The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning Area Rugs

Regular vacuuming will remove the loose debris that falls onto your area rugs, but more effort is required to remove the stains, ground-in dirt, odors and allergens. However, not all area rugs are the same. The cleaning methods that are best for some materials should not be used on other materials. What can you do to clean your air rugs thoroughly?

Identifying Rug Materials

Before cleaning your rug, read the label. The label is located on the underside of the rug and is usually placed at a corner. The rug will provide you with care instructions and tell you what type of material you are working with. Be aware that some rug materials and dyes can be permanently ruined if you use the wrong cleaning supplies or techniques.

Basic Maintenance Tips

Your area rug should be vacuumed at least once per week. Depending on how much foot traffic your rug gets, it should also be deep cleaned at least once or twice per year. If your rug has dark coloring or a busy pattern, it can be difficult to see ground-in dirt and stains. However, just because you cannot see the dirt doesn’t mean it’s not there.

Some small area rugs, such as those made out of cotton, can safely be laundered in the washing machine. Others may require a steam cleaner or even professional cleaning. Beating a rug is also an effective way to loosen dirt.

Spot Cleaning for Stains

If it is safe to do so, spot-treat rug stains immediately. Dish soap and water may be effective for many types of stains. For tougher stains, try vinegar and baking soda. Before using any cleaning product, however, test a very small section of the rug to ensure that the colors aren’t damaged.

Simply apply the cleaning solution to the rug. Then, use a white towel to dab at the stain. If the dyes aren’t transferred to the towel, you can safely use the product or cleaning solution to spot clean the rug.

Homemade Cleaning Solutions for Common Stains

While there are numerous rug and carpet cleaning products available at local stores, homemade cleaning solutions are just as effective and don’t have harsh chemicals. Add a tablespoon of dish or laundry soap with ¼ cup of white vinegar and a few cups of water.

When removing spots and stains, do not saturate the rug. Instead, dip your cloth in the cleaning solution, and wring it out. The cloth should be damp but not dripping. Dab at the stain with a wet cloth. Then, remove additional mess by dabbing at it with a dry cloth. Do not scrub the stain. Many area rugs have delicate fibers, and scrubbing will ruin them. You may need to repeat the steps several times until the stain is gone.

Deep Cleaning Methods

A great way to test if your rug needs to be deep cleaned is to pick up a corner of the rug about waist high and then drop it. If you spot dirt, dust and dander rising up from the rug, it needs to be deep cleaned. The rug should also be cleaned if it has a funky odor.

Before using any deep cleaning methods, vacuum the rug indoors. Then, take it outdoors and drape it over a fence or railing. Use a broom to beat as much of the dust out of the carpet as you can. Then, lay the carpet outdoors on a hard surface, such as your driveway. If you don’t have an outdoor place available, use your garage or kitchen floor. Outdoors is best, however, because the rug will dry more quickly.

If it is safe to do so, use a steam cleaner to deep clean the rug. Otherwise, you will need to handwash it with towels and a sponge using a mix of laundry detergent and water. After cleaning the rug, rinse it thoroughly using a garden hose until the water runs clean. Then, use a large squeegee to extract as much water as possible.

To facilitate a faster drying process, place your rug in a sunny area. You can also run a box fan to promote air circulation. Do not return your rug to its place in your home until it is completely dry.

Handling Odors and Allergens

In between deep cleaning sessions, your rug can be a source of unpleasant odors in your home. As it collects allergens, it can also negatively impact your health and indoor air quality. Vacuuming your rug often is the best way to address odors and allergens. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter for the best results.

To tackle odors, sprinkle baking soda on your rug and let it sit for about 15 minutes before vacuuming it. If your rug is exceptionally dirty but you don’t have time to deep clean it, take it outside to beat it and air it out.

Preventing Future Damage

There are several steps that you can take to get the most out of your rug. In addition to cleaning it regularly, follow these tips.

• Protect your rug against furniture damage by using rug protectors under table, chair and sofa legs.
• Don’t place your rug in an area of the home that receives direct sunlight. While it’s okay to dry your rug in sunlight, prolonged exposure can cause fading.
• Humidity can also damage your rugs. Avoid setting potted plants on them, and use a dehumidifier to moderate humidity, if necessary.
• If you are dealing with clingy pet hair, use a carpet sweeper or carpet brush to remove the hair.
• Periodically, rotate the rug so that the foot traffic and wear will be evenly distributed.

Like your area rugs, the many other areas of your home need to be deep cleaned from time to time. In addition, they have special care requirements and techniques. At Tidyhere, we know that keeping up with your home’s various cleaning needs is time-consuming and tedious, and we are ready to help. Schedule professional cleaning service in Boston today.