Area Rug Cleaning 101
As with larger rugs and wall-to-wall carpets, area rugs need to be cleaned on a fairly regular basis so that they remain fresh and properly maintained. One of the advantages of area rugs is their portability, which means they can be cleaned in your sink, bathtub, or even backyard when necessary.
For the most part, area rugs only need to be vacuumed once or twice a week, with deep cleanings reserved for every six months to a year or when there’s been a spill of a dark-colored liquid. Deep cleaning your rug should not only eliminate nasty stains and odors, but also ensures that your rug’s fibers and colors remain in good condition for as long as possible.
With that in mind, we’ll briefly review the area rug cleaning process that anyone should be able to repeat at home. Should there be more significant damage that you’re unable to take care of on your own, don’t hesitate to contact a professional rug area cleaning company.
How do you clean an area rug?
In this article, we’ll begin by reviewing area rug cleaning methods for hand-washing cotton and synthetic fiber area rugs. Before you get started, make sure to read the label on the back of the rug to see if it should be dry-cleaned, hand-washed, or spot-cleaned.
First, here are some of the tools and materials you’ll need to do an area rug cleaning:
- Vacuum (placed on low setting)
- Rug shampoo or mild liquid soap
- Soft bristle scrubbing brush
- Bucket of warm water
- Garden hose
- Squeegee
- Towels
- Place to dry hang rug
Next, here are some basic steps to follow:
Step 1: Remove loose dirt with a vacuum. Make sure to reach both the front and back side of the rug.
Step 2: Test your rug for colorfastness by either applying a store-bought rug cleaner or a few caps of mild liquid soap mixed with warm water. Apply either solution to an inconspicuous portion of the rug in order to determine whether the rug’s colors will run or fade.
Step 3: Take your rug outside, preferably on a warm and sunny day as this will make it easier to dry the rug later. Remove any lingering dirt within the rug fibers until you’re confident it is completely particulate free.
Step 4: Shampoo your rug using a soft-bristle brush, making sure to work both sides. Let the soapy solution set for several minutes so that it has an opportunity to reach the rug’s fibers.
Step 5: Use your garden hose and train it on your rug until the soap has been rinsed off of it. Once that’s been accomplished, use a squeegee to remove any excess water and lay the rug flat so that it dries on both sides.
Step 6: After the rug has air dried for an appropriate amount of time (which may vary from rug to rug), vacuum the area rug to loosen up rug fibers and make sure it’s in a presentable condition.
For other area rug types, the process may vary slightly. For instance, with wool rugs excess water will likely do more harm than good, so a garden hose wouldn’t be used. As always, for best results make sure to follow any rug cleaning instructions.
Where can I find a professional rug area cleaning company in Houston?
Located on 5869 Westheimer Rd., Bagdad Oriental Rugs provides a high level of area rug cleaning services. Since 1946, Bagad has led the way in providing Houston with the most advanced rug care services available. For more information, visit us in person or call us at 713-783-3500!
