Area rugs are often used to offset a hardwood or tiled floor. They are meant to contain the buildup of foot traffic and protect the hardwood floor as well as complete the aesthetics. But like the hardwood floors, tile and grout, or even carpets, your area rugs need their fair share of maintenance; and that goes beyond the daily vacuuming. Today, we at Steam Green Capet Cleaning would like to share some tips on performing some care for area rugs to better preserve their beauty, durability, and longevity.
Area Rug Cleaning Tips
Everyday: Just a reminder, especially on the area rugs that take a heavy abuse with foot traffic, vacuum a minimum of once a day or more so if needed to remove to dirt and debris before it seeds deep into the fibers. Allowing the dirt to do so will cause a sand paper- like action when people walk on it, making your area rugs wear and tear far too soon.
– Spot clean any stains as they happen.
Once a week: Vacuum the top side well, flips over and vacuum the back side thoroughly. Flip the area rug right side up and vacuum one last time to assure you got all the loosened debris. Do not vacuum any decorative fringe.
– If you have pets, use a stiff brush and moving with the direct of the rug fibers gently brush the pet hair/fur out of the area rug.
– Once a quarter (every 3 months): If your area rugs are small and manageable, and the area codes and ordinances permit it, take your small area rug outside for a vigorous shaking and allow the fresh air and sunshine to hit it for a couple of hours, follow up with the vacuum maintenance on top underneath and on top again.
Annually: Even if you area rugs appear unstained and blemish clean, invest in a deep professional cleaning to ensure all of the contaminates, allergens, and pollutants are thoroughly removed. Your rugs will look vibrant vibrate and be clean, sanitized, and deodorized and if they carry any stubborn stains they will be removed.
Stain Removal Guide: Please note, any department store bought cleaners or homemade solutions should always be tested in an inconspicuous area. Stains should be immediately tended to, the longer they sit the harder they are to remove. Never scrub or rub a stain, but blot. Use white clothes, rags, and paper towels as dyes can easily transfer from the implement onto the area rug. Never use hot water as that can set stains in.
– Alcohol, coffee, tea and soda – Mix together 1 tsp mild liquid dish soap, 1 quart of warm water, and 1/4 tsp of white vinegar in a spray bottle or bowl. Apply to the stain and allow it to set 5 minute and blot. Sponge rinse the area, but do not over saturate and blot dry.
– Gum – Peel away the bulk. With a handful of ice cubes in a plastic bag place the bag on the gum until the gum has hardened. Use a dull edge (spatula or butter knife) and scrape away the remainder of the gum. Vacuum and if necessary, use a dry-solvent spot cleaner to remove any residue left behind.
– Melted wax – Apply ice to the wax like in the gum treatment until it is hardened and scrap away the wax. Dampen a clean white cloth or cotton ball with rubbing alcohol and blot to remove any remaining wax.
Area Rug Cleaning in Valley Village, Long Beach, Pasadena, Santa Monica, Simi Valley, Burbank, Calabasas, Beverly Hills, Thousand Oaks & Los Angeles California
If your area rugs are in need of cleaning, contact Steam Green Carpet cleaning today!
