Rugs trap a lot of dirt and bacteria, which can affect your health. The buildup also dulls colors and makes rooms look dingy.
Regular vacuuming will keep rugs clean and help them last longer. But they also need to be washed often. The good news: It’s possible to effectively wash a rug at home.
It’s worth it
Rugs add comfort and style to a room but also trap dirt and grime from daily foot traffic. Vacuuming and daily cleaning remove superficial dirt, but professional carpet cleaners can only remove the deeper dirt that builds up over time. Professionals are trained to work with all types of rugs and use the best cleaning methods for your rug.
Dirt, dust, and grit act like sandpaper to your rug fibers. Walking over this debris wears the rug down, increases the rate of fraying, and reduces the life of your rug. Regular cleanings prevent this wear and tear, keeping your rugs looking new for longer.
Unpleasant odors can get trapped in your rug as well. From food cooking on the bottom of your feet to pet odors and urine, these odors can be very difficult to get rid of without a deep clean. The chemicals in a rug cleaning solution combined with the pressure of hot water extraction can effectively get rid of these odors and leave your home fresh and clean.
Your rugs should be cleaned every few years, at the very least. However, you may want to consider getting them professionally cleaned more often, especially if you have children and pets who track in lots of dirt and debris. Professionals can extend the lifespan of your rugs by years, even decades.
Rugs are usually expensive and an investment, so you want to take good care of them. Regularly cleaning your rugs is one of the best ways to protect your investment and keep them looking great for as long as possible.
Rugs are much more fragile than wall-to-wall carpeting, so it is important to find a rug cleaning company that has experience working with different kinds of rugs and utilizing the right techniques for each type of fabric. A reputable professional will not only properly clean your rugs, but they will also look for signs of damage and help repair them when possible. They will move furniture as needed and ensure that your rugs are cleaned thoroughly from all sides, including underneath.
It’s easy
Rugs add comfort and color to a room, but they’re also prone to collecting dirt, dust, or stains on a daily basis. Unless you regularly vacuum them or spot-clean the stains, they’ll eventually start looking dull and dingy. That’s why washing your rugs is important to maintain their beauty and functionality.
Before you clean your rug, be sure to read its care instructions. This information is typically found on a still-attached tag or the manufacturer’s website and will let you know whether it should be hand-washed or dry-cleaned. If the care instructions aren’t clear, consult a professional.
If you’re considering cleaning your rug yourself, the first step is to vacuum it thoroughly using one of the best vacuum cleaners for rugs. This will remove the majority of loose dirt and debris on the surface. It’s also a good idea to brush or beat the rug to help loosen any remaining dirt or dust in its fibers.
Next, make a cleaning solution by mixing water and detergent in a bucket. Be sure to test the cleaning solution in an inconspicuous area of your rug to ensure it won’t discolor or cause colors to bleed. Finally, use a sponge to apply the solution evenly across your rug. Depending on the rug’s material, it may need to sit for two hours or more before it can be rinsed.
Once the rug is dry, you’ll need to brush it again with a soft-bristled broom or vacuum it using one of the best vacuum cleaners for carpeting to restore its luster and texture. Be sure to use a brush with a soft brush head to avoid damaging the rug’s woven threads.
If you’re worried about stains, you can prevent them by vacuuming often and tackling them right away with a stain removal kit. The most common stains are food and drink spills, which can be removed with a mixture of vinegar and baking soda. Be sure to scrub stains with a brush or towel rather than scrubbing them with your hands. This can cause the threads to unravel and ruin the rug.
It’s cheaper
The initial cost of cleaning your area rug may seem high, but it’s cheaper than buying a new one. This is because rugs often become worn down and discolored over time, and regular cleaning helps restore their original condition.
The size of your rug, the method used to clean it, and the type of material the rug is made from will all influence the total cost. For example, synthetic fiber rugs are typically less expensive to clean than natural-fiber rugs. Polypropylene rugs, for example, are durable and color-fast, so they can be cleaned with any popular method without worrying about the colors running or the fibers being damaged. On the other hand, natural-fiber rugs like cotton need to be dry-cleaned to avoid damage from excessive moisture.
Rug cleaning companies also charge different fees for various services, such as antimicrobial treatment or stain-blocking chemicals. The best way to reduce your rug cleaning costs is to shop around and get multiple estimates from high-quality companies. You can also save money by having other services done at the same time. For example, most rug cleaners are also upholstery cleaners and can clean your sofa or chairs simultaneously with your area rugs.
Another big money-saver is cleaning your rug before any stains set in. This is particularly important with silk and wool rugs, which are more delicate than other rugs. You can prevent stains from setting in by placing a clean towel under your rug as soon as you notice a spill or accident. Then, blot as much of the liquid or food from your rug as possible with a fresh towel. Avoid rubbing, as this can make the stain permanent.
It’s also worth having your rug cleaned to remove allergens and dust mites, which build up in all rugs over time. These particles can irritate allergies and asthma symptoms, so keeping them at bay by regularly cleaning your rugs is important. A professional cleaning will also make your rugs look new and extend their lifespan.
It’s faster
Rugs add a stylish focal point to the living space, bedroom, dining room, and kitchen. But they’re also prone to spills and heavy footfall – and can become a trap for dust mites and other microscopic microbes. Regular cleaning can help reduce these and keep your family healthy.
Vacuuming is a good start, but sometimes your rug needs more than just a light cleaning. Depending on the fabric type, it may need to be shaken or machine washed. A quick test with a damp white rag should let you know if it’s time to properly clean your rug.
If the rug is made from a natural fiber, like wool, cotton, or sisal, it’s a good idea to check its care tag for washing instructions. Generally, these rugs can be washed by hand with soapy water or rug shampoo. However, sheepskin and cowhide rugs should be washed professionally to avoid the risk of damage.
For synthetic rugs, a little soap and hot water should be enough to lift most stains. Make sure to use a suitable cleaning solution for the fabric, and test it on a small, inconspicuous area first. Once the area is cleaned, blot it dry thoroughly to prevent mildew.
Large rugs, especially those with high piles, can take days to fully dry. It’s best to lie them flat, off the ground if possible, and use a fan or hair dryer to speed up the process. Leaving a rug wet for too long can cause mold to form and damage the floor underneath, so blot it dry as quickly as possible.
Rugs can be a major investment, so looking after them is important. While it’s tempting to buy a cheap rug, it’s usually more cost-effective in the long run to invest in one that can last for years to come. A regular clean, including vacuuming and shaking out the rugs and spot-treating any stains, will keep them looking their best and last longer. If your rugs are really dirty or you’ve got a serious stain, a professional cleaning company can also get them looking and smelling great again.