How to Clean Sand from Carpets, Rugs, and Mats

One reason everyone loves the beach is the feeling of the sand between your toes as you soak up the sun and enjoy the water. What about when that sand ends up back at your cottage or beach house, making its way into your carpets, rugs, and mats, though?

The uncomfortable, gritty feeling of sand underfoot doesn't have to be just another part of living in a beach house. Not only do the sand particles cut into the carpet fibers and slowly wear the material down, but sand also absorbs spills, leading to stains and odors that can be impossible to remove.

Instead of succumbing to the sand, here are four ways to clean sand from carpet, rugs, and mats.

Keep the Sand Out

Prevention is the best medicine, as they say. Two simple things you can do to keep sand from entering your home in the first place is to shake out any towels, bags, clothing, or anything else that came from the beach before you (or anyone else) bring it all inside.

Also, get everyone in the habit of taking their shoes or sandals off at the door, and have a brush doormat at the entrance to help knock off sand particles. You can even create an outdoor space for people to sit down and use a paintbrush or other soft material to get the sand off their feet. Another great trick for removing sand is to rub baby powder on your feet or ankles and watch as the sand falls away.

Vacuum

For any carpets or rugs that you can't move, you'll want to invest in a powerful vacuum with various settings, including one that lowers the brushes as far as possible. You'll probably work up a sweat as you go over every inch of the carpet as the brushes dig deep to get to the sand particles, but it is worth it. It's best to go over each area at least two or three times as the particles can get deep down into the carpet fibers.

Shake Rugs and Mats Outside

For smaller rugs and mats that you can take outdoors easily, give them a good shaking until you no longer see anything falling off. Then, if you're really feeling enthusiastic, hang the rug over a fence or bar and give it a good beating with a stick or pole to loosen and remove more sand. You can also go over the rug with a stiff-bristled brush to get into the crevices and cracks before returning it to its resting place.

Schedule a Professional Cleaning

If you've been neglecting the above options, or it's been a while since the last cleaning, consider calling the professionals. They will come equipped with powerful vacuums and have likely cleaned enough cottages and beach houses in the area to know how to eliminate sand properly. Some professional TLC will also ensure your carpet lasts longer, which will save you money in the long run.

In Conclusion

Whether you decide to use equipment like a vacuum, some elbow grease, or a combination of both, keeping your carpets, rugs, and mats free from sand doesn't have to be a daily chore. Try to prevent sand from entering your home in the first place by ensuring it stays outside.