The compact size of area rugs and their intriguing designs make them a great addition to any interior décor. The rugs provide warmth and comfort that every homeowner craves. Nearly 80% of American homes have at least one rug. It is important to learn how to maintain your area rugs.
You can prolong the life of your rug and maintain its beauty by using the right area rug cleaning methods. You can also use material-specific cleaning solutions to remove stubborn rug stains.
This guide will provide you with step-by-step directions, cleaning products, methods and precautions that can help keep your area rug looking great.
General Rug Care Tips
You’ll likely come across a few general maintenance tips that everyone should follow. We’ve selected the most useful and common ones.
Regular Vacuuming
You probably know that vacuuming your area rug is the best way to maintain its cleanliness. Do this at least one time a week in order to remove dust. Remember that areas which are frequently walked on may need more frequent vacuuming.
Find a vacuum with an adjustable beater bar, which is ideal for area rugs. To avoid damaging delicate materials, you can turn off the beater.
Rotation
The sun’s rays will cause the color of a rug to fade. There is a way to prevent fading that’s easily visible. Rotate your rug every six to twelve months so that both sides of the rug are exposed to sunlight.
Padding
Under your area rug, place a rug pad to cushion the rug and protect the flooring underneath. This can help prevent serious falls and slipping. Unfortunately, 45.8% adults who use area rugs report these accidents.
Stain Treatment and Prevention
These techniques will help you maintain your area rugs to their original condition. Accidents can still happen, no matter how much you try to avoid stains. Consider the following steps to treat stains:
Take Immediate Action
We’ve discovered that fresh stains are easier to remove than hardened, sticky splatters. You should wipe the spilled liquid off the rug as soon as you can.
Stain Removal
A stained area rug or carpet looks worn out and unmaintained, which is not the look anyone wants for their home. You can remove stains with the right cleaning products. Choose between two options based on your budget and stain severity.
- Homemade solution. Mix mild dish soap and water to create an effective cleaning solution.
- Commercial Products. Use a rug cleaner designed for difficult stains and follow the instructions of the manufacturer.
Odor Control
Area rugs may look unkempt and be discolored, but they also emit unpleasant smells. You can eliminate these odors using ingredients that are common in most homes.
- Baking soda. Sprinkle baking soda over the area rug. After letting the baking soda sit for two hours, vacuum it up to neutralize the odors.
- Vinegar Solution. Water and white vinegar mixed together can be used to eliminate odors. Test the solution on a small, less visible area before applying it to the area carpet to prevent damage.
Different Rug Materials Need Special Care
You should always treat rugs with care, regardless of their material. This will ensure that you maintain the original quality and unique appearance. You can find below the most popular materials that are used to create area rugs, along with cleaning solutions.
Vacuum the area rug and remove any dirt, dust or debris.
Wool Rugs
Wool area rugs have a wide range of patterns and colors. They are therefore considered to be high quality. Wool is a luxurious material that requires the use of soft detergents and cleaning tools.
As a precaution, avoid using too much water on wool rugs. It can damage them. Dry cleaning and low-moisture techniques are recommended. If you want to restore the original condition of your carpet, use a soft bristled brush.
Synthetic Rugs
Synthetic area rugs are more common in homes than other types of rugs because they are cheaper. The rugs are also very durable and can be cleaned with different methods without losing their quality.
Synthetic rugs are resistant to water-based methods of cleaning, such as gentle washing or spot cleaning. You shouldn’t use a normal hair or body wash for area rug cleaning. However, there are special shampoos available for rug care. To prevent mildew or mold, dry your synthetic carpet thoroughly after cleaning.
Delicate Material Rugs
To avoid damage, area rugs are often made of delicate materials like silk or viscose. You should have them cleaned professionally every 1-2 year depending on how often you use them.
Professional rug cleaners can evaluate the condition of the rug, identify any issues and recommend cleaning methods.
Preventive Measures
It is expensive and time-consuming to clean area rugs constantly. You must take preventative measures in order to maintain your rugs’ cleanliness and condition for a longer period of time.
- Shoe-Free Zones. To minimize dirt transfer, designate areas where shoes are not allowed.
- Sunlight protection. Avoid direct sunlight to avoid fading or discoloration. This can be done by placing your rug far from windows.
Choose a professional service for deep cleaning stains using powerful, sustainable cleaning products. Ask the experts how often you should be cleaning your area rug based on your local climate to make sure they are as good as brand new.
Keep Your Area Rug Looking New
Cleaning and maintaining your area rugs properly is essential to preserving their beauty. You can prevent many common problems by following the guidelines in this guide. You can be sure that your rug will remain beautiful for many years by taking proper care of it.
Always check the instructions of the manufacturer if you decide to clean your rug yourself. Test the product on a small area of your rug before using it. Consider consulting a professional rug cleaning in tampa, if you are unsure of how to care for your area rug.