The saying, “the best defense is a great offense” is so true when it comes to your carpet. Preventing dirt and grime from getting on the carpet in the first place is a great way to start. Here are some helpful tips that can stop dirt in its tracks.

Use Mats

Be proactive. Use outside and inside mats or runners that work together to reduce the amount of dirt that enters the house. Choose wisely. If used outside, the mats should be made to withstand sun and rain. Mats designed to hold water that drains from wet and snowy shoes should be kept indoors or under an overhang to prevent their filling with rain water. Walking over them should leave less water to track into the house, not more.

 

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Mats work best if cleaned often. Vacuum up dry soil. For indoor or outdoor mats, embedded soil will benefit from a shaking outside, followed by a good striking with a brush or broom. Some of the vinyl or rubber type mats can be washed off with a hose or with dishwashing detergent mixed in a bucket of water. Soap them up and rinse them off when you wash your car. Then lay them outside on the driveway or hang them over a porch railing to dry. Always dry completely before vacuuming.

Mats should not only function well but also enhance the appearance of the home. They should be big enough to fit the size of the door. For example, extra-wide varieties are available for French doors. Encourage everyone to wipe their shoes. Especially watch those golf shoes and cleats — they provide excellent traction on the course or the field, but naturally they fill with grass and debris. Snowy or muddy boots also act as terrific dirt dispensers.

Off with the Shoes

To save wear and tear on carpet, consider making everyone take off their shoes before entering the main part of the house. Putting a bench in the foyer or mudroom makes this process easier, as do storage cubbies or bins that will neatly keep removed footwear.

Clean Those Air Filters

Change air filters as recommended by manufacturer’s directions. Even better, you can select special models that remove more particles from the air. The more dust and particles removed by the filter, the less will fall in the carpet.

 

(Note: This is one of a series of tips based on a collaboration between The Housekeeping Channel and the Carpet and Rug Institute, and adapted with permission from the book,"Carpet Cleaning Tips for Dummies." )

 

About The Carpet and Rug Institute

The Carpet and Rug Institute, headquartered in Dalton, Georgia, is the national trade association for the carpet and rug industry. Its members are manufacturers, suppliers, and service providers, representing over 90% of all carpet produced in the United States. CRI is the source for science-based information and insight into how carpet and rugs can create a better environment — for living, working, learning and healing. For more information, visit the CRI Blog.