That beautiful area rug in your Staten Island living room brings the room together, but it also collects dirt, dust, and spills from everyday life. It's necessary to have your rug often cleaned by a professional, but you can also keep it looking new and make it last longer by knowing how to clean it at home. This tutorial will show you how to clean area rugs at home without harming them, whether you're dealing with pet hair, dirt from surrounding parks, or spills that happen by accident.
Is It Possible To Actually Clean Rugs Well At Home?
Yes, you can maintain your rugs clean and in good shape at home if you know how to do it. But you should know about the limitations as well so your expensive floors don't get harmed.
- Regular Maintenance: Keeping things clean is very important. If you wipe up spills straight away and vacuum the carpet often, dirt won't stay in it.
- Rug’s Capacity: If your rug is made of silk or is an antique, you should pay someone to clean it for you.
Things You Should Do Before Cleaning
Getting everything ready ahead of time makes cleaning a rug at home easy and keeps it safe.
- Manufacturer’s Tags: There should be cleaning codes on the rug tag (W, S, WS, or X) that tell you which treatments are safe for the rug's material.
- Check for Colorfastness: Before you use the cleaning solution on the whole thing, test it on a small, hidden spot to make sure it won't run or fade the colors.
- Remove Dirt Thoroughly: Before you clean the rug with water, take it outside and gently beat it or use a rug beater to get rid of dirt that is caught in it.
How to Clean Area Rug at Home in Steps
This procedure frequently works to clean rugs made of cotton and other synthetic materials. This is a terrific technique to clean your area rugs at home without damaging them.
- Vacuum Both Sides: Be sure to vacuum both sides of the rug well. To get rid of dust and allergies that are lodged deep down, turn it over and vacuum the back.
- Use the cleaner: Put some mild soap in cool water. Use a soft-bristled brush to work the solution into the rug in small parts by following the pile.
- Rinse and Dry: To rinse, blot with a cloth that has been soaked with clean water. If you want the rug to dry completely, hang it over a railing or put it on a clean, high surface where air can circulate around it.
How to Get Rid of Common Stains
If you clean up spills straight away, they won't leave persistent stains. Here are some particular approaches you may do at home to clean a rug when it gets dirty.
- For Liquid Spills: Blot immediately with clean, absorbent cloths. Don't rub, because that will make the stain go deeper into the fibers.
- Apply Cleaning Solution: If the stains are firm or greasy, use a dull knife to scrape them up. If you have oily stains, sprinkle cornstarch or baking soda on them, wait for 15 minutes, and then vacuum them up before using a cleaning solution.
- Rinse and Dry: If your pet has an accident, use an enzymatic cleaner developed particularly for pet stains to get rid of the stain and the scent completely after you soak up the wetness.
When Cleaning the House Isn't Enough
Recognize when you should ask for support from experts. There are situations when you need more than just understanding how to clean rug at home.
- Valuable or Antique Rugs: Only professionals can safely clean handmade, wool, or antique carpets using particular methods.
- Stains or Smells that Won't Go Away: If smells or stains come back after you clean them yourself, they definitely got into the rug backing and a professional needs to get them out.
- Damage caused by mold or water: You should call a professional right away if you discover mold or a lot of water damage to avoid health problems and damage that can't be fixed later
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use a carpet cleaner machine on area rugs?
First, check the rug's cleaning code. A lot of modern machines are too abrasive for rugs and can make them overly moist, which could harm the backing.
Q2: What is the best method for how to clean rug at home?
You only need to do regular maintenance every 6 to 12 months. Rugs that get a lot of foot traffic may need more attention.
Q3: Is it safe to clean any sort of carpets with vinegar?
Vinegar is normally harmless for synthetic rugs, but it can hurt wool, silk, and other natural fibers since it is acidic.
Q4: Why does my rug smell terrible when I clean it?
The region didn't dry correctly, which permits mildew growth. After cleaning, make sure that everything is fully dry and that air can move freely.
Q5: Can I use baking soda on rugs made of wool?
Yes, but you need to vacuum well. Leftover residue can attract dirt. Cleaning wool rugs is usually better left to a professional.
Take Care of Your Rug Like a Pro
It can be good to know how to clean an area rug at home, but certain cleaning issues need the expertise of a pro. If your rug has deep stains, smells that won't go away, or is made of delicate materials like silk or wool, the best and safest way to clean it is to contact a professional. Don't clean your area rug yourself if you fear it could get harmed. The Staten Island Carpet will clean your rug the best manner. Our professional cleaning procedures get rid of dirt, stains, and allergens without harming the colors or fibers of your rug. Contact us right away to schedule an appointment to maintain your home clean and fresh.
