Removal of shoes will certainly help to lengthen the life of RV carpet, but this practice is not always practical. Even with heavy traffic going in and out of the RV, there are steps you can take to keep the carpet in good condition.

Situate a plastic mat at the bottom of the entry steps that can be easily maintained by hosing off with clean water. Putting down a throw rug directly inside of the entry door will help to catch additional debris when entering the RV. A shoe scraper located outside can be a big help in removing excess dirt and mud. Store a pair of shoes in a handy location that can be used for refueling purposes only to help prevent residual from spills at fuel stops from tracking into the RV carpet.

Towels kept near the entry door can be utilized to wipe clean pets feet before the animals enter the RV. Keep pet nails shortened to reduce wear and tear on carpeting, and footpad hair trimmed to eliminate caked on mud and debris.

Include a vacuum cleaner to your on board cleaning tools that is portable and easy to maneuver in small spaces. Vacuum the RV carpet using slow and deliberate motions. Push the machine using a forward motion following the pile direction of the carpet, then reverse direction. Occasionally vacuum to remove dust and debris from carpeted surfaces inside cabinets, the bedroom wardrobe, and storage bays. For maximum efficiency, the machine should contain adjustable and rotating brushes to loosen ground in soil, and a strong airflow that will penetrate through the fibers to pick up particles. Regularly inspect the machine to insure that the brushes are in working order. Keep a supply of replacement bags and a spare belt on board. Empty the vacuum cleaner bag when it reaches half full.

Blot, don't rub, liquid stains, using a soft absorbent cloth. Scrape away solid stains using a blunt edged instrument. Scrubbing or brushing a stain can risk permanent damage to the carpet fibers. Prior to using a spot removal agent, pretest the substance by applying a few drops to the carpet in an inconspicuous area by holding a clean white cloth to the substance for one minute and then carefully studying the cloth for color transfer, color change, or any other signs of damage.

Once you have determined that the spot removal agent is safe for use, follow all directions listed on the product label. Start at the edge of the soiling and work towards the center, gently applying the solution to the stained area in small amounts. Frequently switch to a clean area of the cloth, and repeat the procedure until the stain is no longer transferring to the cloth. If it is necessary to rinse the area once the stain has been removed, use minimal amounts of clear water and blot dry using a soft clean cloth.

Occasional deep cleaning is recommended to remove embedded soil from the RV carpet. Fibers used to construct the carpet will determine the appropriate cleaning method. If there is any question as to the type of material used to construct the carpet in your RV, contact the manufacturer. Use caution when cleaning the RV carpet with a shampoo machine. Too much soap can leave a residue on the surface that will attract future dirt and hasten the need to again clean the area. Too much water can soak through to the padding and cause damage due to mold or mildew. Consider enlisting the services of a licensed and reputable carpet cleaning service for proper cleaning methods, dying techniques, odor elimination or repairs. Professional carpet services can often repair select areas damaged by pets, water damage, fading and liquid spills.

In some instances it may be possible to patch repair a damaged portion in the RV carpeting. Many times it makes better economic sense to have the complete carpet area replaced. Attempts to repair portions of carpeting that is noticeably worn may result in having the replacement area stand out. If portions of carpeted section within the RV have suffered damage from water, it may be necessary to replace padding located under the carpet to avoid the risk of potential mildew damage. Large sections of damaged carpeting may result in more time and expense than simply replacing the complete room. Restrict patch repair to small portions.

Obtaining replacement carpet may take some detective work. It may be necessary to contact the RV manufacturer or the carpet maker to determine if replacement pieces of the same type and color are still available.

To patch a small area of the carpet, use a sharp hole saw to cut away the damaged portion, and to cut out the required size of patch from the new replacement carpet. Apply glue to the back of the patch, match up the pile direction, and insert into the floor surface. Allow ample time for the glue to dry. The patch may not hold indefinitely in high traffic areas, but should stay secure when placed in a small, out of the way, location.

For larger portions of damaged carpet, it may be preferable to repair using a wall-to-wall patch. Use a straight edge when cutting sections of carpet - aluminum, not wood. Have two people hold down the straight edge on the floor surface to insure a straight cut. It will be important to make all cuts nice and even. Use only a sharp razor knife. Do not use a dull razor knife when patching carpet. Attempting to cut carpet with an old knife and blades will cause the line to become crooked, and the blades to fall off. Make all cuts using a sharp razor knife, and have an ample supply of at least a dozen new replacement blades on hand.

When cutting away old carpet, use caution to avoid cutting the padding. Avoid pushing down hard on the razor knife. Do not assume that the replacement piece has a straight edge. Turn the new piece upside down and cut using a straight edge. Before installing the patch, confirm that the pile directions match.

To install the new piece, fold over one end of the existing carpet, and holding that down with your knee, insert the new piece. Apply seam tape and use the carpet iron to attach. Once the patch is firmly secured, replace the newly joined sections, line up the other side of the patch and attach using seam tape and the carpet iron. To replace carpet back against the wall, insert ¾ inch carpet staples next to the wall in moderate amounts. Finish by using a carpet rake to blend the carpet piles together.