How To Take Care Of Your Floor Rugs

Floor rugs can take a lot of abuse in the home, especially in those high traffic areas. Dust, dirt, sand, and spills are just a few culprits that can take their toll on your favorite floor rug. Spending a little time taking care of your rug will go a long way in prolonging its life and appearance.

Cleaning Methods

Vacuuming

This is one of your best defenses in keeping your investment in pristine condition. Vacuuming regularly will keep the dry soils from building up which can prolong the life of your rug. When sand and dirt build up in your rug, the particles will cut away at your rug as people walk on it. Sand is very abrasive and will cut the fibers in your rug which will eventually create premature wearing. The same rule goes for carpet as well. Another good tip is to turn the rug upside down and vacuum the backside of the rug using a rotating brush. If the rug is wool, use a suction only. Using a rotating brush or beater bar on a wool rug will cause it to wear prematurely. Vacuuming is your first and best line of defense.

Steam Cleaning

If you choose to steam clean your rug yourself, always test a small area first to make sure you are getting the results you want. Be cautious as a lot of homeowners make the mistake of putting too much water or detergent on their area rug. This will leave a residue on your rug which you don’t want. If you are unsure about doing the cleaning yourself, hire a professional that can take care of your needs. Many carpet cleaning companies today now offer additional services that include cleaning rugs as well as exotics.

Oxy Cleaners

You’ve seen the commercials on TV. They slice, they dice! Oxy cleaners do actually work but they are normally bad to use on anything but cotton. They have alkaline properties that don’t mix well with wool and silk. They usually work well for spot cleaning stains on synthetic fiber area rugs. First and foremost, always follow the directions on the packaging of the product you are using for usage and dilution guidelines.

If an area rug becomes soiled with liquids, work quickly and try to blot up any spillage. Try to absorb as much as possible with a paper towel without rubbing it into the fibers. If the rug is wool, avoid excessive agitation or heat. Clean with neutral detergents and dry it quickly. Cotton and Rayon rugs can be cleaned using all cleaning methods. Avoid excessive drying and agitation to prevent shrinking. Silk rugs should be cleaned using a dry cleaning process. For additional information about cleaning silk, consult a rug cleaning specialist.

When cleaning any of your rugs or carpets, always read the manufacturers recommendations on what products and methods to use.