Rugs have magical powers. Aside from adding warmth and comfort to any room, they also have the power to anchor space and furniture. Not only that, but they can also inject vibrant colors into an otherwise dull room or tone down an otherwise cluttered space.
An area rug is also a terrific alternative to full-floor carpets because they’re less of a commitment, allowing you to switch one out if you want to redecorate. That said, rugs are the perfect habitat for dirt and microorganisms. And they can also take a lot of beating every day.
The good news is that they’re easier to clean and maintain than wall-to-wall carpets. In this article, we’re sharing simple tips to keep your rug clean and make it look good as the first time you bought it.
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Know More About Your Rugs
Before doing any cleaning, you must familiarize yourself with your rug. Generally, each rug is different and needs different maintenance and care.
The easiest way to do this is to check the manufacturer’s instructions. Determine the type of yarn or material it’s made of or the backing it has. Look for any special manufacturer’s instructions on properly caring for it.
By knowing more about your rugs, you can tailor your cleaning and maintenance routine, preventing damage and wear to its materials.
Get Professional Cleanings Annually
Most people skip professional cleaning since it seems like an unnecessary expense. However, professional rug cleaning is essential to preserving your area rugs and maximizing your investment. This is particularly true if you have the more expensive ones, such as Persian rugs.
Generally, you want to call the experts, such as Rug Wash Specialist, at least once a year. If your area rug is placed in high-traffic areas, you must schedule professional deep cleaning twice a year. Hiring the experts means accessing the right tools to deep-clean your rugs. With professional training and years of experience, an expert rug cleaner can effectively clean and remove unwanted stains on your rugs quickly.
Vacuum Weekly
Hiring a professional cleaner once or twice yearly doesn’t mean you shouldn’t skip regular cleaning. Vacuuming is the first defense against dust and dirt accumulating on your rug. As such, it’s essential to establish a vacuuming session to keep the surface clean and prevent dust from settling into the fabric.
Depending on your rug type, you need to understand proper vacuuming techniques. For instance, most rugs can be cleaned effectively using a vacuum’s beater bar. Meanwhile, some carpet fibers can get damaged and cause fiber shedding when agitated by the rotary brush. Check with the manufacturer’s instructions to safely clean your rug with a vacuum.
Take It Outside
If you don’t have a vacuum, you can use the old fashion way to clean your rug–give it a good beating. This traditional rug-cleaning method is often more effective than vacuum cleaning, cleaning, and removing deep-seated grime.
Generally, you need to take the rugs outside and place them on a rail or clothesline. Using a long stick like a broom or a carpet beater, you can hit the rugs and let dirt and grime fall. Use a mask or face protection to avoid inhaling the dust and experiencing allergic symptoms.
Rotation Is A Must
Take advantage of the movability of an area rug and rotate it regularly. Frequent rotation is one of the best ways to help maintain your area rug. This is particularly important if your area rug extends under a piece of furniture’s feet or is exposed to direct sunlight.
Generally, the exposed or over-used areas of the rug wear and fade faster than those in hidden areas. It also causes dents or matted fabric from the weight of the furniture. Rotating the rug at least every three months or whenever you take it outside can ensure even wearing. This helps hide the overused areas while revealing the like-new rug surface.
Be Careful Of Spills
Next to dirt and dust, spills are the greatest nemesis of a rug. As such, you want to be careful not to spill anything on your rug. However, accidents still happen as much as you try to avoid spills. In that case, it’s essential to clean any mess right away.
When a liquid is spilled onto your rug, soak it with a white cloth to prevent it from going deep into the fabric. Using a damp white cloth or tissue paper, blot (not rub) the affected area to remove the stain. Once the stain is gone, dry the area as much as possible and leave it to air dry.
Takeaway
Area rugs offer numerous benefits to your home–whether adding extra color or providing warmth for your feet. That is if you keep it maintained and cleaned. So, follow the above tips to help you make the most out of your area rug and keep it looking good for years.
