If you have area rugs and get them professionally cleaned, you might wonder if that’s all you need to do. While regular professional area rug cleanings are vital for maintaining your rugs’ health and longevity, there are additional steps you can take between cleanings. Here’s what our rug cleaning experts at Healthy Life Chem-Dry in Frederick, MD, want you to know:
Vacuum Regularly
We hear from many homeowners who claim to vacuum regularly but aren’t sure how often they actually do it. The key is to plan! Establish a schedule to ensure your rugs and carpets are vacuumed as often as needed. Ideally, you should vacuum your rugs at least once a week. However, if you have pets, children, or high foot traffic in areas like entryways or hallways, consider vacuuming more frequently.
Stop Dirt at the Door
Shoes are one of the biggest culprits for tracking dirt into your home (pets are the other). The simplest way to keep your rugs clean is to avoid wearing shoes inside. If this feels hard to stick to, try placing a shoe rack near each entrance as a reminder, and consider providing house slippers for everyone. Just be sure not to wear them outside! If you must wear shoes indoors, use a doormat at every entry and wipe your shoes each time.
Wear Socks Indoors
While shoes can harm your carpets, socks can actually help protect them. Your feet naturally produce sweat and oils, which can affect rug fibers and dyes over time. Wearing socks or house slippers helps prevent this. Just make sure they’re clean—always change socks after wearing them in shoes!
Rearrange Your Furniture
Rearranging your furniture doesn’t just give your home a fresh look—it also helps distribute foot traffic across your rugs. This prevents excessive wear in one area. If moving furniture isn’t practical, at least rotate your rugs periodically to ensure even wear and extend their lifespan.
Dab Spills Immediately
Spills are a common source of stains on rugs. If you spill something, grab a white cloth or paper towel and gently dab the liquid to absorb as much as possible. Avoid scrubbing, as this can push the stain deeper and damage the fibers.
Following these tips will help keep your rugs clean and fresh between professional cleanings from Healthy Life Chem-Dry. If it’s time for a deep rug cleaning in Frederick, MD, give us a call at (240) 702-2007 to schedule your appointment!