Plan to Vacuum Regularly
We hear from many homeowners who say they vacuum regularly, but can’t seem to remember how often that really is. As the saying goes, “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” That’s why it’s important to create a schedule for vacuuming your rugs and carpets. This keeps you accountable so you know they get cleaned as often as needed.
We suggest vacuuming your rug at least once a week. However, if you have pets, kids, or if your rug is in a high-traffic area like the entryway or hallway, you may need to vacuum more frequently.
Stop Dirt Being Tracked Into Your Home
As you might expect, one of the main ways dirt gets into your home is through your shoes (and the other is from your pets). One of the simplest ways to protect your rugs is to stop wearing shoes indoors. If you’re used to it, this might be a tough habit to break at first. Try placing a shoe rack by each entrance as a reminder for you and your family. You could also invest in house slippers, but make sure not to wear them outside—doing so defeats the purpose! If you absolutely need to wear shoes inside, place a mat by every entrance and always wipe your shoes before coming in.
Wear Socks
While shoes can be tough on your carpets, socks are actually beneficial. Our feet naturally produce sweat and oils, which can affect the fibers and dyes in your rugs over time. Wearing socks or house slippers indoors helps protect your carpets from this. Just make sure what you’re wearing is clean, and change your socks after wearing them in shoes.
Rearrange Your Furniture
Many people rearrange their furniture from time to time for a fresh look. Not only does this improve your feng shui, but it also redirects foot traffic, spreading the wear and tear on your rugs more evenly. If moving your furniture isn’t an option, at least rotate your rugs. Otherwise, you’ll notice faster wear in high-traffic areas, 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, quickly grab a white cloth or paper towel and blot up as much of the liquid as you can using light pressure and a dabbing motion. Avoid scrubbing, as this can push the stain deeper into the fibers and damage the rug.
These tips will help keep your rugs clean and healthy in between area rug cleanings from On The Spot Chem-Dry. If it’s time to schedule that regular rug cleaning in Santa Rosa, give us a call at 707-795-3209 and we’ll be happy to help!