Protecting your carpet after you have it cleaned isn't just a matter of vanity. Not only does dirty carpet look bad, but it can also smell and harbor allergens. If the carpet got wet, it could develop mildew or mold in the fibers and even in the padding underneath.
Stain-protection coating works for normal traffic. However, if you have some particularly bad spots, such as an area with very high foot traffic or an area that your pet has decided will be its own, you need extra help. Carpet protectors, which are made of plastic or vinyl, can prevent stains from setting in and stop furniture and other items from ripping the carpet fibers.
You need to choose a carpet protector based on your needs. Weight and traffic frequency, as well as the type of threat you want to protect the carpet from, all play a role in your choice.
Perhaps the most well-known carpet protector is the chair mat. This type of protector is a square of plastic that sits under office chairs so they can roll around easily. The mats also protect the carpet from the casters on the chairs, preventing the casters from digging into the fibers and causing them to fray. These mats can be stiff or flexible.
Be aware that chair mats meant for carpet have small, non-sharp spikes on the underside. These prevent the mat from sliding on the carpet, but they can leave temporary marks. These small holes are the spaces where the spikes sat between carpet fibers. Vacuuming should get rid of the marks.
Also be aware that both types of mat have a small edge. If you shuffle when you walk, you could hit the edge and trip. If you're concerned about the tripping hazard and aren't concerned about looks, you can place colored tape along the edge to create a more visible slope.
You could also choose runners that are big pieces of plastic or vinyl sheeting with adhesive on one side. These runners are often meant to be disposable. Unroll these where you need them and tamp them down like you would anything with an adhesive side.
These are good for high-traffic areas because they won't move. The adhesive holds the material in place, and the thin nature of the rug or runner means there's no edge to trip people up.
These are also flexible so they are good for areas where you need to cover a curve, like on stairs, or run the material along the base of a wall.
You can also cover your whole carpet with an adhesive carpet runner if needed. For example, if you have a new pet, take this runner home and protect your carpet from pet urine. If your cat or dog decides to go in a random spot (sometimes cats just don't like their litter box location), the mess will be easy to clean up. Replacing the section of runner is also easier than cleaning or replacing carpet.
The one real drawback to this is that some versions of these runners are very thin and can rip. Look for a brand that is made to be resistant to damage.
