guests to take their shoes off when they arrive. Eventually your friends and family will get accustomed to the routine.
A clean apartment is a happy apartment. You will be surprised how much a clean and uncluttered living space can reduce stress. You might even get inspired to rearrange your furniture.
Deep cleaning your apartment a few times a year is the best way to keep your apartment looking as fresh as when you moved in. You'll also be thanking yourself when you're ready to move out as you won't have to put as much elbow grease into cleaning!
To help make sure your apartment stays clean all year long we created a Seasonal Deep Cleaning Checklist, download it now and begin to see a new cleaner apartment.