Area Rug Cleaning

Apart from covering your floor, area rugs are actually pieces of art which add color and beauty to space. You need to know how to keep your area rugs clean by knowing how to go about basic care, stain removal etc.Basic Rug Care

• Vacuum large rugs.
• Do not vacuum the fringe of the rug.
• Brush out pet hair.
• Turn the rugs at least every year to prevent one area from being too worn out by foot traffic and the sun.
• In a case of small rugs, take them outside for a shake and beat it to remove dirt.

Cleaning Special Types of RugsWoven or Braided RugsCheck for stitching breaks before they are cleaned. For washable types, place them in a pillowcase then wash using the gentle cycle. Rinse well, tumble dry on low setting. For large ones, place them on a concrete with a blanket beneath. Sponge the cleaning foam and rub according to given directions. Rinse, vacuum and dry the rug.Handmade, Hand-Knotted, Antique, and Oriental RugsVacuum the rug but protect it by using a nylon screen on the rug. The rugs should be cleaned professionally once a year and rotate to prevent damage to one area.Coir, Sisal, Rush, and Grass RugsRugs made from these natural fibers feature an open weave that allows dirt to sift through to the floor beneath. Vacuum frequently, removing the rug occasionally to vacuum the floor and flip the rug to reduce wear.To dry it quickly, use a fan or hair dryer. Water usually weakens such fibers hence the rugs should be dried as quickly as possible.Fur, Sheepskin, and Hair-on HidesPlace unscented talcum powder on such a rug and leave it for some hours. Brush the powder through the hair then shake it out. The length of the fur will determine how many times the process is to be repeated. How to Deep Clean Rugs

• Use provided care labels for guidance. To test the color loss probability, do a spot-cleaning.
• For rugs that are machine washable, use the delicate cycle. Place the rug in a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase before wash.
• Hang the rugs on a drying rack, stacked bricks etc. to dry. Avoid using clotheslines as it distorts the shape.
• Deep clean the rug every 12-18 months. For first time cleaning products, test it out on a small area of the rug first. To clean large rugs place the rug on a concrete surface then use carpet cleaning foam and rub based on directions. Rinse or vacuum to finish. Dry the rug.
• Where the label allows, you can dry-clean the rug.

Removing stains from the rug.

• Remove the stain as soon as it occurs.
• For alcohol and soft drinks use a mixture of 1 tsp liquid detergent, a quart of warm water and ¼ tsp. white vinegar.
• For coffee/tea, use the above mix or carpet cleaner.
• Fat-based stains: use a dry solvent spot cleaner.
• Gum: Place ice cubes in a bag, harden it then scrape the gum off.
• Paint: Spot clean with detergent, use rubbing alcohol or mineral spirits.
• Tomato sauce: Use detergent or citrus. Rinse with white vinegar.
• Urine, feces, and vomit: Use detergent and citrus-oxygen cleaner.
• Melted wax: Same treatment as gum.