One of the most common problems for carpets at any time of year is dirt tracked in from the outside. But during the summertime, when sudden downpours are common, there can be a sudden uptick in the amount of mud and mess getting tracked in. How can you minimize damage to your carpet (without turning your home into an untouchable museum) and still enjoy your summer? Try out these tips!
Footwear for the occasion
Wiping your feet on a mat will help keep outside ick, well, outside. But an even better option is having a pair of specific shoes for chores and outdoor activities that you can leave at the door or in a shoe bucket. That way, no matter how dirty the shoes become, none of that dirt will end up inside. And, as a bonus, you don’t have to worry that unexpected weather might damage your favorite pair of shoes if you need to venture outside.
Know your home
If mud ends up on carpets or upholstery (and sometimes there’s no getting around it!) you need to know what materials you’re dealing with so that you don’t potential worsen the damage. There are some rugs or furniture covers that can be thrown right in the washing machine, and others that have very specific care instructions and require professional treatment. You can snip off the cleaning instruction tags from beneath furniture and keep it together in one place for easy access, so you don’t have to turn a muddy couch upside down.
Damage control
Even if you’re not sure what type of care your carpets or furniture need, there are a few things you can safely do right away to minimize staining. If there are large clumps of mud or dirt, carefully lift them away so they don’t continue soaking in. Make sure that you never rub or press the mud into fabric! Once it has fully dried, you can try using a vacuum attachment to suck away the remaining dirt. In minor cases, this may be all that is needed.
Call in the pros
For serious staining or widespread areas, you’re going to need more than a grocery store cleaner to get your carpet or upholstery back to its original condition. At All-star Chem-dry, we can give your home a refresh that leaves it looking even better than before! Our cleaning process is quick, safe, and non-toxic, but it stands up to even the toughest stains. If you need a cleaning, or even just want an estimate, don’t hesitate to give us a call so we can help you out today!