Maintaining Rugs in High Traffic Areas

Many people choose to cover high traffic areas of their carpet with throw rugs to protect the look of the carpet.  However, how do you protect the rugs from wear and tear?  While it may seem an impossible task, there are actually some great tips for keeping your rugs looking their best.  With the proper care and attention, you can maintain the look of your rugs even in those high traffic areas. 

Choose the Right Materials

There is more to choosing a rug than picking the right color.  You want to choose a material that is durable and long lasting.  Especially in high traffic areas, the type of rug you choose can make a huge difference in how long it will last.  Nylon and wool carpets can be good choices, as they offer a very durable material that can withstand heavy traffic.

Plan Ahead

One of the best ways to protect your rugs is to reduce the amount of dirt and moisture that enters the home.  Using walk-off mats at your entryways will help to eliminate much of the dirt that gets tracked in on your shoes.  This simple precautionary method can be a very effective way to keep your rugs clean.  If possible, you might even consider removing your shoes by the front door to keep any soil from coming into the home. 

Vacuum Often

Frequent vacuuming is an essential part of caring for your rugs and carpet, especially in high traffic areas.  Vacuuming helps to remove dirt before it actually settles into the fibers.  The more traffic an area endures, the more often it should be vacuumed.  This may even mean vacuuming daily in order to keep dirt and soil to a minimum.

Take Immediate Action

Areas that are subject to a lot of traffic are also more likely to experience spills and accidents.  If a spill does occur, be sure to take immediate action in cleaning the area.  If necessary, apply stain or spot remover such as Chem-Dry Stain Extinguisher to the affected area.  The sooner you take action, the less likely the spill will soak into the rug and leave a stain.  It is also beneficial to have a professional protectant applied to your rugs as well to make clean up even easier.

Keeping rugs and carpets clean in high traffic areas requires routine maintenance and efficient cleaning methods.  With the proper care, you can keep your rugs, and your home, looking bright and clean.  If you do find, however, that your rug has lost its original beauty, Chem-Dry professionals are trained to clean virtually all types of rugs, from Oriental to Persian, using specialized tools and equipment designed for whatever kind of rug you have. Find out more about Chem-Dry's rug cleaning process here.

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