Area rugs are a excellent way to add warmth and character to your decoration, but after prolonged use, they will need a good cleaning to look like brand new. For many modern rugs, cleaning can be a once-a-year DIY job that saves you the expense of professional cleaning. If your rug is tagged with particular cleaning instructions, follow those. Otherwise, use this manual from Green Carpet’s Rug Cleaning to learn how to clean a rug along with general rug maintenance hints.
Generally, area rugs only have to be deep cleaned yearly. Here are a Couple of ways to Find out if it is time for Rug Cleaning in Fairfax:
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 just requires a few 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 label. Try to select a time to clean your rugs if there is going to be a few glowing, hot days together. It could be a lot easier to clean your rugs outside, and sunshine and warm atmosphere will help them dry more quickly and thoroughly. Additionally, the sun is a natural and effective deodorizer, which will keep the majority of the dust and dirt out of the home. Whether an outside area isn’t available, use any floor area that moisture won’t damage (like vinyl or concrete flooring in the kitchen or kitchen.)
Shake or conquer Take smaller rugs and medium-sized rugs outside and provide them a fantastic shake to release loose dirt and dust. If the rug is large, request a spouse for assistance to hang the rug over a porch railing or above a couple solid chairs. Use a broom or rug beater to hit on the rug around to loosen deeply embedded dirt. Do not forget to shake the rug mat also.
Mix the cleaner: Create a cleaning solution as instructed by your preferred rug shampoo, or mix two to three teaspoons of mild dish soap to one of the 5-gallon buckets with warm water.
Examine the rug for colorfastness: Before cleaning a rug with any type of solution, it needs to be tested for colorfastness to prevent damage. Dab the cleaning solution on a small corner of the rug with a towel. Let the test place dry completely, then check again to make sure colours haven’t bled or faded.
Start at one end of the rug. Dip the sponge/brush to the cleaning solution. Don’t over-wet the fibers–just use as much as needed. Use gentle pressure to lightly scrub the rug. Work in a 3- by 3-foot location. Rinse the sponge/brush frequently so the dirt won’t be transferred.
Rinse the rug thoroughly: It is important not to leave any soap substance on the rug. Soap will attract more dirt. Dip a clean sponge in the rinse water and remove any soap in the area just cleaned.
Blot: Push out as much excess water as you can with a squeegee and moving from the path of this rug nap. Scrub, rinse and blot a place before moving into the next.
Dry: Hang up the rug to dry, or put the rug level, face-up and prop the underside with risers to permit for air flow. Let the rug dry completely prior to bringing it back indoors, rotating it occasionally to promote even drying. Once inside, turn on fans to encourage more air flow and help the rug dry completely.
Adjust rug fibers: Once the rug has dried completely, lightly go over the rug using a vacuum or a soft-bristle brush to refresh the fibers.
Steam cleaners: If your rug is extremely soiled, it could be worth it to rent a commercial steam cleaner. Vacuum the rug first, then follow the manufacturer’s directions about how best to operate the machine.
Check related blogs about Rug Cleaning:
How to Clean a Rug in Fairfax
What Type Of Rug Is Easiest To Keep Clean in Fairfax