If you have area rugs that are professionally cleaned on a regular basis, you may wonder if that’s all you need to do. While regular professional cleanings are vital for preserving the health and lifespan of your rugs, there are a few extra steps you can take between cleanings. Here are some tips from our area rug cleaning experts.
Plan to Vacuum Regularly
We suggest vacuuming your rugs at least once a week. However, if you have pets, children, or if your rug is in a high-traffic area such as an entryway or hallway, you may need to vacuum even more frequently.
Stop Dirt Being Tracked Into Your Home
It’s no surprise that shoes are one of the primary ways dirt enters your home (with pets being a close second). One of the easiest and most effective steps to protect your rugs is to stop wearing shoes indoors. If you’re used to wearing shoes inside, breaking this habit may be tough initially. Try placing a shoe rack near each entrance as a reminder for you and your family. You could also provide house slippers for everyone—just make sure they are only worn indoors to keep things clean! If you must wear shoes inside, put a mat at every entryway and make it a habit to thoroughly wipe your shoes each time you enter.
Wear Socks
While shoes can be tough on your carpets, socks are surprisingly good for them. Our feet naturally release sweat and oils that can transfer onto carpets, potentially harming the fibers and fading the colors over time. Wearing socks or house slippers indoors helps shield your rugs from these oils. Just make sure whatever you’re wearing is clean—swap out your socks after wearing them in shoes to keep your carpets looking their best!
Rearrange Your Furniture
Many people rearrange their furniture occasionally to give their home a fresh feel. Besides enhancing the feng shui, rearranging furniture can help redirect foot traffic, allowing wear and tear on your rugs to be more evenly distributed instead of concentrated in one spot. If moving furniture around isn’t feasible, try rotating your rugs regularly. Otherwise, high-traffic areas, such as in front of furniture, will wear out much faster.
Dab Up Spills Right Away
Accidental spills are a frequent cause of spots and stains on rugs. If a spill occurs, quickly grab a white cloth or paper towel and gently blot up as much of the liquid as you can. Use light pressure with a dabbing motion—avoid scrubbing, as this can push the stain deeper into the rug fibers and potentially cause damage.
These tips will help keep your rugs clean and healthy in between area rug cleanings from Temecula Valley Chem-Dry. If it’s time to schedule that regular rug cleaning, give us a call at (951) 200-1977 and we’ll be happy to help!
