How to Clean a Rug in 7 Steps | Area Rugs, Oriental Rugs, and More
Rugs serve as the most integral centerpiece on the floors of all residential and commercial spaces due to their exclusive designs, unparalleled comfort, and wide versatility. However, rugs require to be cleaned periodically to not let the dirt accumulate in their fibers over time. To ensure a healthy environment, regular maintenance of these flooring essentials is necessary.
Rugs are made from different types of natural and synthetic materials, and they need to be treated with care according to the fiber type. Whether you have an area or an oriental rug, it is essential to be considerate while cleaning each one of them. In this guide by Rug Dubai, you’ll discover the step-by-step method to clean all kinds of floor coverings.
Effective Step How To Clean a Rug At Home
It’s important to determine the type of rug fibers before you start cleaning because all rugs need to be treated differently. To initiate the process, you’ll need to gather some supplies for a smooth workflow.
Tools And Supplies You’ll Require
For cleaning your floor coverings, here’s what you need to have:
- Rug Shampoo
- Mild Dish Soap
- Bucket
- Soft-bristle brush
- Sponge Or Towel
- Spray Bottle
- Lukewarm Water
- Rubber Gloves
- Garden Hose
- Wet-dry Vacuum
1
Clear The Furnishings And Remove Dirt And Debris
It is always the best idea to clean the rugs periodically to sustain their visuals and keep them in good condition. For cleaning purposes, remove all the furnishing elements placed on top of the rug, whether a chair, sofa, table, or bed, and give it a good shake to get rid of loosened dirt and dust particles.
The next step in this cleaning process is to vacuum the rug thoroughly from both sides.
2
Spot Clean Your Rugs
For the removal of spills and splashes, spot cleaning is the most effective process to opt for. To give your rugs a pristine appearance, you should immediately treat the stains using a cleaner made with white vinegar, mild detergent, and lukewarm water.
Make soapy solution in the spray bottle and spray it over the stained area. Using a microfiber cloth, gently rub the stains in a circular motion to prevent their spreading. After stain removal with scrubbing, rinse out the soapy residue with a damp towel, followed by air drying.
3
Mix The Cleaning Solution & Do A Color Test
Aside from vacuum and spot cleaning, deep cleaning is another essential part of maintenance of rugs that freshens their appearance. You have to be considerate about the selection of commercial cleaners as many of them contain harmful ingredients.
Invest in a cleaner that doesn’t discolor or damage the rug fibers. To check compatibility, you can perform a patch test on an unnoticeable area. If the fibers don’t change their appearance, the cleaner is reliable.
4
Wash The Rug
Here comes the deep cleaning step for your rugs for which you need to take a bucket to make a cleaning solution. You can use a cleaner that is commercial or make a homemade one. Pour the solution over the rug surface and let it penetrate into the fibers.
Use a soft-bristled brush and run it gently across the rug fibers for the extraction of stuck hairs, crumbs, and other debris. Make sure you do not brush harshly as this will pull the fibers from the base. Exert some pressure over the stains to eliminate them.
Also visit: 10 Best Places To Buy Rugs Affordably Online In Dubai
5
Rinse & Remove The Excess Water
The next step is to rinse the soapy residue from the rugs. For this purpose, you have to use clean lukewarm, or hose water. Rinse the rug from both the back and front side to ensure the proper extraction of soap residue.
After you have removed all the residue, give it a thorough wash once again with clean water. Remove the excess water from the surface so that it can dry rapidly. You can also run a squeegee over the rug for this purpose. Also, you can make use of a wet-dry vacuum to remove the excess water.
6
Let The Rug Dry
Now that you have thoroughly cleaned and rinsed your rug, let it dry for an appropriate time. First, allow the rug top to air dry for an adequate time considering the fiber type.
Next, flip your rug’s side to let the bottom side fully dry. For an effective and efficient drying process, you can turn on fans or dehumidifiers. In case of air drying, choose a covered area to prevent fading.
7
Vacuum Or Brush Out The Rug
Lastly, you’ll need to vacuum or brush your rug to restore its appearance. During the cleaning process, the pile or threads can get crushed or compacted which affects the appearance of rugs.
You can revive the appearance of rug fibers by running a brush across their threads. Make sure to use a soft-bristled brush to restore the natural appeal of your delicate rugs.
To Sum Up!
Maintaining rugs is an effective way to ensure a hygienic environment and to avoid the build-up of dirt and dust. Whether it’s a modern, oriental, or an area rug, you can effectively clean any rug type at home in a few simple steps. This will avoid expenses of professional services and you can also make your rugs last long without frequent refrequent replacements.