Warmer days are finally here. The sun is shining brighter and longer, the children are home from school and the laid back, relaxing feeling of summer fills the air. This time of year brings warm memories of time spent outdoors, hot dogs on the grill and lounging by the pool. It also brings an increase in allergens, humidity and dirt in your carpets.

So, here are some ways to stay on top of your carpet cleaning chores while still enjoying some summer fun:

Change up your vacuum routine.
During these summer months, just getting by on a once a week vacuum schedule may not suffice. With pets shedding their fur, children running outside and in tracking in dirt from outside and wind blowing dust through open windows and door, vacuuming at least every other day would be ideal. Frequent vacuuming extends the life of your carpet by inhibiting the buildup of grainy particles that destroy carpet fibers.

Incorporate lots of rugs and mats.
With a good mat in front of entryways - on both sides of the doors - debris and moisture from the bottom of shoes has a chance to be caught by the mat before it makes its way to your carpets. Be sure to clean and change your rugs and mats frequently to prevent a buildup of allergens and dirt within their fibers.

Live by the "no shoes" rule.
Summer time is the perfect time for flip-flops that can easily be slid off outside the door before entering, or just inside the door on the mat, then placed on a shoe rack near the door or another designated area. To keep chemicals, allergens and dirt at bay, simply make it a rule in your home that guests, family and friends remove their shoes before entering in order to protect your carpet.

Have your carpets professionally cleaned.
Ideally, your carpets should be cleaned professionally every 12 to 18 months. While routinely vacuuming aids in removing dirt at a surface level, a professional carpet cleaning service reaches toxins and pollutants that are trapped deep within the fibers of the carpet. Attempting to clean your carpets yourself may seem tempting, but could backfire if a soapy residue is left on the carpet which will invite more dust and dirt. Contact the professionals at Gator Clean today to schedule your first Summer carpet cleaning service.