All That You Need to Know About Rug Cleaning and Maintenance

Rugs are among the things that are usually overlooked while designing a home's interior. More than being a decor element, they also protect your floors from wear and tear. However, if not maintained well, these rugs could also risk your health. They could be the breeding ground for dirt, stains, allergens, germs, etc.

Cleaning your rugs regularly is the best and only solution for controlling the spread of such elements. Not only that but also proper maintenance can also improve the durability of rugs. Though it might seem challenging, rug cleaning is simple if you have the right tools and plans. Whether you decide to hire professionals to clean the rugs or do it yourself, you should be aware of the various rug cleaning techniques.

In this article, we'll explain how to wash a rug, basic tips on rug cleaning, care methods for different types of rugs, and more.

This video is sourced from YouTube@Clean Freak & Germaphobe

Table of content

• Types of Rugs and Basic Care
• How to Clean an Area Rug: Basic Tips
• Care Methods for Different Types of Rugs
• Benefits of Rug Pads
• Maintenance Best Practices
• How to Protect Your Rug from Fading and Damage?

Types of Rugs and Basic Care

• Machine washable rugs

Just as the name suggests, machine-washable rugs are those products that can be washed in the washing machine. As these rugs are made to be machine-washed, maintaining them is as easy as taking care of your usual laundry. Generally, these rugs are constructed from strong synthetic fabrics that resist constant washing.check out the GARVEE 9x12 Area Rugs Machine Washable Area Rug for Living Room 

• Stain resistant rugs

Stain-resistant rugs are best used in high-traffic areas such as the kitchen, dining room, etc. Since they are resistant to the stains to a certain extent, you can make them look as new and vibrant as the day you bought them with regular maintenance. The stain-resistant rugs also reduce the need for future replacements, as they are less likely to be destroyed quickly. This helps you save time and money.

• Traditional rugs

Traditional rugs have more classy designs, usually featuring Persian and Oriental hand-knotted designs. These rugs are often made of natural fibers and require gentle care. It is also recommended that they be cleaned professionally once a year to preserve the intricate designs on such rugs.

How to Clean an Area Rug: Basic Tips

The methods used to remove stains from carpets differ depending on the type of spill or stain on them. However, there are some common techniques that you must try once you spot a stain or spill on your favorite rug.

• Act quickly: Rugs are prone to spills and stains, no matter how good you maintain them. They become more challenging to remove if you leave them unattended for long. The best way to control the spread of spills and stains on rugs is by acting quickly. When you spot a stain, blot the area as soon as possible with a clean cloth or paper towel. It's always recommended to blot from the outer edge of the stain for best results. While doing so, remember not to scrub, as scrubbing can spread the dirt further.

• Use a carpet stain remover: Once you scrape off the excess stain or spill, apply a carpet stain remover to the remaining stain. You can also try a DIY vinegar solution for the same. However, try not to wet the stain excessively as this might harm the fabric, no matter how good the carpet cleaner you choose is.

• Remove the stain away: After applying a spray, wait 10 minutes and use a clean, absorbent cloth to blot from the outside. Then pat the area dry. You can use paper towels or thick cloth to cover the damp area.

Care Methods for Different Types of Rugs

• Wool rugs 

Wool rugs are made of natural fibers and, hence, are highly durable. It can be cleaned with routine vacuuming. However, it's crucial to determine if your rug is flatweave or hand-knotted before treating any stains and then plan the rug cleaning appropriately. For example, hand-knotted rugs are thicker, and to clean the oily spills on them, you might've to use a paper towel or cloth to blot them. If the spills are non-organic, seeking professional help is better. On the contrary, flatweave rugs are comparatively flat and feature horizontal fibers, which makes it easier for the moisture to get trapped. Hence, it may require special care.

• Cotton rugs

Majority of cotton rugs are machine washable and vacuum-friendly and can be cleaned using detergents. Give your cotton rugs a routine vacuuming, say once a week, to keep dust from entering deep into the fibers. A bucket and a spoon of mild liquid dish soap can be used to create your own solution if you don't have any rug shampoo. However, don't forget to spot-test the solution before using it on the entire rug to ensure that the colors don't mix with one another. Then, let your rug air-dry after soaking up the extra water using a towel.

• Jute rugs

Jute rugs can be cleaned with a low-powered vacuum cleaner. To guarantee uniform wear over time, shake the rug and rotate it consistently while vacuuming and try to keep your rugs out of high-moisture areas. When it comes to cleaning the jute rugs, scrubbing would result in spreading the stain. Hence, gently wipe the stained area with a towel soaked in a mild soap and water solution. If the stain doesn't go away even after this, seek professional help.

