Cleaning Area Rugs To Make It Look New Again

If you have a lot of area rugs in your house, you know that they're an integral part of your interior decorating area rugs by style. The good news is that most area rugs are inexpensive and easy to maintain. Basic rug care usually includes regular vacuuming of pets, but there are also things you can do yourself. The following information will help you learn how to clean natural fiber area rugs properly.

Types Of Area Rugs

Some are made from materials that are more durable than others, so it's important to buy one that's strong enough to handle the type of use it will get. Check the tags and make sure the fiber is made from 100 percent natural fibers. Synthetic fibers are generally made from plastic or other materials that may contain chemical additives, and it's important to know what chemicals could be present in those fibers. Here are some types of area rugs:

• Natural Fibers

• Synthetic Fibers

• Wool

• Cotton

• Nylon

How To Clean Area Rugs

Area rug cleaning is a project that you can take on yourself quickly. If your rug is particularly fragile, there is no need to employ professional rug cleaners for the job. Here are some steps on cleaning area rugs:

1. Gather Tools and Supplies: To complete a good area rug cleaning. Rug Shampoo, Bucket, Soft-Bristle,  Water, Ruber Gloves, Garden Hose, Wet-dry Vacuum.

2. Remove Dirt and Debris: On the rug, clean completely on both sides. You want to make sure you're gone with the last piece of debris. To get any lingering stray fur, use the brush attachment if you have pets.

3. Mix The Cleaner: You can use a rug shampoo such as this one from Bissell when it comes to the actual cleaning solution. Use mild dish detergent mixed in a bucket with warm water.

4. Color Test: Make sure that the cleaner does not allow the colors to run until you start scrubbing. Check the solution to make sure it is color-fast on the corner of the rug.

5. Wash The Rug: Work the cleaning solution into a lather on the rug using a sponge or soft-bristle brush. Before you start rinsing, let the cleaner sit on the rug for five minutes.

6. Rinse The Rug: Using a garden hose or buckets of clean water to scrub the soap out of the rug. Make sure that the entire cleaning solution is removed from the area rug completely and that the runoff water is crystal clear.

7. Remove Excess Water: Get rid of the excess water in the rug as much as you can to make it dry faster. If you have one, you can use a wet-dry vacuum or use a squeegee in the direction of the snap.

8. Let The Rug Dry: Lay the rug flat and allow it to completely dry the top of the rug. Then to let the bottom side dry, turn it over. Fans will help the process speed up.

9. Vacuum Or Brush Out The Rug: Threads and fibers can get compacted and squished during the cleaning process. Revive them or clean them with a soft-bristled brush by running a vacuum over the now-dry rug.

Tips On Cleaning Area Rugs

Cleaning area rugs in this fashion will leave them cleaner and easier to care for. However, it's important to note that not all cleaners are designed for this type of cleaning. Make sure you read the product information carefully. In addition, never use an acidic cleaner, especially those designed to remove stains, on a natural fiber. Here are some tips on cleaning area rugs:

• To clean an area rug, you'll want to start by removing the padding. Place the rug in the bottom of your vacuum and then fill the vacuum bag with water. 

• Fill the bag with mild detergent and attach a piece of string or a rubber band to the bag. 

• Pull the string back and forth to loosen the dirt from the carpet fibers.

• Use a wet mop rather than a dry one. While dry mops may be able to dislodge some of the dirt, it may also cause the fibers to get too wet to absorb the cleaning solution.

• When vacuuming an area rug, make sure to take care of any pet hairs. or dander that can collect on the rug's surface. 

• If you have pet hairs on the rug, you should either wash them or use a special solution to remove the pet hairs. 

• Clean your area rug is to use hot water. If you use hot water, make sure it's room temperature. Use a sponge, but be sure not to use too much or you may burn yourself or the rug.

• Clean your area rug is to spray it lightly with a garden hose. to remove dust or stains. This will help break up the dirt in the fibers, making them easier to remove.

These tips should help you know how to clean natural fibers properly. Natural fibers, such as wool, are easier to maintain. They're also safer and more affordable than synthetic fibers.

How Often Should Area Rugs Be Cleaned?

In most areas rugs need to be vacuumed at least once or twice a year, depending on how much traffic you have to deal with. The last thing you want is to have a dirty area rug that's difficult to clean. You may also want to treat areas rags that have been damaged by excessive foot traffic or spills.

As with any type of carpet cleaning, make sure you only use a detergent that is labeled as "pet friendly". You may find that vinegar will not do the trick, so be careful not to use soap, bleach, ammonia, or any liquid detergents on area rugs.

In Summary

Deep cleaning your area rugs not only makes them look and smell fresh, but it also protects them from wear. Dirt and grit trapped in the rug actually wear down the fibers from within. While professional deep cleaning is ideal, you can also clean and maintain your area rugs yourself. Cleaning area rugs are not just for the appearance but it is also for the health of the family. Area rugs should be clean always.