How to Vacuum a Rug Without Ruining the Floor
Unlike tidying up a rug on bare wood, wall-to-wall carpeting, or ceramic tile, tidying up a rug on any other type of flooring is a little more complicated. It’s just as important to protect the flooring below the rug as it is to clean the rug thoroughly, especially for hardwood floors (which are easily damaged) and carpets (which can absorb water or cleaning agents and not dry properly).
Exactly How Often Should I Vacuum My Rug?
Regular and frequent vacuuming of a rug is necessary to prevent dirt and dust from becoming embedded in the fibers and to untangle fibers that have become matted. Grit and dust can scratch the wood beneath the carpet if they are allowed to settle into the fibers.
Accidents involving pets or fluids should be cleaned up right away. Wetness can make its way through the rug and the padding below it to the floor. The moisture will be trapped and, depending on the flooring below, could discolor the wall-to-wall carpeting or leave watermarks on the wood, both of which are difficult to remove.
Experts like Green Carpet’s Cleaning should deep clean every area rug at least twice a year, more often if the rug sees heavy foot traffic. They also offer Same Day Carpet Cleaning Atherton service.
Tips on How to Put an Area Rug Away
(1) Remove Grime by Vacuuming
Whether you’re doing a deep clean or just a regular treatment, you should always vacuum the rug with a carpet beater bar to help loosen and then remove dust. If your rug is manageable in size, you can vacuum the top and flip it over to clean the bottom.
Clean the area under the rug by vacuuming or dust mopping, and if necessary, by taking the pad outside and giving it a good shake.
Second, Clean the Stains from the Area
Place a plastic tablecloth or placemat under the affected area of the rug for smaller spills. The subfloor below will be protected from moisture with this. Cleaning the area with a solution of one teaspoon of dishwashing liquid mixed with two cups of warm water will remove most stains, especially dirt and food stains. Apply the solution with a soft-bristled brush to the stained area. After about 10 minutes, blot the dirty water and stain with a clean cloth and the solution should be gone.
To remove any remaining soapy remedy, dampen a clean towel in clean water and blot the area. To remove any remaining tarnish, mix a service of warm water and oxygen-based bleach as directed on the packaging. In order to gently lighten the tarnish, apply directly to the affected area and let it sit for one to two hours. After spot cleaning, you can hasten the carpet’s drying process by propping up the area on books or plastic bowls and allowing them to sit in the open air.
Reduce Smells in Rugs
A liberal application of baking soda will freshen up a rug and neutralize any lingering odors. If the pile is particularly tall or plush, use a sponge wipe to work the baking soda into the fibers and down to the backing.
Leave the baking soda on the carpet for several hours, ideally overnight, and then vacuum it up. Sodium bicarbonate is great for absorbing odors, and its careful roughness can help loosen dirt so it can be vacuumed up and removed.
Step 4: Get the Area Ready for a Deep Rug Cleaning
Wood or carpet needs protection if the rug needs a complete cleaning and cannot be moved to an area with vinyl, ceramic tile, or rock flooring.
An area rug can be cleaned using a carpet steamer, either one you own or one you rent, after the surface beneath it has been properly prepared. Use a tried and true cleaning remedy recommended by the manufacturer, and make sure to follow their instructions!
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