Vacuum Rug Cleaning: A Basic Guide
Vacuum large area rugs on a regular basis, just as you would carpets, to eliminate dirt. If the rug is reversible, vacuum both sides to guarantee that any grit or dirt that could cause the rug to wear out early is completely removed. However, you should avoid vacuuming your rug’s fringe.
Small carpets should be shaken.
Vacuuming may not be necessary for small area rugs. Simply take them outside and firmly shake them to remove dirt and grit. Some locations have laws prohibiting the shaking of carpets outside, so double-check your local laws beforehand.
Using a brush, remove pet hair.
Some filth, such as cat hair, may not be removed by vacuuming alone. Brush the rug frequently toward the nap of the rug to remove the hair.
Rugs should be turned on a regular basis.
Heavy traffic and exposure to the sun can put extra strain on rugs, leading them to wear out quickly. For even wear, turn them at least once or twice a year.
To remove stains, use detergent.
If your rug becomes discoloured, you should act quickly to remove any moisture from the spillage. A detergent combination can remove most stains, including alcohol, soft beverages, coffee, tomato sauces, and fat-based stains. To remove a stain, first mix some detergent with water, then apply to the spot and rinse. The stain should not be rubbed. Instead, blot it until it’s completely gone.
How to Clean Different Rug Types
Some rugs require particular cleaning and maintenance. Here are some cleaning suggestions for speciality rugs. Cleaning a rug is simple if you know what you’re doing.
Rugs that are braided or woven should be cleaned regularly.
Before you begin cleaning braided carpets, make sure there are no stitching breaks. It’s worth noting that certain little braided carpets aren’t machine washable, so double-check the labels before attempting to clean them. If they are, place them in zippered pillowcases and wash them on a soft cycle in lukewarm water. Thoroughly rinse, then tumble dry on a low setting.
Set a blanket (or any other large enough material) beneath larger braided rugs, or just place them on a vinyl floor. Apply commercial carpet-cleaning foam to the surface as directed and thoroughly rub it in. Vacuum or rinse. Before putting the rugs back on the floor, make sure they are completely dry.
Rugs made of natural fibres should be cleaned regularly.
Rugs made of sisal, coir, and grass have an open weave, allowing dirt to trickle down to the floor underneath them. To achieve even wear, they should be swept periodically and flipped (most natural fibre rugs are reversible). Remove the rug and vacuum the floor on a regular basis.
You don’t have to remove a standard natural-fiber rug to clear stains. Protect the floor beneath with a towel and a plastic drop cloth. Scrub the spill with a gentle brush dipped in soapy water. Rinse thoroughly with clear water and cover the wet area with a towel. Make sure to completely blot the cleansed area. To speed up the drying process, consider using a hair dryer or a portable fan. Because water weakens fibres, work swiftly and thoroughly to ensure the carpets are totally dry.
Some natural-fiber carpets are made up of many squares that are sewed together. Consider purchasing a few additional squares to replace one that has become irreversibly stained. Hand-stitch the rug square into place with carpet thread before reinstalling.
Oriental rugs should be cleaned regularly.
Vacuum a new oriental rug the same way you would a carpet or wool area rug. When working with vintage and antique rugs Santa Monica, use extreme caution. To protect the rugs, place a nylon screen over them and vacuum only over the screen. Alternatively, cut a piece of nylon mesh and tie it around the vacuum attachment. As soon as dirt collects, change the mesh.
To guarantee even wear, oriental rugs should be properly cleaned at least once a year and rotated on a regular basis (they will fade if exposed direct to the sun). When purchasing antique carpets, you may want to inquire about how to care for them.