How to Clean a High-Traffic Area Rug

You bought that rug to protect the floor underneath and comfort the dozens of footsteps that cross it everyday, but now you're starting to wonder how to protect the rug from the high volume of traffic it receives. You love the pattern and colors and don't want to see them fade under the dirt of all those feet. Carefully cleaning rugs in high-traffic areas will keep them vibrant and soft, ready for all the traffic to come.

Things You'll Need

• Vacuum
• Towels
• Baking soda or salt

Instructions

1. Vacuum the rug frequently, going over the high traffic area a handful of times to pull up all the dirt.

2. Blot spills immediately with towels.

3. Pour salt or baking soda onto a spot, if a spill settles in.

4. Vacuum the salt or baking soda once the spill has been absorbed.

5. Take it to a professional cleaner once a year.

Tips & Warnings

• Encourage family and friends to remove their shoes. Dirt and grime on shoes is the enemy of your rug.

• Avoid the fringe around your rug when vacuuming. The fringe could get caught and unwind.

References

• Rug and Carpet Care
• How to Clean Area Rugs
• Carpet Care