If you regularly have your area rugs professionally cleaned, you might wonder if that’s all you need to do. While professional cleaning is key to keeping rugs in great shape, there are other steps you can take in between sessions. Here’s what our area rug cleaning experts in Toms River recommend:
Create a Vacuuming Schedule
Many homeowners claim to vacuum frequently, but how often does that really happen? It’s essential to create a set schedule for vacuuming your rugs. This ensures that you stay consistent. Ideally, vacuum once a week, but if your home sees a lot of traffic—especially with little ones or pets—you might need to vacuum more often to prevent dirt from embedding into the fibers.
Keep Dirt Out
Dirt and debris often make their way into your home via shoes or pets. To protect your rugs, consider implementing a no-shoes policy indoors. Start by placing shoe racks by each entrance and consider buying house slippers for family members. If going shoeless isn’t feasible, use mats at every entrance and wipe your shoes off before coming inside. This simple habit goes a long way toward keeping dirt at bay.
Wear Socks Indoors
Though shoes are a no-go, socks can actually help protect your rugs. Bare feet produce natural oils that can affect rug fibers over time. Wearing socks or clean slippers keeps those oils off your rugs. Just be sure to change into fresh socks after wearing shoes, so you aren’t transferring dirt from your footwear.
Rearrange Furniture to Reduce Wear
Changing up your furniture layout not only refreshes the look of your space, but it also distributes foot traffic more evenly across your rugs. Heavy wear in the same spots can cause premature aging of the rug fibers. If rearranging furniture isn’t an option, simply rotating the rug itself can make a big difference in prolonging its life.
Act Fast on Spills
Spills are inevitable, but quick action can prevent permanent stains. If something spills on your rug, blot it immediately with a white cloth or paper towel. Use a gentle dabbing motion to soak up the liquid—scrubbing will only push the stain deeper and potentially damage the rug fibers.
By following these tips, you’ll help your rugs stay cleaner and last longer in between professional cleanings. When it’s time for your next area rug cleaning, Wilce’s Chem-Dry in Toms River is here to help. Give us a call at (732) 607-4400 to schedule your appointment!
