Is your rug looking a little past its best?
Before chucking it out, wait a minute! If it’s just looking grubby, it’s not time to say goodbye yet.
Cleaning rugs is easier than you might think and can give them a second lease of life. You’ll save money and the planet will be a bit better – it’s a win-win.
Discover plenty of tips in the guide to keep your rugs looking fresh.
Use a Rug Shampoo
When it comes to rug maintenance, a rug shampoo is essential! It’s the perfect way to give your modern, classic, or Persian rug a deep clean. First, shake your rug and vacuum it to get rid of any loose dirt and dust.
Follow the instructions on your shampoo. It’s always a good idea to do a small patch test first, just to make sure it doesn’t discolor your rug. Wash your rug either outside in a clean area, or in your bathtub.
Once it’s cleaned, dry it in a well-ventilated room or outside (but keep it out of the sun to avoid color fading!).
Cleaning a Wool Rug
When it comes to interior design, it doesn’t get much better than a wool area rug. But, wool is tricky to clean and needs a bit of a different approach.
First, vacuum the rug as with the previous steps. Then, mix a non-bio laundry detergent (the gentler the better) with cold water. Use a microfiber cloth to start washing your rug, dampening it with the laundry detergent solution and dabbing it on the rug.
Anywhere that’s more heavily soiled, spend more time working on. Try to avoid getting the wool wet though, as this could cause shrinkage! If it’s getting damp but is still soiled, simply finish the process, dry the rug, and repeat the process.
After you’ve cleaned the rug, dampen your cloth with cold water – no laundry detergent needed – and dab. Blot the rug with a clean, dry cloth to remove as much of the water as you can. Allow it to dry completely before laying it back down.
Cleaning Hide Rugs
If you have a hide rug that’s made from real animal skin, you’ll have to clean it a little differently. But, first of all, a quick tip; rotate your hide rug frequently to prevent frequent wear on one area! Now, onto the cleaning.
Use a mild soap, like baby shampoo, and dab it carefully onto the spoiled areas of the rug. Rinse the sponge and wring it out so that it’s damp before spotting it onto the same areas. Repeat as you need to until your rug is fresh!
For dirt that’s become stuck to the rug, like grease or chewing gu, use the blunt side of a tool, like a knife, to scrape it off. Apply a cleaning fluid, like a mild shampoo, to the area and gently dab at it. Wipe off with a slightly damp cloth.
How to Clean a Fluffy Rug
Shaggy, deep pile and fluffy rugs may look amazing, but how do you clean them? Actually, it’s easier than you might think. Fluffy carpets also hide stains well, so they’re pretty low maintenance!
Vacuum yours to remove any dirt. Then, sprinkle over some dry shampoo and rub it into the fibers of your rug. Let it sit for a few hours or, if you can, leave it overnight. Thoroughly vacuum it and it’ll be fresh and clean!
If you have a rug with a longer shag (5cm and up) then avoid vacuuming it. Instead, shake it out to remove dirt and after you’ve applied the dry shampoo.
How to Remove Stains From a Rug
Oh no, you’ve stained your rug! It’s always a panic when you’ve spilt something you just know is going to be hard to remove, but don’t worry; these tips have got you covered.
First, wipe away the spill with a damp cloth – as this helpful rug guide shows, it’s often enough to rid the spill before it stains! Avoid using harsh cleaning products, trying to vacuum up the stain first instead. If the stain remains, it’s time to pull out the big guns.
For this, you’ll need:
- 1/4 cup of white vinegar
- Quart of water
- Baking soda
- Spray bottle
Mix the white vinegar and water in the spray bottle. Sprinkle the baking soda on the stained area. Spray the baking soda with the vinegar and water solution until it fizzes, trying not to make the rug wet. Leave it to work and vacuum it up when dry – easy!
You can repeat this over and over as you need to.
How to Clean Outdoor Rugs
Outdoor rugs are usually much sturdier than indoor rugs, so you can be a bit less careful when cleaning them. The main issue with outdoor rugs is dirt, like mud and gravel, getting on them. So, hang your rug up and beat it with a broom handle (just like they did in the old days!) to get rid of as much as you can.
Then, use a hosepipe and wash down the rug. An outdoor rug should be able to handle cold water, so this will be fine! Air-dry the rug outside and it’ll look as good as new.
Start Cleaning Rugs
Cleaning rugs is easy to do when you know how! Just make sure you’re using the right cleaning guide for your rug and always do a patch test before applying any cleaning products. It may be a hassle, but you’ll be happy you’ve done it if there’s any discoloration.
If you enjoyed this article, be sure to check out more on our website. We have plenty of home tips to make your house your haven.
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