If you have area rugs and get them professionally cleaned regularly, you might wonder if that’s enough. While professional cleanings are crucial for keeping your rugs in great shape, there are additional steps you can take between appointments to protect them. Here’s what our area rug cleaners in Riverside suggest.
Plan to Vacuum Regularly
Many homeowners tell us they vacuum regularly, but they often can’t say exactly how often. As the saying goes, “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” That’s why it’s important to set a schedule for vacuuming your rugs and carpets to ensure it’s done as frequently as needed.
We recommend vacuuming your rugs at least once a week. However, if you have pets, kids, or if your rug is in a high-traffic area like a hallway or entryway, you might want to vacuum more frequently.
Stop Dirt Being Tracked Into Your Home
One of the main ways dirt enters your home is through shoes, with pets being another big contributor. One of the simplest ways to protect your rugs is to avoid wearing shoes indoors. If you’re used to wearing shoes at home, it may take some getting used to. Try placing a shoe rack by each entrance as a reminder and consider investing in house slippers for everyone—but be sure they stay inside! If you must wear shoes indoors, place mats at every entrance and wipe your shoes each time you enter.
Wear Socks
While shoes can damage your carpets, socks are actually beneficial. Feet naturally produce sweat and oils, which can affect the fibers and dyes of your rugs over time. Wearing socks or house slippers indoors helps protect your carpets from these oils. Just be sure whatever you’re wearing is clean, and change your socks after wearing them with shoes.
Rearrange Your Furniture
Many people rearrange their furniture occasionally to give their home a fresh look. Besides enhancing your feng shui, this also helps redirect foot traffic, spreading wear and tear more evenly across your rugs. If moving furniture isn’t an option, be sure to rotate your rugs regularly. Otherwise, you’ll notice faster wear in the areas that get the most foot traffic, like in front of furniture.
Dab Up Spills Right Away
Accidental spills are a common cause of spots and stains on rugs. If you spill something that might stain, quickly grab a white cloth or paper towel to absorb as much liquid as possible. Gently dab the area with light pressure—don’t scrub, as this can push the stain deeper and damage the rug.
These tips will help keep your rugs clean and healthy in between area rug cleanings from Chem-Dry of Riverside. If it’s time to schedule that regular rug cleaning in Riverside, give us a call at (951) 498-5696 and we’ll be happy to help!