Rug & Carpet Soiling and Soil Management

Clients ask us how they can keep their rugs and carpets cleaner between professional cleanings. Here are some ideas that can help. Soil can be defined simply as unwanted matter that is foreign to the construction of the textile floor covering. Most tracked-in soils are insoluble which means that they cannot be removed by cleaning with detergent and water. The best way to deal with this type of soil is to not allow it to enter the home, or capture it inside entrances using matts, area rugs and other types of items.

It is also very important to keep the outside your home as clean as possible. Sidewalks, porches, driveways, steps and landings, all outside your home, should be kept clean and free of dirt and soil. This can be accomplished by sweeping, power washing, air blower, hose rinsing etc, all the areas regularly.

Walk off matts and outdoor matts are your first line of defense. These are usually made of rough and tough fabrics designed to remove snow, mud, sand and dirt from the bottom of shoes.

Next are the interior mats, rugs and runners that are more decorative and match or compliment the look of your home and take the brunt of soil after the outside barriers.

Studies show that you need approximately 4 – 6 steps on outdoor and indoor matting and rugs to remove the dirt and soil from the bottom of shoes. That equates to about 8 to 12 feet.

Both the interior and exterior matts, rugs and carpets need thorough and consistent cleaning and vacuuming. The outside matts can be vacuumed and can usually be washed and hung to dry by the homeowner. The interior matts, area rugs and runners need constant vacuuming and are usually professionally cleaned by Rug Renovating in our cleaning facility and returned to the home. Remember, if you keep the dirt and soil out of your home you will not have to clean it out!!

File: Rug and Carpet Soiling and Soil Management

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