Best Rug Cleaning Tips

There's something pleasing about a well-placed rug in a living space; it adds aesthetic appeal to any flooring option if chosen appropriately, of course. But with this interior addition comes the responsibility of having to clean it as often as needed.

While good-quality rug cleaners are available in the market, household cleaning products perform just as well, without you spending more. Depending on the make of the rug, you'll have to perform the cleaning technique accordingly. Rugs do not need excessive cleaning; when it does need to be cleaned, it'll release a cloud of dirt upon being beaten.

Rugs tend to accumulate airborne particles that eventually settle on it, but mostly from heavy foot traffic. Encourage visitors and family members to wipe their shoes on the doormat before entering the house, to avoid bringing home foreign particles.

Vacuuming a rug once a week is ideal, but be sure that the material is meant to be cleaned this way. Ask a store assistant for instructions, or look at the label that is affixed to the rug for cleaning guidelines.

Some rugs like leather shag or flokati (shag wool) can be cleaned by simply shaking them vigorously. There is no need to vacuum these rugs; simply beat or rake it after giving it a good shake. However, rugs like oriental or bamboo need to be vacuumed regularly. Vacuum both sides of the rug, running it gently down its surface in straight lines.

If it has a looped design, do not use the rotating beater bar, but direct suction. Don't vacuum frilled edges of a rug; simply dust the frills using a stiff broom before vacuuming the area around it. If the area experiences heavy foot traffic, you will need to vacuum the rug daily.

You can give the rug for steam cleaning at the closet place that can do this for you. Hot water sprays are also a good option, depending on the type of rug you have. Test a small patch of the rug before using water-based options, for fear of color running.

You can wash an oriental rug with a mild rug shampoo or liquid cleaner, however, do not use hot water directly on stains; they will only become harder to clean. Use a rubber window squeegee to remove excess water post cleaning. A rug that is stain-free can undergo a cleaning process that includes water.

Spills can be a bothersome problem if not taken care of sooner. If there is a food spill, blot the damaged area with paper towels or a white cloth, but do not violently rub the spot; it will only get worse.

Prepare a solution with a tsp. of detergent (neutral), 100 ml of white vinegar, and 1000 ml of warm water. Mix the ingredients together and apply it on the stain; leave it overnight. The next day, wipe the solution away with a damp sponge.

An important tip on how to keep a rug in good shape, is to rotate it once a year. Rotating the rug at a 180° angle will wear it out evenly, making it look the same without drawing emphasis to one region.

You can use rug pads to avoid it from shifting or stretching, which in turn will make it last longer. Every time you plan to move a rug, be sure to lift and roll it up, and not pull it away from its spot.