subject: Rug Cleaning Tips for Your Home [print this page] Area rugs can take a lot of foot traffic and wear, and need to be cleaned fairly regularly. The process begins with vacuuming, the frequency of which will be dependent upon the amount of foot traffic they receive Once every couple of months for heavy traffic, every four to six months for medium, and once or twice a year for light traffic areas. Always remember to vacuum the backside of the rug every time too! It's amazing how much dust and dirt they pick up from hard floors in particular.
The size and nature of an area rug makes it virtually impossible to beat, therefore a regimen of vacuuming and cleaning is essential. Area and oriental rugs are both functional and decorative, and often represent a significant investment. They require a special kind of cleaning to keep them looking their best - always remember that rugs are generally made of very different fabrics and fibers than most wall-to-wall carpet. The usual stand-bys for carpet cleaning ammonia based cleaners, detergents and the like will almost certainly harm your rug.
If you need a spot cleaner, first of all blot the mark or spill, and then use either plain water or a water/vinegar mixture to help clean it (one part vinegar to two parts water). Once again, don't rub the stain, but continue blotting with the solution until the mark has disappeared. The reason vinegar is so useful in cleaning rugs is that it has the effect of reinforcing the colors in your rug, rather than washing them out or making them run, which many other types of cleaning solution will tend to do. In the event that a vinegar solution just isn't enough, make a note of the manufacturer's instructions (generally on a label on the bottom of the rug, or in the instructions that came with the rug) and visit your local hardware or home improvement store for the specific type of cleaner they recommend. It's very useful to have the correct cleaner handy, so check the instructions before an accident occurs, and go shopping for it prior to needing it.
Speed of cleaning is vital in successfully removing a spot or stain, so be prepared! Annual or bi-annual cleaning of a mid-price to high-end rug is probably best left to the professionals. You need to be certain of what materials the rug is constructed If you do have an all-synthetic rug, it's quite possible to rent a carpet cleaning machine, with the correct cleaning fluids, and do the job yourself. Otherwise, talk to friends and neighbors to seek recommendations and get at least four quotes from reputable, recommended, local rug cleaners.
Wool rugs are very susceptible to damage during cleaning from water, and steam cleaning can ruin oriental rugs. A professional will be able to recognize the rug type immediately, and recommend the best and most appropriate cleaning method to use. Most rug cleaning NY companies will take your rug away with them, professionally clean it at their premises, and deliver it back to you within a week at the most. Rug cleaning ny professionals will keep your rugs looking like new!
