Easy and practical rug cleaning tips for you
Washable rugs are pretty easy to clean at home. As such there is no need hiring professionals for the task. But if your rug is extremely delicate then you should better leave it with professionals for rug cleaning. Delicate variety of rugs includes Persian rugs, Oriental rugs and antique rugs. In the following section of this blog post let us explore few tried and tested tips to clean wool rugs at home and infuse both life and freshness in them.
The best way to rug cleaning at home
Regular rugs can be easily kept clean and hygienic with a vacuum cleaner. You have to make use of the vacuum cleaner at routine intervals. This prevents dust and dirt build-ups. In addition to that you have to be prompt in spot cleaning your rug of the spills. Thus, you rug will easily last long looking fresh and lively. However, expert rug cleaners near me in London suggest that every rug requires little extra care and additional attention from time to time as it keeps getting older. The type of rug you are dealing with determines how you should clean and maintain it.
In other words, this means rugs made from natural fibres and those made from synthetic ones should not be treated or cleaned in the same manner. If you mistakenly try cleaning both the varieties in the manner, then you will definitely end up ruining either one. Wool rugs must be cleaned only with cold water. Cold water prevents the fibres of wool rugs from damage and distortion. In contrast to that the synthetic variety of rugs can be easily cleaned with hot water. In fact, while dealing with synthetic rugs you can be more aggressive in your cleaning method and can also use much powerful cleaning solutions compared to that of the natural ones.
However as far as certain types of rugs it is always better to clean them professionally. These include all varieties of Oriental and Persian rugs as well as those made from silk or viscose.
Resources that you require rug cleaning at home
In order to clean rugs at home in DIY mode you need certain tools and supplies. The list includes the following –
- Rug shampoo (alternatively you can use mild dish washing soap)
- A brush with soft bristles (alternatively it is okay to use a sponge as well)
- Water
- Bucket
- Garden hose
- A wet dry vacuum cleaner and
- A pair of rubber gloves
Tips on deep rug cleaning
If you want to deep clean your area rug the best thing is to start with reading the wash care label of the manufacturer carefully. You will usually find this label on the underside of a rug. Otherwise, the cleaning procedure is much similar to that of carpet cleaning.
Step 1 – Take the rug outdoors if possible before rug cleaning else clear out everything from it
In order to clean a rug properly, you should better take it outdoors. To remove the accumulated soil and dirt you need applying a lot of water to a rug. It also has to be dried fast in a shady, cool place with ample air circulation. If you place it under sun for drying its colour is likely to fade away. Considering all these factors it is better you carry your rugs outside for thorough cleaning.
Professionals who deal in rug cleaning near me are of the opinion that ideally your DIY rug cleaning project should better kick off on a sunny day. Thus, rain cannot create dampener to your effort and excitement. First clean the washing area properly before placing your rug directly on the ground for washing.
Step 2 – Get rid of the dirt and the debris with rug cleaning
To ensure your task turns out to be less hectic and exhaustive it is a great way to vacuum your rugs routinely every week. While vacuuming it use the suction only vacuum and avoid the rotating brush. This way you can easily get rid of the dirt and dust before they manage sinking into the fibres. Vacuum a rug thoroughly on both sides. If you use a vacuum cleaner along with its beater bar you are assured to get splendid results in removing the accumulated dirt and dust from your carpet surface. The brush attachment proves helpful removing pet hair.
Step 3 – Prepare your homemade rug cleaning solution
Commercially manufactured readymade carpet cleaners and rug shampoos often prove too harsh on the fibres of a rug. So, it is better using homemade cleaning solutions. If you are dealing with synthetic rugs go for warm water whereas for natural rugs or rugs made from any natural fibre, always use water at normal temperature. Mix any mild dish detergent to a bucket of water to prepare your homemade mixture.
Test the solution by applying a little of it to any inconspicuous portion of the rug. If the colours on the rug do not bleed, then the solution has passed the test and is safe to use. Now you can scrub the rug using the solution.
Step 4 – the actual rug cleaning process
You need a brush with soft bristles or a sponge to work the cleaning solution into lather on the surface of the rug. Leave the solution for 5 to 10 minutes on the rug before you start rinsing. This way you can get rid of stubborn dirt pretty easily.
Step 5 – Rinse the rug carefully
Use a garden hose or buckets of water to rinse the professional rug cleaning London solution from the rug. This way the dust and the dirt accumulated in it also drain away. Keep rinsing as long as the runoff water is crystal clear.
Step 6 – Wring the cleaned item to get rid of excess water
Trained and skilled professionals working at the widely trusted Vip carpet Cleaning London suggest at this stage your rug is cleaned. Now wring the item to get rid of excess water. The better you wring out excess water the faster it dries.