Posted on February 11, 2020 by Behnam Rugs

How to Vacuum Your Rug

How to vacuum your rug depends on the material and construction of your rug. Flat weaves, handmade rugs, tufted rugs, and machine-made rugs all require different vacuum techniques, as do silk, cotton, wool, viscose, and synthetic fibers.

If you learn anything from this article, let it be this: Never vacuum your rug before knowing its construction, material, and how heavy vacuuming will affect it! Know your rug and know your vacuum cleaner to see if they are a good match. Remember, cleaning and janitorial services that offer to clean fine rugs use industrial-grade vacuum cleaners which damage rugs easily in a short time.

So, how can you vacuum your rug safely? Read on to find out…

How to Vacuum Flat Weave Rugs

Flat weave rugs are reversible due to the nature of their construction, and thinner than traditional rugs. For flat weaves, you want to use a vacuum with enough suction to lift dirt, but not so strong as to do damage. This means you should NOT use the beater brush. A brush-less vacuum is the way to go- leave the upright vacuum in the closet. In addition, use your hand to determine the direction of the weave. Do your best to vacuum in the direction of the weave- not against the grain. Be careful with the fringe as well.

How to Vacuum Handmade Rugs

When it comes to handmade rugs, you must consider the fibers it’s made of. To be safe, DO NOT use the beater brush unless you have spoken to a professional first. Call the experts at Behnam Rugs for advice at 972-733-0400.

How to Vacuum Tufted Rugs

Tufted rugs are simpler and faster to make than most other constructions. Most tufted rugs are of lower quality, though there are some that use high quality wool or even silk. These rugs are more likely to shed than other constructions. The problem with this is that sometimes the wool is so processed that it breaks easily, and vacuuming can make this worse. Therefore, it’s safer NOT to use the beater brush. Another option is to use the upholstery attachment in the direction of the pile.

How to Vacuum Machine-Made Rugs

Machine-made rugs are generally sturdier than handmade. This means that it is okay to use the beater brush, as long as the rug is not made of real silk or any other natural fiber. Avoid vacuuming the fringes with the beater bar though.

How to Vacuum Silk

Silk is the most delicate of rug materials. While silk rugs can benefit from vacuuming, you have to be careful. NEVER use the beater brush and vacuum in the direction of the pile. If you use the beater brush on a silk rug, you are likely to cause unsightly sprouting. Sprouting occurs when the yarns that make up the pile are pulled, resulting in white heads coming to the top of the rug where they are visible. When this happens, you need a professional to fix it.

How to Vacuum Cotton

Like silk, cotton is delicate. It’s better to vacuum without the beater brush.

How to Vacuum Wool

Wool rugs are generally the strongest of handmade rugs, they don’t shed easily. Because of this, you do not want to vacuum with the beater brush. Some people believe vacuuming wool rugs with the beater brush is okay, and helps minimize shedding. In reality, you are breaking off fibers that were not ready to shed, which can lead to sprouting and bald patches.

How to Vacuum Viscose or Artificial Silk

Viscose silk is quite delicate and breakable. Beater bar vacuums can exacerbate breakage, so use suction only for these rugs.

How to Vacuum Most Other Synthetic Fibers

Vacuums are great for lifting dirt from most synthetic fibers, such as polypropylene and nylon, and you can even use the beater brush! Call the experts at Behnam Rugs and let them know the exact fiber before vacuuming to be safe.

Always protect the fringes and side binding of your rug. The safest way to clean your rug is not to vacuum at all, and to instead use a sturdy, yet simple straw broom. Sweeping can improve the health of your rug.

Call the experts at 972-733-0400 if you have vacuumed your rug improperly and are in need of repairs.