Cleaning an area rug is not as difficult as we think! We walk on them every day, possibly bringing dirt from outside, but how often do you need to deep clean your carpets? We are not discussing the occasional vacuum to remove the carpet stains; we mean giving your carpets a deep clean. If your answer is “not enough”, then no issues. Here are a few tips to clean your rug.
Different Materials Used in a Rug
Wool- A natural fiber extracted from sheep which is long-lasting and can be cleaned using a wool detergent
Silk- A natural fiber that is a bit more delicate compared to wool; for making a carpet cleaner, take white vinegar and water in equal amounts and mix it. Now, use this mixture for cleaning your couch or area rugs.
Polyester- It is stain-resistant, but if it demands cleaning, it can be easily done by using a light detergent.
Jute- Jute is not water-resistant, so make sure when you clean rugs at home, it does not get wet. If your jute carpet needs a deep cleaning, then call professional help.
Sisal- Sisal rugs are not at all water-resistant; if water leaves a stain, blot dry instantly and give it for professional cleaning, if required.
Vintage- Vintage cars can be very delicate than the new ones, so it is better to check out the guide, if any, before cleaning.
Tips to Clean your Rug
Frequency- One of the important ways to clean a carpet is to vacuum it daily (every few days to a week, based on its use). Experts say:
For getting rid of regular pile rugs, it is better to vacuum on a weekly basis
For shag rugs, shake the carpets as it will loosen the dirt and other dust particles
Cleaning the braided and looped area rugs demand the removal of the beater bar setting in the vacuum cleaner. If you find it hard to remove, then set the vacuum on its highest setting.
How to clean a rug deeply
Rugs can be spot cleaned if they get a stain. But every few months to a year, they need to be cleaned deeply. This method mentioned below is best suitable for polyester and wool rugs; you can clean silk rugs using this process but replacing detergent with equal parts of vinegar and water.
One of the important tips to clean your rug is to take the rug outside and hang on a clothesline or a fence. Using a long rod or broom, beat the carpet to remove any leftover dirt or dust.
Vacuum your rug thoroughly on both sides to remove dirt, dust, and debris. For best results, vacuum at least once a week to prevent dirt from settling deep into the fibers. Before vacuuming, shake the rug to loosen trapped grit so the vacuum can pick it up easily. Use the suction-only mode with a nozzle attachment instead of a rotary brush or upright vacuum, as brushes can damage rug fibers. You may also use anti-bacterial powder after testing it on a small area first. Don’t forget to vacuum the underside of the rug at least once a month for complete cleaning
Clean up any kind of spills instantly. As soon as a liquid is spilled over a rug, soak it fast to ensure it does not get inside the yarns. Dampen down a white, cotton cloth and blot the specific area- be careful not to rub as this can cause damage to the rug’s surface. Keep repeating this process until all the liquid has been absorbed totally. Once you have cleaned the spillage, allow the rug to dry totally before you use it again.
Removing stains from rugs depends on the fabric type. Man-made fibers are more stain-resistant, while nylon rugs can be safely steam-cleaned. For tough stains like red wine, coffee, or mud, use a solution of equal parts white vinegar, warm water, and mild washing liquid. Let mud dry completely before vacuuming and cleaning. You can also use a rug shampoo or mild dish detergent mixed with warm water—always follow the product instructions. Avoid using hot water, as it can cause shrinking or color fading.
When learning how to clean rugs at home, always test carpet shampoo before using it on the entire rug. Apply a small amount to a corner or do a patch test by mixing it with water and letting it sit for a few hours. Rinse and check for any color fading or fabric damage. Always choose carpet shampoos made specifically for your rug’s material, and avoid DIY cleaners or products not designed for carpets, as they can cause permanent damage.
Doing color testing is one of the vital tips to clean your rug. Make sure the cleaner which you are using does not damage the color of your rug. Test the solution on one corner of the rug to check the reaction. If the color remains as it is, then it is safe to go to the next step.
Remove excess water. At this point, you will want to get rid of as much excess water in the rug as you can so that it gets dried easily. You can make use of a wet-dry vacuum if you have one or use a sponge in the way of the nap.
Allow the rug to dry. Drying the rug is as important as cleaning. Lay the rug flat and allow the top portion of the rug to dry wholly. Then, flip it on the other side to dry. Fans can help speed up the procedure. Ensure the rug is fully dry before you take it back it inside your house.
Keep the pets away. Reduce the damage your pet cause to your rug by selecting one that is suitable for cat and dog owners. You may want to go for short pile rugs that may be in some dark color so that any scratches and chew marks remain invisible.
These are some of the easiest and simplest tips to clean your rugs and carpets. Now, no need to worry about cleaning the rugs. These cool tips will ensure that your rugs are cleaned in no time.