Posted on June 17, 2022 by Behnam Rugs

A house is not complete unless stylish, comfortable rugs accompany it. A good area rug enhances the room’s color scheme and gives warmth. You can get different styles and colors based on winter or summer.

But along with the area often come the debris and stains. That is why it is important to know why a rug cleaning. We often create messes on our rug areas, whether they are caused by pets, children, or adults spilling over it, or people walking on it with dirty shoes to create a messy part of your life.

Some stains are easy to clean, while some are stubborn, and the sooner you can take them, the better it would be for you to remove them. Knowing how to clean the area rugs properly can enhance their longevity if the rug is in the bedroom or where you do not get enough footfall occasionally but only in the morning coffee spills. Or it may be in the kitchen where the rug has to cope with spills and stains quite often.

Although you can rug cleaning at home effectively without the help of professionals, the pro tip here would be to follow the maker’s recommendations. You must clean the rug according to its needs and material. The following cleaning tips will help you freshen up the rugs in the right way.

Identify the Rug Material

The first step in cleaning a rug is to identify your rug material. It is important as different materials require different rug cleaning methods, and it also helps to prolong the life of the rugs. Here is how you can clean different kinds of rugs based on their materials.

Wool: It is a natural fibre obtained from sheep, and these are quite durable, and you can easily clean them with wool detergent.

Silk: It is also a natural fibre, which is more delicate than wool. Clean it by mixing the equal part of water and vinegar.

Polyester: Although polyester is stain resistant, it still needs cleaning. You can clean it with a light detergent.

Cotton: Cotton is commonly used in flatweave rugs, and these types of rugs can be washed using a washing machine, gentle cycle, or warm water.

Jute: Jute rugs are not water-resistant, and they require deep cleaning. So it is better that you call a professional service.

Sisal: These rugs are also not water-resistant, and if you find a stain caused by water, you can call a professional cleaning.

Basic Area Rug Care

The material, construction, and size determine the best way to clean the area rug. You need the care for the rugs as you need for a carpet. So there are the benefits of the care routine.

Vacuum large area rugs: Similar to carpet rug cleaning, regular vacuuming is also a key area rug cleaning step. Vacuum both sides if a rug is reversible. Vacuum cleaning can remove grit and grime, which can wear out your rug prematurely. Also, take care not to vacuum any fringe.

Remove the pet hair with a brush: It is common to use a vacuum to remove pet hair behind. Use a hard brush to remove the hair; always brush in the direction of the rug’s nap.

Turn rugs every year: Direct sunlight and foot traffic can pressure the rugs, so it is better that you turn the rungs every year.

Shake small area rugs: If the size of the rug is small, take it outside and shake or beat to remove the dirt and grit. Some rugs have special laws about shaking the rungs, so check with the local codes first.

How to Clean Woven or Braided Rugs?

Once the cleaning is done, you need to check the rungs for stitching. Refer to the labels and check if small braided rugs are washable. If the instructions say that you can wash them, place them in the mesh laundry bag. Wash them in cool water with a gentle cycle while rinsing thoroughly. You can then tumble dry on a low setting.

To clean large braided rugs, place them on a vinyl or concrete floor or place an old blanket beneath them.

If you have to clean a large rug, place it on the concrete floor or vinyl. Then you can sponge a commercial carpet cleaning over it and rub it as per the product directions. Finish the process by vacuuming and rinsing. Finally, dry the rug thoroughly before placing it on the floor.

Cleaning Hand-knotted, Oriental, and Antique Area Rugs

The two common rugs used in the kitchen area are Persian and antique. While you can do the vacuuming, you may need to use extra creativity as their fabrics are delicate and sensitive. It is better to place a nylon screen over them before vacuuming to protect them. In addition, professional rug cleaning services must clean vintage and antique rugs at least once a year to preserve their intricate design and fabric.