A good rug will make your room look beautiful and protect your floor from damage. On the downside, according to Keyrenter Richmond company, rugs easily tear and wear as they get dirty. They get messy over time because of spills, foot traffic, or pet hair.
However, you can extend their longevity by regularly vacuuming them. When you spill drinks on them, wipe them down to prevent permanence. For example, tea or coffee stains should be cleaned up immediately. The same goes for red wine spills. That said, you’ll also need to perform a deep clean occasionally.
Different carpet fabrics determine the mode of cleaning. Natural fibre rugs require more care to protect them against damage and distortion. You can use strong cleaning solutions and hot water with synthetic rugs because they have better resistance.
Some rug types require professional cleaning. These include antique rugs and those made using silk or viscose. If you own these, use this link to find rug cleaning near me.
Requirements for DIY Rug Cleaning
Here are the items you need for DIY rug cleaning.
- Water
- Bucket
- Rug shampoo or mild dish soap
- Soft-bristle brush
- Garden hose
- Rubber gloves
- Wet-dry vacuum cleaner
Steps to Follow when Cleaning a Rug
1. Take the Rug Outside
Before you start cleaning, clear the furniture and take the rug outside. You will use a lot of water, which you want to avoid running all over the floor. Also, rugs are heavy and require direct sunlight to dry after washing.
2. Remove Dirt and Debris
As mentioned earlier, regular vacuuming frees your rug from dust particles and pet hair. Always repeat this step before you start deep rug cleaning.
3. Mix the Cleaning Solution and Do a Colour Test
It’s best to use rug shampoo or mild dish soap when cleaning a rug. While there are carpet cleaners and shampoos, avoid them. They have a high chemical concentration that might damage your rug.
Follow instructions keenly when mixing the shampoo or soap with water. Warm water is ideal for synthetic rugs; cold water works best for natural fibre rugs. Never use hot water, as it causes fading and shrinking.
After mixing the cleaner, pour a few drops on one corner of the rug. If it doesn’t cause the colours or dyes to run, proceed to the next step.
4. Wash the Rug
Use a brush to put the cleaning solution on the rug. Allow it at least 5 minutes to sit there to lift dirt. Grab the garden hose to remove soap from the rug, repeating until runoff water is clear. A wet-dry vacuum is the ideal equipment to suck out the remaining water from the rug. If you don’t own a wet-dry vacuum, you can easily rent one. Lay the rug flat and let the top dry, then flip it over and let the bottom dry.
How Often Should You Clean Your Rugs?
Vacuuming regularly and cleaning stains as they happen will extend the life of your rug. Most pros recommend vacuuming weekly. Still, your rugs in the highest traffic area may need vacuuming more often if you have kids or shedding pets. To keep your rugs looking pristine, consider using a Bobsweep Ultravision, which can efficiently handle frequent cleanings, especially in those high-traffic areas.
Moving furniture and other items to take your rug outside for cleaning is tiresome. To avoid this, stay on top of the vacuuming and spot cleaning. If your rug can be used on both sides, flip it over to prolong the time between washings.
Wrapping Up
Cleaning a large area rug is time-consuming, but proper maintenance can make the task easier. Ensure you vacuum your rug weekly and avoid wearing shoes in the house. Also, educate your kids on handling fluids that cause stains and other unwanted marks. Lastly, use the steps above to keep your rugs clean.
