5 Step Guide for Rug Cleaning at Home

Your rugs are hard workers that retain dust and allergies. Cleaning your rugs at home on a regular basis is important for keeping your house healthy and your rugs' worth. Professional cleaning is important for a good clean, but knowing how to clean a rug properly between treatments can make it last longer.

What are the Important Steps for Rug Cleaning at Home

Step 1: Figure Out What Kind of Rug You Have

You need to know what kind of fibre the rug is made of before you start washing it. This is the most important thing to do to clean rugs safely at home.

These are the easiest rugs to make yourself:

• Synthetic rugs: They are strong and don't discolour easily, so they are wonderful for learning how to clean area rugs.
• Natural Fibre Rugs: Wool is strong, but it can shrink or feel when it gets hot or is moved about a lot.
• Delicate Rugs: Jute and sisal soak up a lot of water and can be ruined if they get too wet. If you have silk or costly antiques, don't do it yourself, get a professional.

Step 2: Getting Rid of Dry Soil

The best way to clean a rug doesn't need any water. The biggest wear happens when the grit is dry and rough. Taking it out first keeps things from getting dirty when you clean them.

• Take the rug outside: The best place to do this is on a deck, patio, or clean railing.
• Vacuum Thoroughly: Use a hoover with a beater bar to clean well. To loosen deep grit, move slowly in several directions.
• Flip and Vacuum the back: You have to flip and hoover the back. It gets rid of dirt that is stuck in the rug's base.
• Shake it Out: A good shake gets dirt out of smaller rugs that a hoover can't reach.

Step 3: How to Get Rid of Spots and Stains

Things happen. To get rid of spots successfully, you need to be quick and use the right method.

• Blot, Don't Rub: Use a clean, white cloth to blot up spills from the outside in. Rubbing makes the discolouration worse.
• Make a safe DIY solution: For synthetic rugs, use 1 quart of lukewarm water with 1 teaspoon of clear, mild dish soap. Don't use vinegar or bleach right away because they can set stains.
• Test for Colour fastness: Put the solution on a hidden spot. You can go on if no colour gets on a white fabric.
• Apply and rinse: Put the solution on, let it sit, and then rinse by blotting it with a cloth that has been wet with water.

Step 4: The Deep Clean Area Rugs

If your rugs are made of strong synthetic fibres, you can clean them more thoroughly. This is the most advanced way to clean rugs at home.

Method:

• Use a garden hose and a broom
• Put the rug flat on a clean, slanted deck or driveway.
• Soak it well in cool water.
• Spread your mild detergent solution out evenly.
• Gently stir the solution using a broom with soft bristles.
• Rinse well until the water is clear.
• Get rid of extra water with a squeegee.

Step 5: Drying Properly

Mildew and smells damage your work if you don't dry it right.

• Air Dry Outside: Hang the rug over chairs or a railing so that air can flow around it on both sides. To keep colours from fading, don't leave them in direct sunlight for long periods of time.
• Be careful when drying indoors: lay the rug flat and use fans and a dehumidifier. Put it on blocks or clothes to let air flow underneath.
• Make sure it's entirely dry: The rug must be dry to the touch on both sides before you put it back on the floor. It could take 24 to 48 hours.

When to Get Help from Area Rug Cleaners Brooklyn

Cleaning rugs at home is great for keeping them in good shape, but sometimes you need professionals:

• Valuable or Antique rugs: These rugs are valuable, fragile, or old and need careful care.
• Stains or smells that won't go away: If you can't fix them yourself, professionals have better ways to accomplish it.
• Large and Dirt rugs: We have the tools and space to securely clean and dry enormous rugs that are very dirty or very big.
• Major Spills: A quick call to a professional can rescue a rug from being ruined for good.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How often should I clean the rug in my house?

Vacuum places where a lot of people walk on a regular basis. You can do a deep clean every 12 to 18 months.

Q2: Can I use a steam cleaner on my wool rug?

No, the heat and humidity can make the fibres in wool shrink and feel, which could damage them for good.

Q3: The edge of my rug is dirty. How can I clean it?

To clean cotton fringes, wash them by hand with lukewarm water and mild soap, then rinse them well.

Q4: Is it okay to clean a rug on my wooden floors?

No, If your hardwood floors get wet, they could bend. Before putting the rug back on the wood, make sure it is thoroughly dry.

Q5: Why does cleaning my rug make it seem worse?

This "wicking" happens when dirt rises to the surface of the rug as it dries because there is dirt or moisture deep inside it.

Keep Your Rugs Neat and Clean

Area Rug Cleaners Brooklyn can help with anything else, like getting rid of tough stains and keeping your treasures safe. Our professional cleaning is safe and protects what you've bought.

Do you need to hire a pro to clean your rug? Contact Area Rug Cleaners Brooklyn right away to obtain a free quotation and find out how much better your rugs will look once they have been professionally cleaned.