Follow these simple steps for basic care, deep cleaning, and stain removal to keep your area rugs looking their best. Learn how to properly care various types of area rugs.
Area rugs warm up floors, add color and pattern to a room, and establish zones in your living space. However, stains and debris frequently accompany area rugs, so knowing how to clean an area rug is essential.
The first step in cleaning an area rug is determining its material. This is vital for extending its life because different materials necessitate different area rug cleaning procedures and supplies. Our helpful area rug cleaning guide will introduce you to the many types of rugs and provide suggestions and procedures for stain removal and cleaning.
Basic Rug Maintenance
The best approach to cleaning an area rug is determined by its size, construction, and material. Large area rugs require the same care as wall-to-wall carpet. As a result, the following care routine will help the majority of rugs:
Vacuum large area rugs to eliminate dirt: As with carpet, the most crucial area rug cleaning step you can take is regular vacuuming. Vacuum both sides of a reversible rug. This removes dirt and filth that can cause your rug to wear out prematurely. Take care not to vacuum any of the fringe. (When vacuuming a shag rug, turn off the beater bar to avoid tangling the long fibers.)
Brush out pet hair: A vacuum might leave pet hair behind. Remove the hair with a hard brush, combing in the direction of the nap of the rug.
Turn rugs once a year: Foot activity and sunlight can cause extra wear and tear on area rugs. To level out the wear, turn them once or twice a year.
Shake small area rugs: If the rug is small enough, take it outside and vigorously shake or beat it to remove dirt and grit. Some locations have laws against shaking carpets outside, so check your local laws first.
Material-by-Material Cleaning Instructions
Special rugs necessitate specialized cleaning. Keep care tags on the carpeting for easy access. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for deep cleaning and using a rug shampooer or cleaning equipment on the rug. Follow these guidelines for caring for specialized rugs.
How to Care for Woven and Braided Rugs
Before and after cleaning, inspect rugs for stitching breaks. Check the labels to see if little braided carpets are machine washable. Place them in a zippered pillowcase or mesh washing bag if they are. Rinse well after washing in cool water on a gentle cycle. Tumble dry on low heat.
Throw large braided rugs on a vinyl or concrete floor to clean, or place an old blanket beneath them. Sponge commercial carpet-cleaning foam ($5, The Home Depot) over the surface and rub it in as directed. Finally, rinse or vacuum the area. Before reinstalling the rug on the floor, allow it to dry completely.
Hand-Knotted, Antique, and Oriental Rug Cleaning
Because antique and Persian runners are popular choices for kitchens and other high-traffic areas, they may require more care than others. Vacuum a new Oriental rug the same way you would a carpet or wool area rug. Take extra care with vintage or antique rugs. Put a piece of nylon screen over the rug and weight it down with books or bricks to protect it from the vacuum. Vacuum all over the screen. Alternatively, thread a piece of nylon mesh ($5 at Hobby Lobby) around the vacuum attachment and replace it as dirt builds. Once a year, get these rugs professionally cleaned. Rotate rugs to maintain even wear; direct sunlight will cause fading.
If you need professional help, give us a call today at (864) 905-8566