• Polyester or Polypropylene rugs

Polyester rugs are the best option for high-traffic areas as they are mostly stain-resistant. Their flatweave construction with durable materials makes it easier to clean them. They are mostly durable, so it is advisable to wash them in the washing machine to get rid of extra dirt and stains. However, it's better to avoid using harsh cleaning agents to clean them, as they can damage the fibers.

Benefits of Rug Pads

Rug pads control the wear and damage to your rugs by acting as a cushion between the rug and the floor. They reduce friction and avoid slipping. By preserving the rug's backing and fibers, rug pads protect and improve their durability and stability.

Rug pads also decrease the chance of slips and falls on rugs in high-traffic areas, enhancing safety and protecting the rug. This is especially useful for delicate styles like boho rugs, where maintaining the design and texture is essential. Additionally, rug pads reduce the pressure from foot traffic and furniture weight on the rug's fibers, ensuring durability and making walking on it more comfortable.

Rug Maintenance Best Practices

Maintaining the look and durability of your rug requires proper care. Here are some best practices that you can follow:

• Dry Vacuum cleaning

Dry vacuum cleaning is one of the most common methods used for rug cleaning. Although you may think it must be done before wet cleaning, that's not always true. It can also be done after shampooing or wet cleaning. This cleaning method works well on carpets made of jute, sisal, or seagrass, which does not withstand the wet cleaning methods. However, vacuum cleaning will not provide your carpets the thorough deep cleaning they may require if they are highly stained.

• Bonnet cleaning

This type of rug cleaning is done with a machine that features a rotating buffer with a pad or cloth attached to it. In order to remove dirt, stains, and spills from the carpet, the pad or cloth is soaked in shampoo or a cleaning solution. This method is your go-to choice if you want to clean certain spots or quickly clean the surface. However, you won't be able to remove deep stains and debris, so it's not a good option if your rugs need deep cleaning.

• Steam cleaning

If you're thinking about how to clean an area rug and deodorize it simultaneously, then steam cleaning would be the answer. This method uses hot water and pressure from the machine to remove odors, stains, and debris from carpets. It usually begins with vacuuming the rug, followed by a deep cleaning with a cleaning solution. The steam cleaning machine then uses a strong suction system to remove the water and dirt from the carpet. Steam cleaning removes most bacteria, allergens, and grime from carpets. Not only that, but this procedure is also safe for children and dogs as it removes most other micro dirt particles.

• Encapsulation cleaning

Also known as "encapping," this process applies a special kind of detergent and preservative on a rug to encapsulate the stains, dust, and debris. The stains and debris then take crystal form, thus making it easier to remove them. The rug must first be vacuumed to remove any dried, loose debris to begin the process. The encapsulating agent is then applied to the carpet, using a machine equipped with a specialized brush to divide the dirt by mixing the detergent into the carpet. The tiny dirt crystals thus formed will then be vacuumed up.

• Shampooing

Rug shampooing is that age old method that uses shampoo or detergent and water with soap to clean rugs, as the name implies. Shampoo is applied onto the carpet with a machine in order to capture any dirt, as doing this manually would take a long time. Once the rug is dried, you can use a vacuum cleaner to gather any remaining dirt from the rug. One of the most significant drawbacks of shampooing a carpet is that it might be challenging to get rid of all the soap residue. Because new dirt may stick on the soap residues, the carpet may get dirty again very rapidly.

How to Protect Your Rug from Fading and Damage?

• Rotate your rugs

Rotating your carpets frequently is one of the easiest and most efficient ways to protect them from uneven wear and fading. Rugs in high-traffic areas such as living rooms, corridors, and entry wear off and fade faster than those in other areas. You may walk on the rugs in a uniform way and control the exposure to the sun by turning your rugs every three to six months. This keeps the rug from wearing out too soon and preserves its original look.

• Regular vacuuming

Vacuuming on a regular basis is the basic yet best method to maintain your rug. It is important to vacuum your rugs at least once a week to get rid of dirt, pet hair, and grime. It is also advised to vacuum the rugs two or three times per week if they are placed at the areas with heavy traffic. If the rugs are sensitive, change the vacuum settings to prevent fiber damage.

• Sun protection

Your rug color may become less vibrant after extended exposure to direct sunlight. This is a common issue with carpets composed of natural fibers, such as silk, cotton, and wool, which fade out more quickly than rugs with synthetic fibers when exposed to UV light. Limiting sunlight exposure is essential if you want to keep your rug's colors and patterns intact. Also, try covering the windows with UV-blocking films to preserve an airy, light appearance while safeguarding your rug.

Rug cleaning is not a cakewalk. You may have to regularly maintain them or think about smart strategies to keep them looking new. From simple methods like dry vacuuming to extensive professional cleaning, the right action you take can help improve the rug's durability. If you’re confused, you can even go through the tips on how to clean your rugs discussed above for maintaining your favorite rugs. Remember, researching well and following proper techniques can help you save your rugs from constant damage!