Free Pickup & Delivery (8' x 10'+, Metro Atlanta) | 15% Off Drop-Off Service
Free Pickup & Delivery (8' x 10'+, Metro Atlanta) | 15% Off Drop-Off Service
Keep your rugs beautiful and damage-free through snow, salt, and heavy guest traffic this winter.
Winter brings festive gatherings, extra indoor foot traffic, snow, salt, and moisture — all of which can take a toll on your rugs. Whether your rugs are decorative heirlooms or everyday floor coverings, a season-specific care routine will extend their life and keep them looking their best throughout the holidays and beyond.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the unique challenges winter poses to your area rugs and share expert tips from our team at S&S Rug Cleaners to help you protect your investment during the busiest time of year.
Snow, slush, salt, muddy shoes, and moisture from wet boots are common winter irritants that can cause staining, fiber stress, and accelerated wear. Salt residue left behind can stiffen fibers and attract more dirt over time.
Moisture seeps into fibers causing mold and mildew
Stiffens fibers and leaves white residue stains
Holiday guests increase wear on high-traffic areas
Wet boots track water that weakens fibers
Place heavy-duty outdoor mats followed by absorbent indoor mats at all entrances to catch grit, water, and salt before they reach your rugs. Boot trays and a no-street-shoes policy help keep winter mess where it belongs.
Heavy-duty scraper mat to remove bulk debris
Absorbent mat to catch remaining moisture
Contain wet boots and shoes in one area
Encourage guests to remove street shoes
Keep a basket of cozy slippers or socks near the entrance for guests. It's a thoughtful touch that also protects your rugs!
Increase your vacuuming frequency during winter, especially in high-traffic areas. Dirt and grit can embed deep in rug fibers if left alone. For spills, blot immediately — never rub — to prevent stains from setting.
Vacuum high-traffic areas 3-4 times per week
Use suction-only mode (no beater bar) on delicate rugs
Vacuum in multiple directions to lift embedded dirt
Never rub spills — always blot gently
Winter foot traffic patterns can cause uneven wear if rugs stay in the same position. Rotating your rugs regularly (every few weeks or monthly) helps distribute wear evenly and prevents premature thinning in high-traffic zones.
Rotate every 2-4 weeks in high-traffic areas
Also helps prevent uneven sun fading
Extends the life of your rug significantly
Quality rug pads provide cushioning, absorb shock, reduce slip hazards, and keep rugs elevated above damp, cold floors. Increased air circulation beneath the rug helps prevent moisture buildup that can lead to odors and fiber weakening.
Before or after the holiday season, scheduling a professional rug cleaning removes deeply embedded grit, salt residue, and stains that home care can't reach. Professional cleaning also works well in combination with protective treatments for long-lasting seasonal care.
Removes embedded dirt that vacuuming can't reach
Expert treatment for salt stains and winter spills
Optional MicroSeal protection for added resistance
Common questions about winter rug care answered by our experts.
Don't let snow, salt, and holiday traffic damage your beautiful rugs. Schedule a professional cleaning before or after the holidays to keep your rugs looking their best.