Area rugs are utilized in homes and businesses for practical, functional, and designing purposes. Though area rugs are a nice touch to any room, they can be a bit of a challenge to keep clean, which is why we at Steam Green Carpet Cleaning composed a basic area rug cleaning guide to help you in your efforts.
 

Tips for How to Clean an Area Rug

Below you will find a few quick tips to better care for your area rugs.
1) Larger rugs that are too big to be manipulated can be treated and cared for like wall-to-wall carpeting. Be sure to vacuum daily or as often as you can.
2) Smaller rugs should initially be taken outside shaken, beaten vigorously, and the vacuumed.
3) Vacuum both sides of the rug and be sure to clean under them when you vacuum the rugs.
4) Resist removing the labels and remind yourself the cleaning methods recommended by manufacturer printed on the tag.
5) The vacuum may struggle removing pet hair, use a stiff brush in the direction of the rug’s nap to get them embedded pet hair loose.
6) It is optimal to rotate your rugs every 6 months, or at least once a year to even at the wear from daily use as well as the fading caused by direct sunlight shining through the windows.
7) Annually, or as frequently as needed, your rugs, no matter their type, should receive a deep cleaning from a dependable professional.
 

Cleaning Methods for Specially Designed Area Rugs

Specially made rugs require specific cleaning techniques, below you will find the basic methods for common types of rugs.
Rush/Sisal Coir/Grass Area Rugs: These rugs are comprised from natural fibers and are woven in such a way that dirt and debris can sift through it easily, depositing on the primary floor. Not only should these rugs be vacuumed daily, or at least frequently, but the primary floor should be as well. Because these rugs are typically designed to be reversible, every time you vacuum, be sure to alternate sides to equalize the wear. When these rugs need a good surface cleaning, use soapy water and a soft brush to scrub them clean. Be sure they are placed somewhere they can be wet or at the very least, put a plastic drop sheet under it. Because they susceptible to damage when they are wet, it is important to expedite the drying process in any way you can.
Hair-on Hides/Fur/Sheepskin Area Rugs: Completely layer the rug with unscented talcum powder and let it sit for several hours. Thoroughly brush the talcum powder through the hair and then shake it well outside, repeat until the powder is removed. To clean the back of these rugs, which is prone to filthy films, use a cotton cloth dipped in lukewarm soapy water to wipe the surface clean and be sure to let it fully dry before putting the backside down.
Braided/Woven Area Rugs: If the label indicates the rug is machine washable; place the rug in either a pillow case with a zipper or mesh laundry bag. With the washing machine set to cold water and gentle cycle, allow the rug to wash and rinse, followed by a low tumble dry setting, your rug will be clean and ready to use. If it is not machine washable, follow manufacturer’s direction on cleaning.
Antique/Handmade/Hand-Knotted/Oriental Area Rugs: Only vacuum these rugs when it comes to maintenance; they are delicate. Pace a nylon screen on top of the rug or tie down some nylon mesh over the vacuum to protect the rug; change the mesh as needed. Professional cleaning is recommended at least once a year.
 

Area Rug Stain Removal

Below you will find basic remedies to common stains; like carpet they can be challenging. Never over saturate your rugs and blot dry in between application of cleaner as needed. Never use hot water to treat a stain and avoid scrubbing and rubbing motions, blot only.
Basic DIY cleaning solution: Mix 1 tsp liquid dish detergent with 2 parts warm water, and 1 part white vinegar in a squirt bottle.
Vomit or pet accidents: Utilize your preferred choice of either the DIY solution or a citrus-oxygen cleaner, and spray the affected area after you have blotted with paper towels to remove as much as the moisture as possible and removed the chunks. Blot with a light dampened cloth until stain is diminished. Follow with a damp cloth of pure water, and use a dry cloth to blot the area dry.
Drinks such as alcoholic beverages, soda, coffee, and tea: With the DIY cleaner, treat the liquid stain after blotting up excess moisture and ensure to lightly rinse with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly.
Gum or wax: Peel off what you can of the bulk. With the remaining gum or wax, place ice cubes in a plastic bag until it is melted to harden the gum. Once it is hard, scrape the gum or wax off with a spoon or dull knife. Vacuum the remnants and if there is any remaining residue, use a dry-solvent spot cleaner.
Fat-based stains: For gravy, butter, or margarine and other fat-based stains, use a dry-solvent spot carpet cleaner.
Paint: On oil-base paint, carefully sponge an odorless mineral spirits or a citrus-oxygen cleaner; be extremely careful not to soak through, rinse, and blot until dry. For acrylic and latex paint, you can try the DIY solution with the paint still wet. If after treatment a residue remains, use cotton balls that have had rubbing alcohol applied for removal.
 

Carpet Cleaning Services in Valley Village, Long Beach, Pasadena, Santa Monica, Simi Valley, Burbank, Calabasas, Beverly Hills, Thousand Oaks & Los Angeles California

If you are having stubborn stains or the rugs are due for a cleaning, call Steam Green Carpet Cleaning and let our experts do the rest.