Choosing the perfect rugs for to add accent to your home is exciting. Once you have chosen the rug/s that meets all of your specifications, you will need to figure out how to best care for it. If you spill anything or if your furry friend has an accident, there is no reason to pay high prices to have your rugs done professionally or even replaced. Not only can you clean your rugs, but you can also prevent stains from occurring in the first place. This article will teach you how to thoroughly clean a rug by yourself with material easily found at the house.
Regular upkeep and maintenance are required.
Naturally, the best way of dealing with stains is to avoid them in the first place. Maintaining your rugs on a regular basis will help keep them looking nice.
Frequently vacuum rugs.
At the absolute least, vacuum rugs and carpets once a week or every other week. It is best to vacuum more frequently, up to twice daily, in high-traffic areas. Sprinkle a pinch of baking soda on the surface of your rug before vacuuming to eliminate odors. Finally, avoid using the beater bar (particularly when vacuuming shag rugs) and reduce the airflow level to avoid harming the rug’s fibers.
Rugs should be rotated to even out wear.
Rugs do not wear evenly all the time. It is likely that certain areas of your rug receive more usage than others, particularly if it extends partially under a piece of furniture. Additionally, it is possible that your window placement causes sunlight to shine more intensely on one section of the rug than other parts, resulting in noticeably faded blotches. To avoid these potential issues, simply make a habit of rotating the rug (180 degrees) on a regular basis or every six months or so to even out the wear.
Make sure that you have a rug cleaner.
Due to the fact that the majority of stains are easiest to remove when you act fast, having a rug cleaner available at all times pays off well. While some people would prefer a variety of diverse solutions for every type of spillage possible, the majority of people will require only their trusted all-purpose cleaner.
Cleaning Various Types Of Stains on Rugs
For the majority of minor spills, acting immediately and having the proper materials on hand can save you a lot of money. Before doing anything, read the care label on the rug first. However, if it is not detailed and clear, the following tips can help.
Common Rug Stains
The first step is to clear the area of any physical debris. Do not use a paper towel or rag to avoid pushing the trash deeper into the pile. It is preferable to use a tool such as a fork or a spoon to lift and remove the dirt carefully. Following that, gently blot the area with a damp paper towel and apply a stain-removal solution. Then, rinse the spilled area thoroughly with cold water and dab it dry. Never ever use hot or warm water. Repeat the process as needed to remove all stubborn spills.
Pet Stains
Pet stains on rugs are one of the most common and dreaded stains. If left unattended, urine stains will cause a foul-smelling odor. This means that these stains are not only unsightly but may also pose health dangers. The most significant thing to note when dealing with pet stains would be NEVER to use a steam cleaner tool. The high heat will intensify the stench and contribute to setting the stain on the rug. Rather than that, treat them like you would any other stain, but with a pet stain-specific cleaning. These are created specifically to combat the foul-smell and potentially harmful compounds contained in urine. Pet stains will be no problem if you act fast, avoid the heat, and lightly dab rather than scrub.
Cleaning Rugs Basing on the Material Used
While the information above should suffice for the majority of rugs, there are various other factors to consider based on the style and material composition of your rug. Continue reading to discover how to clean a rug made of various materials or construction properly.
Wool And Cotton Rugs
Wool is an amazing material. It is plush, durable, mostly waterproof, and retains color better than the majority of other materials. Regrettably, the structure of the fibers will also make them particularly good at collecting dirt.
Cotton also shares the majority of the advantages and disadvantages of having wool.
Fortunately, these rugs require little further maintenance beyond what is expected. Vacuum frequently, especially within the first few months. When wool rugs are brand new, they tend to shed. Be not alarmed! Your rug will not become bare. Once all of the loose fibers have been shed out, they should retain their appearance for years to come.
Jute Rugs
Jute is an exceptionally durable material with strong fibers that are extremely difficult for dirt to attach to. This makes them quite simple to clean—and occasional vacuuming should suffice.
Jute and water do not mix. Jute readily absorbs moisture and retains it for an extended period of time, which might result in the formation of mold, mildew, or dangerous germs. Dry spills immediately with paper towels and a hairdryer. Limit your cleaning to spot cleanings.
Rugs Made Of Synthetic Fibers
Today, the majority of carpets are composed of synthetic materials such as polyester, polypropylene, and acrylic. These rugs are an excellent imitation of wool and cotton rugs for a cheaper price and need minimal care. However, with synthetic rugs, you should manage your expectations. Synthetic fibers, in comparison to cotton, wool, and other porous natural fibers, are extremely smooth. Because of this, they will show dirt more obviously to the naked eye, hold dye less effectively, and eventually fade. Fortunately, with proper care, these difficulties can be avoided.
Also, you should be aware that many synthetic carpets contain a jute backing and hence share the same issues as a jute rug. If this is the case with your rug, do not use water to clean it and promptly dry any spills.
Shag Rugs
Whatever the material, a shag rug requires specific maintenance to keep them clean. Shag rugs’ long fibers are great at trapping dirt and hiding it deep within the pile. Additionally, the big pile complicates vacuuming. Suction can cause damage to the fibers, and using the beater bar will rip them out completely. DO NOT use the beater bar to vacuum a shag rug. If the shag rug is small enough, you can flip it over and vacuum the back. This will dislodge any buried dirt. After that, you may quickly sweep up the floor beneath the rug, removing any debris that was shaken away.
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