If you have area rugs and schedule regular professional cleanings, you might wonder if that’s enough. While professional cleanings are key to maintaining the health and life of your rugs, there are other steps you can take in between. Here’s what our area rug cleaning experts in Mill Valley recommend.
Plan to Vacuum Regularly
Many homeowners tell us they vacuum regularly, but when we ask how often, they’re not sure. The key is to set a schedule for vacuuming your rugs and carpets to make sure it actually gets done as often as needed.
We recommend vacuuming your rug at least once a week. However, if you have pets, children, or if your rug is in a high-traffic area like an entryway or hallway, you may need to vacuum more frequently.
Stop Dirt Being Tracked Into Your Home
One of the main ways dirt gets into your home is through your shoes (and, of course, your pets). To protect your rugs, one of the simplest steps you can take is to avoid wearing shoes indoors. If you’re used to wearing shoes inside, this might take some getting used to, so consider placing a shoe rack near each entrance as a reminder. You can also get house slippers for everyone, just make sure they stay indoors! If shoes are a must, put a mat at each entrance and wipe them off before stepping inside.
Wear Socks
While shoes can harm your carpets, socks are actually beneficial. Feet naturally produce sweat and oils, which can damage the fibers and dyes of your rugs over time. Wearing socks or house slippers indoors can help protect your carpets from these oils. Just make sure your socks are clean and replace them after wearing them outside in shoes.
Rearrange Your Furniture
Many people rearrange their furniture to give their home a fresh look, and it’s not just good for feng shui—it can also help with your rugs. By changing the layout, you can shift the traffic patterns in your home, spreading out the wear and tear on your rugs instead of focusing it in one area. If rearranging isn’t an option, at least try rotating your rugs. Without this, the areas you walk on the most, like in front of furniture, will wear out faster.
Dab Up Spills Right Away
Spills are one of the most common causes of stains on rugs. If you spill something that could stain, grab a white cloth or paper towel to blot up 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 Clean Living Chem-Dry. If it’s time to schedule that regular rug cleaning in Mill Valley, give us a call at 415-897-5337 and we’ll be happy to help!