Area rugs are a great way to add warmth and personality to your decoration, but after prolonged use, they will need a good cleaning to seem like brand new. For most contemporary rugs, cleaning may be a once-a-year DIY project that saves you the expense of professional cleaning. If your rug is labeled with particular cleaning instructions, follow these.
Generally, area rugs only need to be deep cleaned yearly. Here are a Couple of ways to Find out If It’s time for Rug Cleaning in Palo Alto:
1. Lift a corner of the rug and lightly kick the back. If the rug releases a large cloud of dust, it definitely needs some attention.
2. Run your hand against the rug face in a circular motion for 10 seconds, then look at your palm; if your hand is dirty, then so is the rug.
3. Check for signs of deeply embedded dirt by looking at the rug backing. Deep-down dirt will settle along the warp and weft of the rug and can be seen in the backing.
Cleaning a rug only requires a couple of basic tools. You will need:
Rug beater or broom
Rug shampoo or safe cleaning solution
Two 5 gallon buckets
Large sponges
Towels
Large tarp
Fan
Prior to cleaning a rug, read the care instructions on the rug’s tag. Try to pick a time to clean your rugs when there will be a few sunny, hot days together. It could be easier to clean your rugs outside, and sun and warm atmosphere will help them dry more quickly and thoroughly. Additionally, the sunlight is a natural and effective deodorizer and this will keep most of the dust and dirt from the house. Whether an outside area isn’t available, use any floor area that moisture won’t damage (like concrete or vinyl floor in the kitchen or garage.)
Shake or conquer Require smaller rugs and darkened rugs outdoors and give them a good shake to discharge loose dust and dirt. If the rug is large, request a spouse for assistance to hang the rug over a porch railing or over a couple solid chairs. Do not forget to shake the rug mat also.
Mix the cleaner: Create a cleaning solution as instructed by your chosen rug shampoo, or mix two to three teaspoons of mild dish soap into one of the 5-gallon buckets with warm water. Fill another bucket with clean water.
Test the rug for colorfastness: Prior to cleaning a rug with any type of solution, it should be examined for colorfastness to prevent harm. Dab the cleaning solution on a tiny corner of this rug with a towel. Check to find out if any color transfers to the towel. Let the test spot dry completely, then check again to make sure colours have not bled or faded.
Dip the sponge/brush into the cleaning solution. Don’t over-wet the fibers–only use as much as required. Use gentle pressure to gently scrub the rug. Work in a 3- from 3-foot location. Rinse the sponge/brush frequently so the dirt won’t be transferred.
Scrub the rug completely: It is important not to leave any soap substance on the rug. Soap will attract more dirt. Dip a clean sponge at the rinse water and remove any soap from the area just cleaned.
Blot: Drive as much excess water as you can using a squeegee and moving from the direction of the rug nap. Use the towels to absorb any excess moisture. Scrub, rinse and blot a place before moving into the next.
Allow the rug dry thoroughly prior to bringing it back inside, rotating it occasionally to promote even drying. Once inside, turn on fans to encourage more air flow and help the rug dry more completely.
Adjust rug fibers: Once the rug has dried completely, lightly examine the rug with a vacuum or a soft-bristle brush to refresh the fibers.
Steam cleaners: If your rug is very soiled, it may be worth it to rent a commercial steam cleaner. Vacuum the rug first, then follow the company’s directions on the best way best to operate the machine.
Check related blogs about Rug Cleaning:
How to Clean a Rug in Palo Alto
What On Earth Are Area Rugs Anyway in Palo Alto
