Rugs make a house a home. They add warmth, color and texture to a room, transforming it into a haven of relaxation. Today, cheap rugs can be found easily. However, a dirty rug can make a room a virtual health hazard. Dirty rugs trap toxins, such as pet dander, dust mites and even mold. All of these can lead to poor air quality that affects breathing conditions, such as asthma or respiratory disease. Therefore, it is important that you keep your rugss clean and fresh, so that they do not become a household problem by trapping dirt and dust in a room. By setting aside a little time each month to properly care for your area rugs you can keep them looking fresh and beautiful long after their purchase date.

Regularly cleaning your rugs is essential for good indoor air quality. Along with improving you and your family’s health, regularly cleaning your home’s carpets will help extend the life of the rug. Dirt and foot traffic can break down rug fibers, leading to fraying and fading. Regular cleanings help prevent unnecessary wear and tear. Few people have the time to wash an entire carpet on a weekly or even monthly basis. Therefore, it is important to tackle stains or spill right away, before they have a chance to set it. Before you tackle any stains or spills with cleaner, you should first try to remove as much of it as possible, by blotting or scraping. Test any cleaner in an unnoticeable area first, to make sure it won’t discolor your rug. Working from the outside to the inside, dab the cleaner on the stain. Don’t rub it, or you’ll just make the stain harder to remove. Once you have covered the stain with cleaner, blot any access with a paper towel or other absorbent material. Use a bath towel to dry the rug and refresh the fibers.

Regular vacuuming is another important step in keeping rugs fresh and clean. You should vacuum your rugs once a week and more often in areas with high foot traffic. This will help prevent dirt and particles from building up, which can deteriorate rug fibers. If you have odors from smoke or pets, you can add baking soda to the vacuum cleaner bag, which will help absorb the odors. Indoor air quality will be greatly improved and at the same time your rug will look good as new. Keep yourself, your family and your pets healthy with fresh, clean rugs.