The area rug is quite important in a home since it can bring the entire room together, making the design so much more attractive. However, due to foot traffic, spills and even pets or kids, it can definitely take a beating. Vacuuming is something that you obviously want to do but after some time, it is just not enough.
The obvious cleaning solution is to hire a professional. However, unless the rug is really delicate or huge, you do not necessarily need to do this. It is not that difficult to learn how to properly clean a rug. Such a project is quite common when thinking about DIYs, but you should only start cleaning rugs after you are aware of the following.
Is It A Good Idea To Clean The Rug Yourself?
This is the most important question you need to ask yourself, way before you start cleaning. There are many rugs like Persian rugs or antique carpets that are delicate. Only professionals that are specialized in delicate rugs should be considered since the rugs are expensive and cannot easily be replaced. In such a situation it is better to find someone that knows everything about cleaning.
As an extra related tip, remember the fact that you should only clean rugs in the event they smell bad or the dirt is visible.
If you have any doubt, contact a specialist. It is better to pay for a consultation than to damage expensive rugs.
Tools Needed When Cleaning Rugs
If you decide to go the DIY route, the tools that you need are:
- Water
- Sponge or soft-bristle brushes
- Bucket
- Mild dish detergent or preferably professional rug shampoo
Some other tools that could help include a wet-dry vacuum, a garden hose and rubber gloves.
How To Clean Rugs Without Damaging Them
Follow these steps when you want to clean your rugs:
- Remove Debris And Dirt
Make sure you first vacuum your rug and you do it on both sides. When there are pets present, use the extra brush attachment so you can remove as many stray hairs as possible.
- Mix The Cleaner
Preferably, you buy rug shampoo. If so, just follow all the directions written on the bottle. Alternatively, take mild dish detergent and put it in a bucket, mixed with warm water. Make sure that you do not use water that is hot since this can cause color fading and shrink your rug.
- Perform A Color Test
One of the worst things that could happen is to ruin rug colors because of the cleaner you use. This can happen so perform a corner solution test. Basically, just clean a small part of the corner of the rug or a part that is not visible, like one under furniture. After you are sure color does not bleed, you can start actually washing the entire rug.
- Wash Your Rug
Use a soft-bristle brush or a sponge in order to work cleaning solution right into rug lather. Let the rug cleaner sit before you rinse. After done, be sure you rinse the soap with clean water. A garden hose is preferred. You absolutely need to remove the entire cleaning solution. Keep rinsing until runoff water is as clear as it has to be.
- Remove The Excess Water
Try to remove as much of the excess water as possible in order to allow a shorter dry time. If you can, use a good wet-dry vacuum. Alternatively, use squeegee in nap direction.
- Let Your Rug Dry Properly
The last thing that you have to do is to lay your rug flat and be sure that its top area completely dries. Then, flip it over to be sure the bottom part is dry. You can speed this up with the use of fans if you have to. The important thing is to be 100% sure that the rug is dried fully before it is placed back in the room.
