subject: How To Best Clean Area Rugs [print this page] Area rugs are good for maximizing the ambiance of a room. They are offered in a number of sizes, shapes, colors, and patterns. You'll also find a number of different fabrics to be had from wool to silk to sisal.
But eventually these wonderful complements will get dirty. Spills, pets, dirt from foot traffic, just to name a few, are all common occurrences in the life of an area rug. And if not taken care of properly, these nuisances can not only lessen their aesthetic appeal, but also shorten the lifespan of your rugs.
The first and most important point is to be familiar with your rug. What is it made of? This is important given that not all rugs are cleaned exactly the same way. Cleaning a wool rug is not like cleaning a silk rug. And cleaning a shag rug is certainly not the same as sisal. Being familiar with what sort of area rug you possess will specify the way and sort of chemicals, if any, you would use to clean it.
The easiest way to maintain and clean your rug is to vacuum it regularly. It is ideal that you vacuum your area rugs any time you vacuum your carpet. This can be occasionally all you will require to preserve the look of the rug. It is additionally recommended that you vacuum the bottom of your rug every 3-6 months. If your vacuum features it, make use of the beater attachment.
If this option isn't available on your vacuum then you can also take the rug outside and hang it over a clothesline or a fence. Then you would proceed to vent all that pent up anger by beating on the back of the rug with a broom or something similar. This loosens up any of the dirt or dust that eventually makes its way through the rug fibers and into the back of the rug.
It is suggested that you hand wash your area rug once a year. Washing your rug replenishes the natural moisture within the rug fibers and revives the vibrancy of the colors. This is how knowing your rug comes into play. The kind of rug you have will define the type of shampoo or detergent, if any, you will use. Don't forget to employ a soft brush to scrub the rug. You do not want to damage the fibers.
Right after cleaning you want to rinse out the rug thoroughly. If your rug is hanging simply use a hose and apply the water from top down until the runoff is clear. After that you can make use of a chamois or squeegee to take out the excess water. Leave the rug outside to finish drying.
Not only will regular cleaning keep your rugs looking great, it will also maximize their lifespan.
