Keeping your rugs clean and well-maintained is crucial for a healthy home environment. However, a typical homeowner may not know how to even clean these, sometimes small and sometimes huge, rugs on their floors. In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know about how to clean your rug at home.
Types of Rugs
In order to know how to clean your rug at home, you must first know what ype of rug it is as each type of rug has its own cleaning method. Rugs come in various materials, styles, and sizes, and each type requires a specific cleaning method to maintain its quality and appearance. Here are some common types of rugs and the cleaning methods suitable for them:
Machine Made Area Rugs
Area rugs are versatile and can be made of different materials such as wool, cotton, silk, or synthetic fibers. Cleaning methods for area rugs depend on the type of fiber used.
Oriental Rugs
Oriental rugs are handmade and intricately designed, often using natural fibers like wool or silk. These rugs require special care during cleaning. They are often hand-woven and hand-knotted and made in central or Southern Asia.
Shag Rugs
Shag rugs have long pile fibers that can trap dirt and dust, making them difficult to clean. They can be cheaply made by machines with a polyester textile. High quality shag rugs are made from wool, like Flokati rugs.
Commercial Rugs
Commercial rugs are designed to withstand heavy foot traffic and frequent cleaning. They are usually made of synthetic fibers like nylon or polyester, making them easy to clean.
Cellulose Rugs
Rugs that are made from any artificial silk, viscose or rayon are modern and many shops are selling them now. Yet they are very difficult to clean and cannot get wet.
How to Clean Your Rug at Home
Cleaning your rug at home depends on a variety of factors. One of these factors is what your rug is made from. In this following guide, we will give you some ways to clean your rug at home based on the type of material it is.
Vacuuming or Beating Your Rug
Eligible Rugs: All materials
Take your rug outside and give it a good whack. Take a broom or a long stick and hit it repeatedly on the backside of the carpet. This force will vibrate out all the dust lodged in the fibers and backing of the carpet.
Then, you can vacuum your rug to remove any other dirt, dust, and debris. This is especially important for high-traffic areas and rugs that are regularly used. Use a vacuum with a beater brush for best results, and make sure to vacuum both sides of the rug.
Spot Cleaning
Eligible Rugs: Wool, cotton, linen, polyester
For small stains and spills, spot cleaning is an effective method for removing them before they set in. Mix a solution of water and mild detergent designed for fabric or upholstery, and use a clean cloth to blot the stain. Avoid rubbing the stain, as this can cause it to spread. Rinse the area with clean water and blot dry.
Steam Cleaning
Eligible Rugs: Wool, cotton, linen, polyester
Steam cleaning is a popular method for deep cleaning rugs and removing dirt and allergens. You can rent a steam cleaner or purchase one for home use. Follow the instructions carefully and make sure to allow the rug to dry completely after cleaning.
Bathtub Cleaning
Eligible Rugs: Wool, cotton, linen, polyester
You might be wondering how to wash a rug at home in a bathtub. Well ,bathtub cleaning is pretty self explanatory. Fill up the tub, throw in the rug, put some laundry detergent in there, and agitate it. Rinse it several times to get as much dirty water out of it. This method should be used as a last resort and with caution. Although the cleaning may come out decent, drying the rug may be a disaster. If it's not super sunny out and won't dry within 12 hours in the sun, do not attempt this method. Do not attempt with a shag rug.
Benefit of A Professional Service
Although cleaning your rug at home may be tempting, hiring a professional rug cleaner has its benefits
Deep Cleaning
Professional rug cleaners use specialized industrial equipment and cleaning solutions to ensure deep and thorough cleaning of your rugs. This removes dirt, dust, and other allergens that may be embedded in the fibers of your rug. Consumers have only access to consumer grade machines and chemicals which are not as powerful.
Expertise and Experience
Professional cleaners are trained to identify the type of rug you have and the best cleaning method to use for that specific rug. This ensures that your rug is cleaned effectively without any damage.
Repairs and restoration
In addition to cleaning, professional rug cleaning services may also offer repairs and restoration services. This can include repairing holes and tears in your rug, re-fringing, and restoring color to faded areas.
Can Clean Antique and Oriental Rugs
Cleaning an old rug or an oriental rug should not be attempted at home by a layman. Colors can bleed, and wrong chemicals can be used, which may in turn, ruin your whole rug. Call a professional who can either professionally steam clean it or can take it away for facility cleaning.
Can Clean Silk and Cellulose-Based Rugs
Many rugs these days are made from artificial silk, like viscose or rayon and cannot be wet cleaned. If wet cleaning is attempted, there is a high likelihood of permanent damage. They are really a nightmare to clean and consumers should avoid buying them. Even spilling a glass of water on your rug can ruin it! A professional must take it away and clean it in a facility.
If you need professional area rug cleaning near you, give us a call or get a free quote now.
