Area rugs are a fantastic way to liven up any room
. With so many different styles and types it's almost overwhelming when choosing which one is right for your home dcor needs. But even though area rugs come in a large variety one thing remains the same, you must keep them clean.
When maintaining area rugs the most important bit of information to know is what type of rug you own. The type of rug will determine how you keep it clean. Certain types of rugs require certain types of cleaning methods and you don't want to use the wrong technique on a rug. This could lead to disastrous results. Most area rugs come with cleaning instructions for that particular type of rug. Make sure to follow those instructions.
The easiest step to maintaining your area rug is to vacuum it. Experts recommend you vacuum your area rugs every time you vacuum your carpet. Vacuuming regularly will keep dirt, soil, and oils from building up in your rug fibers. If not extracted on a regular basis your rugs will not only begin to look dingy but will also begin to deteriorate. The longer you leave these soils and dirt in your rugs the more damage they will do over time. Eventually you will not be able to remove them and replacing the rug will become a realistic option.
It is also recommended that you vacuum the bottom of your rug every 3-6 months. If you have a beater attachment for your vacuum you should use it. This will help to loosen up any particles that may have worked their way deeper into the rug. If your vacuum does not have this attachment you can hang your rug over a fence or a sturdy clothesline and beat the back of it with a broom or large stick.
Your area rug should also be washed once a year. Washing your rug will replenish its natural moisture and revive the colors. The type of rug you have will determine the type of shampoo or detergent, if any, you will use. Choose a soft brush to do the scrubbing so as to not damage the rug fibers. After scrubbing make sure you rinse the rug thoroughly. If the rug is hanging then rinse from top to bottom with a hose until the runoff is clear. Afterward you can use a chamois or squeegee to remove any excess water and then leave the rug to finish drying.
If you encounter any trouble spots or staining that you are not sure of always consult the cleaning instructions or contact a local carpet cleaning company. Professional carpet cleaners will be able to properly handle any area rug problems that you cannot.