Let floor mats take winter’s beating
Use floor mats to protect carpeting. The best type for controlling 
salt, slush, and mud in winter are rubber wafflestyle mats. They stay in
 place, don’t allow the water to seep through, and are easy to wash 
clean. Carpet-style mats are helpful, too. Shake, vacuum, or wash as 
needed; replace them as they wear through.