How to holiday-proof and clean your rugs post entertaining

The holidays bring joy, laughter and plenty of togetherness — but they also bring more shoes through your front door, more food and drinks in circulation and more chances for your rugs to take a hit. Between muddy boots, glasses of red wine and the occasional dropped appetizer, your floors are often on the front line of seasonal entertaining.

But with the right preparation and care, your rugs can make it through the holidays looking just as good as they did before guests arrived. Whether you’re refreshing your home with a new custom-sized rug before the season begins or want to be ready for whatever spills and messes come your way, this guide is here to help. We’ll walk you through the most durable and easy-to-clean rug materials and share exactly how to clean your rugs so they stay in tip-top shape for many holiday seasons to come.

Bringing a new rug into your home is an easy way to refresh your space before holiday guests begin to arrive. From selecting durable, high-foot-traffic-friendly materials to choosing the right colors and patterns, there are a few key factors to consider to ensure your rug looks great and holds up throughout the season. Let’s dive into it. 

The best holiday-proof rug materials

Wool: Wool rugs are timeless for good reason. Naturally springy and resilient, they hold their shape even in high-traffic areas, and the fibers contain lanolin, which helps repel dirt and stains. This makes wool a smart choice for spaces like living rooms and dining rooms where people gather most often.

Performance fibers: Made from synthetics like nylon, polyester or polypropylene, performance fibers are designed for everyday wear and tear. They’re strong, stain-resistant and often more budget-friendly than natural fibers. These rugs are ideal if your home is full of kids, pets or holiday guests who never stop moving.

Outdoor rug materials: Originally created to withstand rain and sun, outdoor rugs made from polypropylene or other weatherproof fibers bring the same durability indoors. They’re resistant to mildew, fading and stains while still being comfortable underfoot. Use them in hardworking spaces like kitchens, mudrooms or anywhere you want extra peace of mind.

Add an extra layer of protection

When you order your rug, adding Ernesta’s Protective Treatment is an easy way to give it extra defense against spills and everyday messes. This clear coating helps liquids sit on the surface rather than soaking into the fibers, which makes stains less likely to set. By keeping debris and moisture at bay, the treatment also helps your rug stay stronger and maintain its shape over time. Because the formula is non-toxic, it’s a safe choice for homes with children, pets or lots of holiday guests. You can add this treatment to your order on any rug’s product page. 

Don’t forget about a rug pad

A rug pad is the simplest way to safeguard both your rug and your floors. It prevents slipping when guests are moving around your home, adds a soft layer of cushioning underfoot and reduces long-term wear on the rug’s backing. Think of it as an investment that makes your space safer, more comfortable and longer lasting.

Consider color and pattern

When selecting a rug for high-traffic holiday spaces, color and pattern are just as important as material. Lighter shades can brighten a room, but they may show spills more easily, so patterns, subtle textures, or multi-tonal designs are a smart way to conceal wear.

Once your rug is in place, the best thing you can do to protect it is be prepared for the unexpected. With extra guests in the house, spills and crumbs are almost guaranteed, but knowing how to handle them quickly makes all the difference. We’ll walk you through how to do it. 

Tackle spills right away

The faster you respond, the easier it is to prevent stains. Start by gently lifting away any solids with a spoon or dull knife, always working from the outside of the spill toward the center. For liquids, press (don’t rub) the area with a clean, absorbent cloth or paper towel until most of the moisture is gone.

Use a gentle cleanser

Once the area is blotted, apply a mild cleaning solution to a fresh cloth (never directly to the rug) and dab the spot carefully. Be sure to test your cleaner on a hidden corner first to check for colorfastness. Move to a clean section of your cloth as you go so you’re lifting the stain instead of spreading it around.

Rinse and dry thoroughly

After treating, lightly rinse the spot with a cloth dampened with water to remove any residue. Then, blot again with dry towels to remove excess moisture. Avoid oversaturating the rug—too much water can damage the backing or cause the stain to spread. Allow the area to dry completely before placing furniture back in its spot.

Know when to call in the pros

For tough stains or larger messes, professional cleaning is often the best option. Scheduling a deep clean once a year, especially after the holidays, can refresh your rug and keep it looking its best long term.

Ready to refresh your space with a custom-sized rug before the holidays start? Now’s the perfect time to do it! Start by ordering a selection of samples to feel, see and test at home to make sure you’re choosing a style that fits in well with your space. Samples let you compare textures, check colors in your own lighting and see how patterns pair with your furniture, so you can shop with confidence instead of guessing from a screen.

Once you’ve narrowed it down, Ernesta makes it easy to order a rug that’s sized precisely for your home. Every rug is cut to your exact measurements, so whether you’re covering a long hallway, anchoring a dining room or filling an open living space, your rug will fit seamlessly. And with delivery in just a few weeks, your home will be holiday-ready right on time.