If you have area rugs and routinely have them professionally cleaned, you might be wondering if that’s sufficient. While regular professional cleanings are crucial for the health and longevity of your rugs, there are additional steps you can take between cleanings. Here’s what our area rug cleaning experts in San Jose, CA would like you to know.
Plan to Vacuum Regularly
We frequently speak with homeowners who claim they vacuum regularly, yet struggle to specify how often that actually is. As the saying goes, “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” Therefore, establishing a vacuuming schedule for your rugs and carpets is crucial to ensure the task is completed as needed.
Stop Dirt Being Tracked Into Your Home
We recommend vacuuming your rugs at least once a week. However, if you have pets or children, or if your rug is situated in a high-traffic area such as the entryway or hallway, you may need to vacuum even more frequently.
As you may know, one of the primary ways dirt enters your home is through your shoes, with pets being another significant contributor. To protect the health of your rugs, one of the simplest and most effective measures is to refrain from wearing shoes indoors. If you’re accustomed to wearing shoes at home, this change might be challenging at first. Consider placing a shoe rack near each entrance as a reminder for you and your family. Additionally, investing in house slippers for everyone can be a great alternative—just ensure they are not worn outside, as that would defeat the purpose! If shoes must be worn indoors, make it a habit to place a mat at every entrance and wipe your shoes thoroughly each time you enter.
Wear Socks
While shoes can damage your carpets, socks are actually beneficial. Our feet naturally produce sweat and oil, which can harm the fibers and dyes of rugs over time. Wearing socks or house slippers indoors helps protect your carpets from these substances. Just ensure that whatever you wear is clean! It’s also a good idea to replace your socks after wearing them with shoes.
Rearrange Your Furniture
Many people occasionally rearrange their furniture to refresh the ambiance of their homes. This practice not only improves feng shui but also modifies the flow of movement within the space. By changing the layout, you can distribute foot traffic more evenly, minimizing wear and tear on your rugs instead of concentrating it in one area. If rearranging isn’t feasible, consider rotating your rugs to prevent accelerated wear in high-traffic spots, such as in front of furniture.
Dab Up Spills Right Away
Accidental spills are among the most frequent causes of spots and stains on rugs. If you spill something that could cause a stain, promptly take a white cloth or paper towel and absorb as much of the excess liquid as possible. Use gentle pressure and a dabbing motion rather than scrubbing, as scrubbing can push the stain deeper and damage the fibers of the rug.
These tips will help keep your rugs clean and healthy in between area rug cleanings from Almaden Chem-Dry. If it’s time to schedule that regular rug cleaning in San Jose, give us a call at (408) 370-7847 and we’ll be happy to help!