Whether they’re underfoot or nestled in front of a fireplace, area rugs give your home a finished look and cozy feel. They’re also a practical way to add color and texture to your home’s floors. Not only do area rugs make your home feel comfier, but they also help keep your home clean. That is until you track in all that dirt and mud from outside.
Do you know how to properly clean your area rug? Rugs aren’t hard to clean, but there are some tips that you need to know if you want your rug to last. In this article, we’ll give you the rundown on how to clean your rug and even prevent it from becoming dirty in the first place.
First, let’s discuss the most common materials used to create area rugs. Knowing these materials will help you make the best decisions when it comes to cleaning your area rug.
What are the Types of Area Rug Materials?
There are a lot of options for a variety of different area rug materials. Each has pros and cons and requires different levels of care. Some of the most popular options for area rugs are:
- Wool: Soft, thick, and comfortable, wool area rugs are the classic choice. They have a luxurious feel, they’re resistant to fading and they can last a lifetime if cared for properly. Wool rugs are not machine washable but can be hand washed with a gentle detergent.
- Cotton: A cost-effective and easy choice for most households, cotton rugs also come in a wide range of different styles and colors. Of all the materials available, cotton is one of the easiest to clean. Most are machine washable (if they are small enough to fit in your machine) or you can hand wash larger rugs. Don’t throw them in the dryer though, as they are prone to shrinking.
- Polypropylene: Similar to cotton, polypropylene is a non-absorbent material that you can easily clean. It’s a good choice for areas where you have kids or pets because it doesn’t absorb any odors. Most are machine washable, depending on their backing, but dryer heat can melt polypropylene fibers.
- Linen: Another luxury material, linen is an option for those who want a high-end area rug. These rugs are easily cleaned and come in a wide range of different patterns and styles.
- Nylon: A simple, inexpensive material, nylon is another easy-to-clean area rug choice.
- Fleece: A lightweight option, fleece is a good choice for areas with moderate foot traffic. This rug is perfect for areas such as a family room or bedroom. While technically they are machine washable, frequent washing can lead to pilling.
How to Prevent Rugs from Becoming Dirty
One of the best ways to keep your area rugs clean is to prevent them from getting dirty in the first place. Sometimes this takes work, especially if the rugs are in a high-traffic area.
To prevent your carpet from getting dirty:
- Take off your shoes before entering the house and help children remember to do the same. Dirt, water, germs, and more can all be tracked in from outside on the bottom of your shoes making your rugs dirty and unhygienic.
- They don’t wear shoes, but pets can track in all the same soils. Wipe off their muddy paws before you let them on your carpeting.
- Regularly vacuum your area rug. Aim to vacuum at least once a week, but homes with pets, children, or high traffic may need to vacuum more frequently.
- Avoid eating on drinking in carpeted areas. Spills can set in fast and strain your rugs.
Maintaining the Quality of Your Area Rugs
Preserving the integrity of your area rug requires more than just a strict cleaning schedule. To minimize the wear and tear inflicted on your rugs, keep the following tips in mind:
- Pay attention to the backing- High-quality padding or carpet backing not only makes your rugs more comfortable to stand on but it also makes them safer and more secure. The right backing can keep your carpet from slipping, rolling, or shifting underfoot and slows down the wear in high-traffic areas.
- Rotate your rugs regularly- Rotate the orientation or placement of your rugs at least once a year to reduce paths from being worn in frequently traveled routes. This can also prevent sunlight from fading certain sections of your rugs after prolonged exposure.
- Rearrange your furniture- Another way to reduce wear on your rugs is to periodically rearrange your furniture. This prevents heavy objects from wearing down rugs in one spot and changes the flow of traffic to allow for more even wear.
How to Get Your Area Rugs Clean
While prevention is the best way to keep area rugs clean, what happens if it’s already dirty? There are several ways that you can clean up your area rugs without ruining them.
You’ll first need to prep the area rug for cleaning. Always read your rug’s care labels carefully and do a color test in a discreet area to check for colorfastness.
Next, shake out or vacuum your rug to remove any debris or dirt. You can also use a brush to help get rid of any stubborn fluff, fur, or hair.
Check to see if your rug is made of a material that can be machine washed. You can wash these rugs in cold water on the gentle cycle and air dry them to ensure they don’t shrink.
There is also the option to hand wash your area rugs, but it can be a time-consuming process. Use a mild detergent such as Woolite and rinse the rugs in clean water. You can hang the rugs to dry or lay them out flat to ensure they don’t shrink. Once the rugs are completely dry, you can place them back in their usual spot on the floor. You can also trim the ends of the rugs and make sure there are no frayed edges.
If spills occur on your area rug, spot clean the stain quickly to avoid it setting into the fibers. Avoid using harsh detergents and test a small area for colorfastness.
Tips for Vacuuming Your Area Rug
Vacuuming at least once a week is an easy way to keep your area rugs clean and looking their best. Keep the following in mind when it comes to vacuuming your area rug:
- If you have pets or children, or if you have rugs in high traffic areas you may need to vacuum more frequently.
- If you have allergies, keeping your rugs clean can help you stay allergy-free.
- Choose a vacuum cleaner that is compatible with the material of your rug. For example, strong suction and roller brushes can break down the fibers of wool rugs.
Should You Consider Area Rug Cleaning?
If you want your area rugs to stay clean and look new, you should consider getting them professionally cleaned. Area rug cleaning by a professional is a deep cleaning of your rugs by a professional team. We know just how to tackle tough stains, dirt, and soiled areas of your rug.
It’s no secret that some area rugs are expensive. Professional area rug cleaning can help your rug last longer which protects your investment. A professional cleaning will ensure that your rug lasts for many years to come, even serving as an heirloom for your family in the future.
Conclusion: Get Area Rug Cleaning from Hydra Clean NorthWest
To maintain the look and appearance of your area rugs, it is recommended to get them cleaned regularly. Thanks to modern cleaning methods, your rugs can be thoroughly cleaned without any damage to their fibers. An area rug cleaning from Hydra Clean NorthWest is the right choice for you. It is guaranteed to leave your rugs thoroughly clean, smelling fresh, and looking great.
Please contact us today to schedule an appointment for area rug cleaning