Removing Rug Stains Without Damaging the Floor
The process of tidying up a rug on any type of flooring, including hardwood, wall-to-wall carpeting, or ceramic tile, is a little more involved than simply tidying up the rug where it sits. 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).
How Often Should You Clean Your Rug?
At the very least once a week, but preferably more often, you should vacuum your rug to prevent dirt and dust from becoming embedded in the fibers and untangle any tangled fibers. Allowing grit and dust to penetrate the fibers can cause damage to the backing and, if present, the woods underneath.
Any accidents involving liquids, such as those caused by pets, require immediate attention. The moisture can make its way through both the rug and the safety pad underneath. As a result, the moisture will be trapped and may discolor the wall-to-wall carpeting below the rug or leave unsightly watermarks on the wood below.
At least twice a year, and more often if the rug is in a high-traffic area, professional cleaning by a service like Green Carpet’s Cleaning is necessary. They also offer Same Day Carpet Cleaning Windsor service.
How to Put an Area Rug Neatly Away
1. Take the Mess Outside with the Vacuum
Use a vacuum with a carpet beater bar to loosen and then suction away dust, whether you’re giving the rug a thorough cleaning or just giving it the once over. If the rug is manageable in size, vacuum the top and then flip it over to clean the bottom.
Get the pad outside and give it a good shake, then clean the floor beneath the rug with a vacuum or a dust mop.
2. Spotless Cleaning of the Area
Place a plastic tablecloth or placemat under the affected area on the rug for minor spills. The subfloor below will be protected from any moisture that may be present. One teaspoon of dishwashing liquid added to two cups of warm water is all you need to get rid of most stains, especially dirt and food stains. Apply the solution with a soft-bristled brush to the stained area. After about 10 minutes, remove the dirty water and stain by blotting with a clean cloth.
To remove any remaining soapy solution, 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. Simply dab on the stained area, and then leave it on for an hour or two, and the stain should be subtly brightened. Carpets can dry more quickly if you prop up the area you cleaned with books or plastic bowls to allow for more airflow after spot cleaning.
3. Cleaning Area Rugs to Get Rid of Smells
Spread baking soda liberally over a rug’s entire surface to freshen it up and neutralize odors. Use a sponge to wipe the baking soda into the fibers and into the backing of a long or plush stack.
Let the baking soda continue to be on the carpet for numerous hours overnight is finest and afterward vacuum it away. Sodium bicarbonate is great for absorbing odors, and its carefully rough texture can help loosen dirt so it can be vacuumed up and removed.
4. Prepare the Area for a Thorough Rug Cleaning
If the rug requires a complete cleaning and also can not be moved to an area with vinyl, ceramic floor tile, or rock flooring, the wood or carpet need to be shielded.
After preparing the area, an area rug can be tidied up with a house or rented carpet steamer. Comply with the instructions as well as use an accepted cleaning remedy suggested by the cleaner’s manufacturer.
