What’s The Best Way To Clean A Rug?
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 new. For most modern rugs, cleaning may be a once-a-year DIY project that saves you the expense of professional cleaning. If your rug is labeled with specific cleaning instructions, follow those.
In general, area rugs just have to be deep cleaned annually. Listed below are a Couple of ways to Find out if it is time for Rug Cleaning in Mill Valley:
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 couple of basic tools. You may need:
Rug beater or broom
Rug shampoo or safe cleaning solution
Two 5 gallon buckets
Large sponges
Towels
Large tarp
Fan
Try to select a time to clean your rugs if there will be three or four sunny, hot days together. It may be a lot easier to clean your rugs outside, and sun and warm air will help them dry faster and thoroughly. Additionally, the sunlight is a natural and effective deodorizer and this will keep most of the dirt and dust from the home. Whether an outside area is not available, use any floor area which moisture won’t damage (like concrete or vinyl flooring in the kitchen or garage.)
Shake or conquer Require smaller rugs and darkened rugs outside and give them a good shake to discharge loose dust and dirt. If the rug is large, request a spouse for help to hang the rug over a porch railing or above a couple of solid chairs. Use a broom or rug beater to reach on the rug all over to loosen deeply embedded dirt. Do not forget to shake out the rug mat also.
Test the rug for colorfastness: Prior to cleaning a rug with any type of solution, it should be tested for colorfastness to avoid damage. Dab the cleaning solution on a tiny corner of this rug with a towel. Let the test spot dry completely, then check again to make sure colours have not bled or faded.
Scrub, if necessary: When the rug is colorfast, apply the soap solution to the rug using a soft-bristle brush or sponge. Start at one end of this rug. 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- by 3-foot location. Rinse the sponge/brush regularly 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 in the rinse water and remove any soap from the area just cleaned.
Blot: Drive as much excess water as you can with a squeegee and moving in the direction of this rug nap. Scrub, rinse and blot an area before going to the next.
Let the rug dry thoroughly before bringing it back indoors, rotating it periodically to promote even drying. Once inside, turn on fans to encourage more air flow and assist the rug dry completely.
Adjust rug fibers: When the rug has dried thoroughly, 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 well worth it to rent a commercial steam cleaner. Vacuum the rug first, then follow the manufacturer’s instructions about how best to operate the machine.
Check related blogs about Rug Cleaning:
Is It Worth Getting Carpets Professionally Cleaned in Mill Valley
