Vacuuming can be a never-ending chore as carpets and rugs can still feel dusty even after giving them a good clean, but there is a very simple way to prevent dust sticking to the floor. During summer, the hot and dry air stirs up more debris, and these particles are carried into our homes, where it will eventually settle on floors.
Carpets and rugs can also generate static electricity, which attracts dust, pollen, and other dirt which will stubbornly embed itself within the thick fibres. Dust will settle in clumps into fabric flooring and stay there no matter how many times you vacuum unless you create a protective coating that will repel these pesky particles.
The experts at Easipay Carpets have shared that a simple way to stop static electricity from building up on rugs and carpets is to make a homemade spray with fabric softener.
They said: "Create a DIY anti-static solution by mixing one part fabric softener with five parts water in a spray bottle. Lightly mist the carpet with the solution.
"Fabric softeners help reduce static by coating carpet fibres with a thin layer of moisture and chemicals that neutralize static charges."
It may sound bizarre, but fabric softener is designed to reduce static electricity in order to stop clothes sticking together in the washing machine.
Fabric softener will lubricate rug or carpet fibres to make them less sticky so dust will have a more difficult time settling deep in the material.
If the fibres are softener they will also be less prone to trapping dust since they can bend more easily when you vacuum them so your floors will stay dust free for much longer.
To begin, vacuum like your normally would, then fill a empty spray bottle with water, and add roughly one tablespoon worth of fabric softener.
Try to use a sensitive or odourless brand of fabric softener if you can as carpets and rugs trap smells, and a perfumed fabric softener could be overpowering, especially in a bedroom.
Screw on the lid and give the spray a good shake to thoroughly mix the fabric softener, then gently mist the carpet or rug.
Don't spray too much of the solution as carpets and rugs absorb moisture slowly, which means the solution will soak deeply into the fibres to take a long time to dry, which could cause mould.
Mist your rugs and carpet once a week after vacuuming, and your floors should stay dust-free all summer with minimal effort.