Getting your area rug professionally cleaned can be expensive. If you are on a budget, here are some tips to keep your rug looking clean and fresh without breaking the bank.
There are three methods professional carpet cleaners use to clean area rugs: dry cleaning, steam cleaning, and hand washing. Each has its own price.
Vacuuming
The most cost-effective way to keep your area rug clean is by vacuuming it regularly. This will help remove dirt and allergens from the rug’s surface. Regular vacuuming can also extend the lifespan of your area rugs. Using the right technique when vacuuming your rugs is important to prevent damage.
A common mistake people make when vacuuming a rug is going over it with a beater bar, which can cause the fibers to be pulled out of the rug. Avoid this by using a canister vacuum with no attachments on your rug. Also, be sure to use the lowest suction possible on your rug, especially if it is delicate. Also, remember to vacuum the underside of your rug as well.
If you have a tufted or looped area rug, it is important to rotate it regularly so that the pile stays uniform throughout the entire rug. You may need to go over the rug a few times with your vacuum to get rid of all the dirt. In addition, you should always vacuum in the direction of the pile.
Many people overlook the importance of vacuuming their area rugs and only do it when they are getting a professional cleaning. This can be a big mistake because if you do not vacuum your area rugs on a regular basis, they will become dusty and dirty quickly. Additionally, you will be able to notice when your area rug is in need of cleaning because it will have an unpleasant smell.
If you do not have a lot of time to vacuum your area rugs, consider hiring a company that will do it for you. They can also wash your carpets and rugs in a machine, which can save you a lot of time. However, you should be aware that this method can sometimes be more expensive than other methods, so you should weigh the pros and cons of each option carefully before making a decision. Lastly, when hiring a professional, be sure to get multiple estimates to compare prices and services.
Baking Soda
Baking soda (bicarbonate of soda) is a safe, non-toxic, and affordable way to remove dirt and odors from carpet fibers. Use it regularly to prevent stains and keep your carpet looking and smelling fresh. Baking soda can also be used with another natural cleaning product, hydrogen peroxide, to treat old stains that don’t seem to go away.
Whether caused by food spills, pet (or human) accidents, or mysterious spots that show up one day, most stains are easily removed with baking soda. Sprinkle a generous amount of ARM & HAMMER™ Baking Soda over the stain and let it sit for a minimum of 3 hours (overnight is best). Vacuum the area after the soaking period has passed to remove the baking soda and the stain.
Grease stains can be especially stubborn and might require more than one application of baking soda to fully remove them. Prevent future grease stains by blotting the spilled area with paper towels to absorb as much of the grease as possible. Then, sprinkle the area with a liberal amount of baking soda. Allow it to set for at least 12 hours or overnight again. Vacuum the area after the soaking and deodorizing period has passed to remove the baking soda and any remaining grease stains.
Baking soda can be used as an effective deodorizer for most fabrics. It works by changing the pH balance in a room to eliminate bad smells caused by strong acids or bases. It can even help with stale foods in the refrigerator or musty rugs.
Mix white vinegar and baking soda to create a powerful cleaning solution for most stains. The vinegar will break down the stain, and the baking soda will act as a deodorizer, leaving your carpet clean, bright, and smelling fresh. Test the mixture on an inconspicuous area of your carpet for colorfastness before applying it to a larger spot. Always shampoo your carpet before treating it with this baking soda mixture, and remember to vacuum thoroughly afterward.
Hydrogen Peroxide
If you have a small area rug made of a non-colorfast fabric like cotton or wool, you can hand wash it at home to get rid of dirt and stains. However, this method requires a lot of time and effort, which can make it very expensive. If your rug is made of natural or synthetic materials, you can use a steam cleaner to remove dirt and stains. This cleaning process is less damaging to the fibers and is the least expensive option. However, it may not be suitable for delicate rugs.
If your area rug is stained, you can clean it with hydrogen peroxide. This product can be bought at most drug stores and is available in a variety of concentrations, from 3% to 12%. The higher the concentration, the stronger it is. Use the highest concentration you can buy because lower concentrations may not be strong enough to remove stains. According to Bob Vila, you can mix vinegar and baking soda with peroxide for a deep-cleaning mixture that will break down stains, kill bacteria, and absorb odors. Apply the solution to a stain and leave it overnight. Then, vacuum the area.
You can also clean your area rug using a dry carpet shampoo. This solution can be found at most home improvement and grocery stores, but you should check the label to ensure it is safe for your specific rug fibers. To use this cleaning method, sprinkle the rug with dry carpet shampoo granules and brush it lightly to work the granules into the fibers of the rug.
After you’ve cleaned your area rug, it is important to allow it to dry completely before you put it back into place. This will prevent mold and mildew from forming inside the rug and make the fibers last longer.
You can hang your rug outside and let it dry in the sun or use a fan to blow air over the area. Once the rug is dry, it’s important to turn it over and allow the underside to dry as well. It’s also good to vacuum or brush the rug again to remove any dried stains or dust.
Water
A well-placed area rug can make a room’s design statement, but spills, pet hair, and everyday traffic can cause them to lose appeal. Regular maintenance and cleaning can help preserve the fibers and fabrics of a rug, so it’s important to keep up with this chore. Fortunately, many affordable ways to clean an area rug at home exist.
Depending on the material, different rugs require a variety of cleaning solutions and techniques. For example, silk and wool rugs should be taken to professional cleaners who use more gentle cleaning methods than are available at home. Synthetic, cotton, and jute area rugs can usually be cleaned with household shampoo or a commercial carpet detergent. Always check the rug’s label for care instructions and colorfastness before using any cleaning solution.
Vacuuming is the first step in keeping an area rug clean and removing dirt that can wear the rug out prematurely. The frequency of vacuuming depends on the type of rug and the amount of traffic. Always turn the rug over when vacuuming to avoid wearing out the opposite side. Frequent vacuuming also removes pet hair and dander that can collect in the base of a rug.
Spills and stains should be tackled as soon as they occur. Blot the stain with a towel to soak up as much of the mess as possible if the stain is liquid. If the stain is dry, sponging it with water can be effective. If the stain is a solid, such as butter, margarine, or gravy, a commercial dry-solvent spot carpet cleaner may be needed to remove the odor. Oil-based paint stains can be removed by applying odorless mineral spirits to the stain, while latex and acrylic paint should be rinsed or soaked with a citrus-oxygen cleaner.
When washing an area rug, it’s a good idea to take the rug outdoors, where you can easily hose it down and allow it to air dry. This will cut down on the mess in the house and dry the rug quickly. If you have a large outdoor space, the rug can be left to hang dry in the sun for an even faster option.