Area rugs bring out the character of your home and tie together your style and décor. As charming as they are in any space, rugs tend to attract dust and dirt. Rug fibres can also be home to mould spores, dust mites, and pollen particles. To maintain a clean and healthy environment at home, regular rug cleaning is essential. Rug cleaning is easy and the following tips and tricks can help you maintain your rugs year-round and keep them looking as good as new.
How To Keep Your Area Rugs Clean
1. Vacuum Cleaning
The most popular way to clean your rug is through simple vacuum cleaning. How often you vacuum your rug will impact how long it lasts. You should vacuum your rug at least once per week to ensure that all dust, dirt, and debris are removed. Weekly vacuuming helps prevent dirt from being trampled deep into the carpet fibres, thus making it a lot easier to remove. Before you vacuum your rug, shake it out to dislodge any loose dirt that may be trapped within the fibres. Selecting a “suction only” mode on your vacuum cleaner instead of using an upright vacuum or rotary brush will limit damage to your rug and prevent premature fibre shedding. The nozzle attachment should also be used gently. To kill germs, another option is to sprinkle anti-bacterial powders onto the surface of the rug. Before using powders or other cleaning products, ensure that you test on a small area first to see if they will cause damage to the carpet fibres. The surface of the rug isn’t the only area that needs cleaning—make sure you vacuum the underside of the rug at least once per month.
2. Removing Stains
Some modern area rugs have fibres that are more stain-resistant than others. For instance, handmade area rugs are the most repellent to stains and easy to maintain, while nylon rugs require steam cleaning to remove stains. A solution of equal parts white vinegar, warm water, and washing liquid is a safe and effect way to remove stubborn stains such as coffee, wine, and mud. To easily remove mud stains, allow them dry and then vacuum before applying the cleaning solution.
3. Protect From Pets
Short pile rugs that are dark in colour are ideal for cat and dog owners because they hide any scratches or chew marks. Dark colours and patterns also reduce the appearance of pet hair between vacuum cleanings.
4. Clean Up Accidents Quickly
If you have an accident and spill liquid onto your rug, make sure to soak it up as soon as possible. Quick action will ensure that the mess will not penetrate the yarns and cause a stain that is difficult to remove. The best way to clean up accidents on your rug is to moisten a white cotton cloth and blot the stained area immediately. To remove the spot, simply dab the cloth on the rug until all of the liquid is absorbed. Allow the rug dry properly for 3 to 4 hours before putting it back on the floor.
5. Deep Cleaning
Regardless of the type of material your rug is made from, it is essential to perform deep cleaning at least once per year. If your rug is in a high-traffic area or you have young children or pets in your home, deep cleaning must be scheduled on a regular basis. Handwashing is suitable for delicate rugs, and rugs made of natural fibres are best cleaned with mild detergents and warm water. Braided or woven rugs can be washed in a washing machine, but make sure to follow each rug’s specific washing instructions.
Tips To Maintain Rug Quality
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Use Quality Padding
Beautiful and elegant area rugs should be supported by underneath quality rug pads. Rug pads enhance comfort underfoot, prevent slippage and movement, and help to reduce wear and tear.
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Rotate Rugs Frequently
To ensure even wear, the positioning your area rugs should be rotated at least once every six months. Based on the level of traffic, some people change the orientation of their rugs every 3 to 4 months.
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Rearrange Your Furniture
Rearranging the furniture that is positioned on your rugs will reduce wear and add years of life to your rugs. Moving furniture around every year or so prevents the development of natural pathways and also gives your space a new look.
Prepare for Winter Weather
When winter arrives each year, it brings with it muddy boots that track dirt, salt, and sand onto your area rugs. You can prepare for winter weather by placing down runner rugs in high-traffic areas, setting up a plastic boot tray by the door, and vacuuming dirt and debris as least once per week. A "boot brush" by the exterior door of your home is also an excellent way to prevent additional winter wear on your area rugs.
Spruce up for Spring
Winter wear can leave your rugs and carpets looking worn and dingy. As part of your spring cleaning efforts and to refresh your rugs after a long winter, it is recommended to take your rug outside and either shake out the dust and debris, or use a carpet beater for larger rugs. When your rug is out of the room, take the opportunity to vacuum both the carpet pad and the floor underneath it. When you return the rug to the room, give it a thorough vacuum with a freshener powder.
Area rugs in Canada play an essential role in your home décor by enhancing the look of your space and bringing together stylistic design elements. The Rug District Canada offers an exclusive range of elegant area rugs online that are easy to maintain and affordable. Using the tips above will help ensure your area rugs stay beautifully clean year-round.
