With the holiday season upon us, a home full of guests means extra wear and tear on your floors, especially carpeting. Whether you’re enjoying your beautifully renovated space or simply taking steps to maintain the home you love, adopting smart habits now can protect your carpets and other flooring for years to come. Here are eleven effective ways to keep your flooring looking fresh and clean at all times of year.
1. Designate Eating Areas
Limit food consumption to specific areas of the home. This simple rule reduces the risk of spills and stains on carpets and minimizes crumbs that need vacuuming.
2. Create a Shoe-Free Zone
Ask guests to remove their shoes at the door. This prevents dirt and debris from being tracked inside and protects floors from damage caused by high heels or rough shoe treads.
3. Stay on Top of Pet Care
Pets can unintentionally wreak havoc on carpets. Ensure they’re reliably housebroken before allowing them to roam freely. Use baby gates or designate pet-friendly areas to keep your carpet safe.
4. Use Furniture Coasters and Lift Items Carefully
Heavy furniture can create unsightly indentations in carpets. Use coasters under furniture legs, and always lift—rather than drag—furniture to avoid damage to both carpet and hard flooring.
5. Protect Against Fading
Sunlight can fade carpets over time. Install blinds or curtains to block harsh sunlight during the brightest parts of the day.
6. Lay Down Doormats
Place doormats at all entrances so guests can wipe their feet. This will help keep dirt, moisture, and debris off your carpets and other flooring.
7. Prepare for Messy Activities
When painting or doing crafts, take the time to lay down drop cloths. A few extra minutes of preparation can prevent costly cleaning or repairs later.
8. Change HVAC Filters Regularly
Dust and pollen from dirty air filters can settle into carpets and make them look dingy. Replacing filters regularly reduces airborne debris and keeps your carpets cleaner.
9. Apply Carpet Protectants
A protective coating can make carpets more resistant to stains, giving you peace of mind during busy holiday gatherings.
10. Schedule Professional Cleanings
No matter how careful you are, carpets need periodic deep cleaning to stay fresh and maintain their appearance. Regular professional cleaning can also meet warranty requirements and extend the life of your carpet.
11. Protect Your Floor from Christmas Trees
Use a skirt underneath your Christmas tree to protect your flooring from dripping tree sap.
Protect Your Floors for the Holidays
With increased foot traffic during the holidays, adopting these habits can help you protect your flooring and maintain its beauty. Whether it’s carpets, hardwood, or tile, taking proactive steps now will save you time, effort, and money in the long run.
Ready to give your carpets a deep clean before your guests arrive? Contact us today to schedule a professional carpet cleaning and ensure your home looks its best for the holidays!