Is your area rug in need of a thorough cleaning? Chances are, it could use some revitalization. Area rugs, while great for tying a room together, often endure a fair share of wear and tear from constant foot traffic to the occasional spill or pet mishap. Eventually, simply vacuuming may not cut it, and that’s when a deep clean becomes essential.
According to Ali Hafezi Mashhadi, the vice president of Babash Rug Services in Los Angeles, clean rugs play a surprising role in absorbing indoor air pollutants, including fumes from sources like gas fireplaces and steam generated during cooking.
Even if your rugs aren’t labeled as washable, learning how to clean a rug at home is a manageable task. You don’t necessarily need to enlist the services of professional rug cleaners, unless, of course, you’re dealing with an exceptionally delicate rug, such as an antique, How to Wash a Rug Mats, restoring them to their initial splendor.
How To Clean a Rug Pad
A crucial component of rug care, rug pads demand a bit of attention despite their usual low-maintenance nature. Much like the rug they support, these pads are an investment worth preserving.
PlushRugs presents a range of indoor rug pads, including one tailored for outdoor rugs. The Universal rug pad proves optimal for hard surfaces and carpeting, while the Super Hold pad is an excellent choice for those with hard flooring. For those desiring both stability and a plush touch, the Soft Step pad is designed to keep rugs in place while providing an extra layer of comfort.
Maintaining your rug pad in top condition requires only a few straightforward steps, ensuring it continues to fulfill its role in keeping your rug snug and stylish.
How Often Should I Clean My Rug Pad?
Maintaining the cleanliness of your rugs involves a weekly vacuuming routine to fend off the accumulation of dirt, dust, and debris. However, when it comes to rug pads, the story is a bit different they don’t demand as frequent attention. While dust and dirt may find their way to rug pads, the quantity isn’t substantial enough to necessitate a weekly vacuuming session. An in-depth cleaning for rug pads is generally recommended no more than four times a year. A helpful strategy is to align these quarterly cleanings with seasonal changes, making it a manageable task to remember.
For outdoor rug pads, a thorough vacuuming is essential before winter storage and upon bringing them out for the spring season. Given the increased exposure to dirt and debris in outdoor settings, it’s advisable to make quick cleanings of rug pads a bi-monthly habit during the active outdoor seasons.
Shake it Off
An effective method to curb the buildup of dust and dirt in rug pads is to give them a good shake. For outdoor rug pads, a weekly shaking routine, in tandem with outdoor rugs, is recommended—especially after storms when debris may be more prevalent. Indoor area rugs, on the other hand, typically only need a monthly shakeout to keep them in top condition.
If your household includes multiple pets, consider upping the frequency to a bi-monthly shake, as pet hair tends to accumulate rapidly. After storms, it’s crucial to ensure that both rug pads and outdoor area rugs are allowed to dry completely, maintaining their longevity and performance.
Address Spills Quickly
Accidents are inevitable, and spills are an undeniable part of daily life at home. When spills or pet mishaps occur, swift action is key. The longer a spill lingers, the more challenging it becomes to remove. Depending on the spill’s volume, it might even reach through to the rug pad. In such cases, it’s crucial to address not only the spill on the area rug but also any potential impact on the rug pad.
Immediately after a spill, check to ensure it hasn’t seeped into the rug pad. If it has, treat it in the same manner as the area rug. Typically, most spills on rug pads can be managed by blotting with plain water. Just as with area rugs, it’s important to avoid rubbing the spill on the pad, as this can cause the substance to penetrate deeper. Prioritizing both the area rug and the rug pad in your cleaning routine ensures a comprehensive approach to handling spills and maintaining the overall cleanliness of your floor coverings.
Perks of a Rug Pad
If you were contemplating skipping the purchase of a rug pad, think again. Rug pads offer a multitude of benefits that play a crucial role in safeguarding both your floors and your rugs. Not only do these pads provide an extra layer of cushioning for your feet, enhancing comfort, but they also contribute to minimizing everyday noises within your home.
Safety is another notable advantage, as rug pads prevent rugs from skidding, addressing a potential hazard. Additionally, they can streamline the vacuuming process, making it more efficient. Perhaps the most significant benefit lies in the fact that rug pads extend the lifespan of both indoor and outdoor area rugs, making them a valuable investment in the long run. Don’t underestimate the impact of a quality rug pad it’s a small addition that delivers substantial perks for your floors and overall living space.
What is The Best Way to Clean My Rug?
Maintaining the allure and longevity of your area rugs involves a combination of regular vacuuming and immediate attention to any spots or spills. However, periodic extra care is essential for every rug to ensure its lasting beauty.
