How to Clean an Area Rug

                                      

Even if the topic of ‘How to Clean an Area Rug’’ might look pretty simple, it’s still one of the most searched topics on Google. Especially when the summer is here completely, which means there might be more traffic, people partying at home & on the patio, we thought it might be useful to have a look at it.

Before jumping into the topic, if you have a shaggy rug that has longer and fluffier piles, don’t forget to have a look at this blog as well.

Before jumping into the topic, if you have a shaggy rug that has longer and fluffier piles, don’t forget to have a look at this blog as well.

Area rugs add a decorator touch to a room, help define spaces, and add warmth underfoot. Whether they are made from wool, natural grasses, or synthetic fibers, eventually they will need to be cleaned. Cleaning an area rug on any type of floor—including hardwood floor, wall-to-wall carpeting, and tile—is a bit more complex than just cleaning the rug where it sits. Protecting the floor underneath, particularly for hardwood floors (which are easily damaged) and carpet (which can absorb water or cleansing agents and not dry properly), is just as important as cleaning the rug properly.

How Often to Clean an Area Rug

An area rug should be vacuumed at least weekly, ideally, several times weekly to keep dust and dirt from penetrating deeper into the fibers and to lift matted fibers. If grit and dirt are allowed to dig down into the fibers, the backing can become damaged and, if you have them, even hardwoods beneath can end up with scratches.

Liquid spills and pet accidents must be cleaned up immediately. The moisture can seep through the rug and the protective pad underneath the floor. The moisture will be trapped and, depending on the flooring underneath, leave watermarks on the wood that can be very difficult to remove or stain the wall-to-wall carpeting below the area rug.
Every area rug should be thoroughly cleaned at least twice per year and more often if foot traffic is heavy.

                        

How to Clean an Area Rug

Vacuum Away Dirt

Whether preparing to do a thorough cleaning or just routine care, vacuum the rug with a vacuum that features a carpet beater bar to loosen and suck away dirt. If the rug is small enough, vacuum the top and then turn the rug over to vacuum the underside.

If possible, take the pad outside and give it a good shake and vacuum or dust mop the floor under the area rug.

 

Remove Odors on Area Rugs

To both brighten and remove odors from an area rug, sprinkle the entire surface liberally with baking soda. If the pile is long or plush, use a sponge mop to gently work the baking soda down into the fibers to the backing.

Let the baking soda remain on the carpet for several hours-overnight is best—and then vacuum it away. The baking soda will absorb odors and the gently abrasive nature can loosen any soil to be vacuumed away.  

                                 

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