Professional area rug cleaning is always the best way to ensure your area rugs are clean and fresh, but it’s not something you should be doing multiple times a year or super often.
So let’s say you had your area rug cleaned by our staff at Springer a few months ago, but you want to maintain that satisfyingly clean feel for as long as possible. We’ve got you covered!
Rotate Your Area Rug
If your area rug is always sitting in the exact same spot, odds are that certain parts get more traffic or sunlight than others. Over time, this imbalance of daily use and sunlight exposure can lead to uneven fading or damage.
Some wear and tear is inevitable, but if you rotate your rug every three to six months, you can help maintain the overall appearance by preventing one portion from taking more of the brunt of daily life or heavy furniture.
Use Rug Pads
Rug pads keep your rug securely in place so it doesn’t slip and slide around on top of your hardwood or tile floors. They provide a cushioned layer to protect your rug’s fibers from friction with the floor, while preventing scratches to the surface of the floor.
One reason we advise professional cleaning of area rugs is to simply maintain their integrity, and rug pads are an easy way to do that each day.
Vacuum Often
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again—never underestimate the importance of vacuuming regularly! We recommend vacuuming your rug at least once a week to remove dirt, dust, and allergens. If debris sits on your rug for too long, it can embed into the fibers, leading to damage and impacting the cleanliness.
While you should vacuum all your rugs, make sure you’re adjusting the suction settings based on the material so you’re not too harsh on them.
Keep Shoes at the Door
Simple, effective, and our favorite household rule: Leave your shoes at the door. Instating a no-shoes policy will save you a lot of stress (and grime on your rugs!) in the long run. Your shoes track who-knows-what into your house and right onto your area rugs. Certainly not the fresh and clean feeling you’re going for.
While we love to see your smiling faces at Springer, save yourself the extra trips to our rug salon by stopping the dirt-tracking problem at the source.
Spot Clean Like a Pro
Accidents will almost always happen in between professional area rug cleanings, and not all spills require a full cleaning. Here’s how to tackle simple stains and spills:
- Blot, Don’t Rub: For liquid spills, use a clean cloth or paper towel to gently blot the stain and absorb as much liquid as possible. Rubbing or pressing too hard could just make the problem worse.
- Use Mild Cleaning Solutions: Don’t use anything too harsh on your area rugs, and when in doubt, contact a professional before applying anything to your rug.
- Rinse & Blot Dry: After you absorb as much liquid as you can and use a mild cleaner, rinse out any residue and gently blot dry the spot.
Get More Tips from Springer Floor Care In Des Moines, Iowa
If you’re in between professional cleanings, but have more questions or concerns about keeping your area rugs in great shape, just give us a call! We’re happy to walk you through best practices to maintain your rug’s cleanliness.
And, when it’s time for a full cleaning, schedule your appointment with our professionals!