According to Scott Johnston, owner of Carpet Care of the Carolinas in Raleigh, North Carolina, the type of rug you own dictates its specific maintenance needs. “Natural fiber rugs have to be treated differently than a synthetic rug. No question,” he emphasizes. For instance, wool rugs require a gentle touch, with cleaning limited to a cold water process to protect the fibers from damage or distortion. On the other hand, synthetic rugs can tolerate a more robust approach, including hot water and stronger cleaning solutions.
Nevertheless, some rugs warrant the expertise of professional cleaning. Ali Hafezi Mashhadi advises that, “In general, Persian and Oriental rugs, as well as rugs made of silk or viscose, should only be professionally cleaned.” Recognizing the unique characteristics of your rug and tailoring your cleaning approach accordingly ensures that it stays vibrant and enduring for years to come.
What Tools And Supplies Do i Need to Clean An Area Rug At Home?
To successfully tackle a DIY area rug cleaning project, make sure you have the following essentials ready:
Rug shampoo (or mild dish soap)
Bucket
Soft-bristle brush or sponge
Water
Rubber gloves
Garden hose
Wet-dry vacuum
These items are crucial for a thorough and effective cleaning process. Whether you’re dealing with everyday dirt or addressing specific stains, having the right tools and materials on hand will help you restore your area rug to its pristine condition.
How do You Clean Area Rugs Made From Fibers Like Jute?
According to Mashhadi, it’s crucial to avoid getting jute or sisal rugs wet as they are prone to browning. Instead, opt for regular vacuuming and gentle dusting for routine maintenance.
Shake or Beat the Rug:
Take the jute or sisal rug outdoors and shake it vigorously or use a rug beater.
The open weave of these rugs allows dirt and dust to come out more easily.
Address Stains Without Water:
If there’s a stain on your jute or sisal rug, avoid using water or dish soap solutions.
Lay the rug flat on an even surface and apply dry rug shampoo, Arm & Hammer Dry Carpet Powder Cleaner, or plain baking soda.
Allow the cleaning agent to absorb for a few hours, then vacuum it up.
Air Out the Rug:
Hang the rug to air out, preferably on a sunny day. The UV rays from the sun act as a natural disinfectant and deodorizer.
Final Vacuuming:
Bring the rug back indoors and vacuum it, ensuring that the beater bars are disengaged.
Vacuum in the direction of the rug fibers to restore the material and maintain its fresh appearance.
How do You Deep-Clean a Rug By Hand?
When dealing with stubborn stains on your area rug, it’s important to give them extra attention. Scott Johnston recommends a light soap and water mixture for spills instead of store-bought stain removers. However, he advises caution against using too much soap, as it can lead to buildup and additional soiling.
For specific types of stains, Johnston suggests using hydrogen peroxide for blood, red wine, pet stains, and clay mud. Apply it in a mist using a spray bottle and wait six to eight hours before gently dabbing it clean. Fresh club soda can also be effective for lighter stains.
If you’re dealing with pet stains, Rocco & Roxie Professional Strength Stain & Odor Eliminator is recommended for its effectiveness. It was tested to remove a weeks-old yellow stain from a wool rug in seconds.
When it comes to Persian or Oriental rugs, characterized by hand-knotted wool and densely woven fibers, cleaning requires caution. Always check the care label for specific instructions, as using the wrong chemicals can lead to permanent alterations in texture, color bleeding, and other issues, warns Omri Schwartz, general manager of Nazmiyal Collection in New York City.
How do You Clean a Large Area Rug At Home?
Cleaning a large rug may seem like a daunting task, but with a DIY approach, homeowners can achieve impressive results. Ideally, take the rug outside to simplify the process. Enlist the help of a partner if possible, making it easier to roll up and carry the rug.
If an outdoor space isn’t available, you can still clean the rug indoors. Place a large waterproof tarp in the middle of the living room and transfer the area rug onto the flat surface. Follow these steps for a successful cleaning:
Apply Cleaning Solution:
Use rug shampoo or a solution of mild dish detergent sparingly on the rug.
Absorb Soapy Solutions:
Place damp towels on the rug to absorb the soapy solutions.
Have a shop vac ready to absorb excess water since you won’t be able to hose off the soap indoors.
Air-Dry the Rug:
Lift the area rug and place it on an elevated surface with good airflow, such as chairs (non-upholstered) or a similar support.
Use standing fans to aid in the drying process.
Final Vacuuming:
Once the rug is completely dry, return it to its original location and give it a thorough vacuuming.
Following these steps ensures a comprehensive cleaning process for large rugs, whether you choose to tackle the project outdoors or in a controlled indoor environment.