If your floor coverings have seen better days, then maybe it’s time to do a deep clean. Area rugs, in particular, see lots of foot traffic and will generally need more frequent attention.
However, choosing the wrong cleaning methods may lead to damage. But don’t worry–we’ve gathered the most effective tips to help you avoid that and give your area rugs the complete makeover they deserve.
Read on!
Check the Fabric
Before you go in with sprays, soaps, or blind confidence, take a minute to figure out what your rug is actually made of.
Wool, for example, needs gentle handling if you want to keep its softness and natural sheen. Synthetic fibres, on the other hand, are more forgiving. They can usually handle stronger cleaners and a bit more elbow grease without falling apart.
There should be a tag, usually hidden underneath or along one edge, that tells you whether you’re dealing with wool, synthetic fibres, or something fancy like silk or jute.
If there’s no tag, don’t panic. You can Google similar-looking rugs or ask a local professional to help you. While this may take some time, remember that if you do your homework now, you won’t end up accidentally shrinking or bleaching your rug later.
Start With a Clean Slate
Before applying any sprays or solutions, ensure your rug is thoroughly vacuumed. And no, we don’t mean the quick once-over you do when guests are coming.
Instead, take your time and thoroughly clean the entire area to remove dust, dirt, pet hair, and any other debris that has settled in the fibres.
If your rug is delicate or vintage, adjust the settings, turning off the beater bar and lowering the suction. This isn’t the time for brute force, as you risk accidentally tearing it to shreds.
Go over the rug in a few different directions, and don’t forget the edges. Those crumb-holding corners? That’s what your crevice tool is for.
And if your rug has a long pile or shaggy texture, switch to the upholstery attachment. It’s way gentler, and you won’t have to worry about wrestling tangled fibres later.
Don’t forget that the back collects just as much dust as the front, especially if the rug is in a high-traffic spot like your living room, so give it a quick pass while you’re at it.
Choose the Right Cleaner
Not all cleaners are created equal. You’ll need something gentle enough to protect the fibres but strong enough to actually do the job. It’s a fine balance, and no, that all-purpose spray from under the sink probably isn’t it.
If you’re buying a product, go for a pH-balanced or low-residue formula that won’t leave behind a tacky film. Ultra-gentle carpet shampoos or rug-specific cleaners are usually a safe bet.
Prefer the DIY route? Go for a simple mix of white vinegar and water. It is a great option for most fabrics and smells a lot better than it sounds. For tougher stains, you can add mild dish soap to the mix.
The type of stain you’re dealing with matters, too, so don’t just reach for the same solution every time. Here’s how to handle the usual ones:
- Wine, juice, or coffee. Water and vinegar will sort them out.
- Grease or oil. Sprinkle cornstarch over the spot, let it sit overnight, and then vacuum it up.
- Chewing gum. Press an ice cube over it until it hardens, then gently scrape it away.
- Wax drips. Place a paper towel over the spot and run a warm iron over it to lift the wax.
Whatever you do, steer clear of bleach or anything heavy-duty that could strip colour or wreck the fibres. If it smells like it could clean an engine, it probably shouldn’t touch your rug.
Do a Patch Test
Now that you have your cleaner, don’t go wild just yet. First off, you need to make sure it won’t turn your rug into a tie-dye experiment.
To do this, pick a hidden spot, like one covered by furniture, and dab on a bit of your solution. Wait a few minutes, then press a white cloth into the area.
If it comes away clean, that’s your green light. However, if it comes away looking like it’s been in an art class, you’ll need a gentler mix.
Here’s the catch, though: Different colours can react differently, even on the same rug. So, you may need to test more than one patch.
Apply the Solution
It’s time for the fun part—actually cleaning your rug! Use a soft cloth or sponge to apply the cleaner gently, working in small sections with a light blotting motion. Remember, scrubbing too hard can push dirt deeper or damage the fibres, so take your time.
Alternate between using a damp cloth and a dry towel to lift the grime without soaking the fibres. If you’re facing a particularly stubborn patch, resist the urge to drown it with product, since this can cause mould. Instead, go for several light rounds, letting it dry in between.
Got a high-pile beauty? In this case, you can use a soft-bristle brush to remove the trapped crumbs and dust without turning the fibres into a matted mess.
Dry the Rug Properly
Congratulations—your rug is now clean, but don’t undo your good work by rushing the drying process.
Skip the sunbaking, as direct sunlight can bleach patterns and cause patchy fading. Instead, find a cool, well-ventilated spot and lay it flat.
To help it dry evenly, lift the edges slightly with something clean and sturdy (plastic risers or upside-down bowls work in a pinch). You can also set up a few fans around the room to keep the air moving.
If your rug is on the thicker side, give it a flip partway through so both sides get a chance to dry out.
Still damp? Press a clean white towel onto different sections, especially the centre, which is usually the last part to dry. If it’s too muggy in your home, you can fire up a dehumidifier to keep humidity under control.
In any case, don’t try to speed things up with a hairdryer or heater. Sure, they feel like a shortcut, but they’re really just a fast-track to fried fibres.
Stay Ahead of the Grime
If you want your rug to keep turning heads for the right reasons and stop it from turning into a lint trap, you’ll need to stay on top of cleaning. Here’s what you can do:
Vacuum Weekly
If your rug is in a hallway, living room, or anywhere with constant foot traffic, you need to vacuum it at least once a week to stop grit from settling in and turning it into sandpaper. Just remember to vacuum in different directions, go slow, and turn off the beater bar if it’s delicate.
Clean Spills
Spills don’t wait, and neither should you. If you spill your coffee or a glass of wine, blot the spot quickly. For smaller spills, dab the area with a towel and weigh it down overnight to contain the mess.
You can keep a few clean microfibre cloths stashed around the house so you don’t end up sprinting to your kitchen in a panic.
Rotate for Even Wear
Rugs age unevenly if you leave them in the same position forever. So, every few months, give yours a 180-degree spin. If it’s tucked under furniture, even a small shift can even out wear and stop bald patches from forming in the same spot.
Don’t Skip Deep Treatments
Even with the best home care, rugs need a deep clean every now and then. So, once a year, call in professional carpet cleaning services.
They’ve the tools and training to get deep into the fibres without damaging the weave. Some even offer protective treatments to make future spills easier to manage.
Conclusion
Your rug has survived muddy boots, wine splashes, and maybe even a toddler with crayons. But it’s time to clean it properly and say hello to its soft, fluffy fibres again!
So, blast some music and give it the care it deserves. Trust us, you’ll be strutting across it like it’s a runway in no time.