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A Comprehensive Guide on Rug Cleaning and Maintenance
Rugs and runners are beautiful additions to interior design themes. They help define spaces, create visual interest, and add a touch of class.
However, if you're thinking about adding an area rug to your home, it’s also important to consider maintenance.
Keeping a rug clean is essential for preserving its beauty and extending its life. And knowing how to clean a rug at home can help. Whether you have an antique or a durable modern style for high-traffic areas, regular cleaning removes dirt and eliminates stains to keep your rugs looking vibrant for years.
Cleaning Materials
You'll find most rug-cleaning materials at home. Check your local furniture or hardware store for the rest:
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Bucket
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Warm water
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Soft-bristle brush
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Clean cloths or sponges
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White vinegar (for natural fiber rugs)
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Spray bottle (to mix homemade solutions)
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Vacuum cleaner (with attachments for different materials and fabric lengths)
General Rug Cleaning Tips
Here are some general tips on how to clean an area rug and help extend its life for years to come:
Vacuum Regularly
The vacuum is your most trusted tool and the most effective way to clean rugs. For best results, vacuum at least once a week, ensuring you get both sides of the rug to remove dirt and debris.
If you're wondering how to clean a shag rug, many vacuums come with special attachments for shag and low-pile fabrics. This makes for much easier cleaning. Be sure to read the instruction manual and take advantage of your vacuum's extra features.
Clean Spills Right Away
If you've had a rug before, you know accidents will eventually happen. When they do, it's critical that you clean spills and stains immediately to prevent them from setting or seeping into the rug.
Blot and Dab Stains
Gently blot or dab spills to soak them up. If a spill is fresh, avoid any aggressive rubbing, as this can spread the stain or embed it deeper into the fabric.
Position Rugs Away from Direct Sunlight
Keep your rug away from prolonged exposure to direct sunlight to avoid fading and discoloration.
Let Your Rugs Dry Completely
It's tempting to want to put a rug that's almost dry back in its usual place. However, it’s best to ensure your rugs are completely dry to prevent them from developing mold or mildew.
Cleaning Different Types of Rugs
Rugs made of different materials may require more specific cleaning care.
Wool
Stain-resistant and durable, wool is an excellent material for rugs as long as you treat it gently. Some tips on how to clean a wool rug include:
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Before vacuuming, give the rug a robust shake to remove all the loose dirt and debris.
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For spot cleanings, mix a small amount of mild detergent (1-2 teaspoons) with water. Always test the solution on a small area and remember to blot first.
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Use a specialized wool rug shampoo for deep cleaning and follow the manufacturer's instructions to get the mix ratio right. Then, using a soft-bristle brush, gently apply the solution in a grid (up/down and left/right) pattern.
Synthetic Fiber
Synthetic materials such as nylon, polyester, or polypropylene are more durable and can handle more robust cleaning.
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You can be slightly more vigorous when scrubbing to tackle stubborn stains with synthetic materials.
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Using a rug shampoo and water solution, gently scrub the rug with a soft-bristle brush and rinse thoroughly. You may also be able to use more heavy-duty cleaners or even a wet vacuum, depending on the material and cleaner.
Cotton
Cotton rugs are lightweight and easy to clean.
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Although you can machine wash most cotton rugs, check your care label to make sure. If you have very large or heavy rugs, you may want to skip this as it can damage your washer
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If your rug is machine washable, use cold water and a gentle cycle with mild detergent.
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For hand washing, fill a basin or bathtub with cold water and submerge the rug completely. Then, gently agitate the rug with your hands to clean it.
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Rinse cotton rugs thoroughly and air dry them to maintain their fresh look.
Antiques
Delicate fibers and intricate designs characterize oriental and antique rugs. Since these designs are more of a financial investment, they need extra attention when being cleaned.
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Use a gentle vacuum setting and brushless suction attachment on expensive rugs to avoid damaging the fibers.
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Use a 1:1 water-white vinegar solution and clean cloth when blotting stains.
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Invest in a professional cleaning every 1-2 years to maintain an antique rug's value and appearance.
Jute and Other Natural Fibers
Although natural fiber rugs use environmentally friendly materials, they need special care due to their sensitivity to moisture. A few tips for how to clean a jute rug include:
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Avoid water when blotting spills. Instead, use a clean, dry cloth to absorb liquid.
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For minor stains, use a dry-cleaning powder or baking soda. Sprinkle some on the stain, let it sit, then vacuum thoroughly.
Removing Specific Stains
The key to removing all stains is to act quickly. If you deal with them immediately, you can remove the most persistent stains. On the other hand, even something like water can leave a permanent mark if you leave it too long.
Here's a quick breakdown of how to tackle some of the most common and stubborn stains.
Food and Drink Stains
Coffee, wine, and dark sodas are common drink stains that will leave a mark if you don't tend to them right away. Pasta sauce and turmeric are two of the most stubborn food stains.
When dealing with spilled food and drinks, blot with a cloth dipped in mild detergent and resist the temptation to rub in circles. When the stain is sufficiently cleaned, blot the spot dry.
Pet Stains
Dog and cat urine are the biggest culprits for pet stains, although drool can also leave a mark on some rugs. After blotting, use an enzyme-based cleaner specially designed for pet stains. Always follow the instructions and start with a small corner when applying a new cleaner.
Grease and Oil Stains
Cooking oil, salad dressing, lotions, and creams can also leave a mark if you don't immediately clean them. Blot up as much as possible, then apply baking soda or cornstarch and let it sit for 15 minutes before vacuuming up the powder.
Permanent Stains
Unfortunately, certain materials will permanently stain your rug regardless of how quickly you act. They include:
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Ink
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Tar
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Paint
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Bleach
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Motor oil
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Nail polish
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Battery acid
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Permanent marker
While you may not have some of these things inside your home, they certainly can stick to your shoes or clothes and get tracked indoors. Keep a shoe-free policy in your home, and avoid bringing other materials near your rugs to keep them in tip-top shape!
A Clean Rug Is a Happy Rug
Periodic cleaning and maintenance don't just extend the life of your rugs. They also preserve the look and feel of your interior decor.
And since they get some of the most wear and tear among home furnishings, it's important to have a regular cleaning regimen to keep your rugs and runners in top shape.