4 Steps to Cleaning Your Rugs Right

Any home’s interior becomes attractive when furniture and other decorative items are properly positioned. One accessory that serves a good purpose and which is common in many homes is the rug.

Rugs make a great addition to any room in the house. They not only serve an aesthetic purpose but are also very useful in keeping the space clean as they collect dust and dirt. The quality ones, however, can be expensive and as such, they should be cared for regularly by the homeowner to prolong its life.

Follow these steps on how to clean rugs properly so you can enjoy them for a long time.

Flip and Vacuum

One of the best ways to clean an area rug is by flipping it and vacuuming the back once or twice a month. The flipping action helps loosen the dust and dirt deep down and move them towards the top. Vacuuming the back using the beater bar or rotating brush will do the same.

A synthetic area rug can handle a vacuum’s beater bar both on its front and back portions. However, it is a no-no to vacuum the tassels and fringes as they can get sucked into the beater bar.

Oriental, hand-made and wool rugs can be vacuumed. But first place a nylon screen over the rug and weigh it down using books or bricks before vacuuming over the screen. If you want them professionally cleaned, do it once a year.

Brush Them

Pet hair can remain stuck to your rugs even after vacuuming. If this is your problem, it’s best to use a stiff brush to remove the hair of your dog or cat. Take not that you need to brush in the direction of your rug’s nap.

Fur and sheepskin can also be brushed. But before brushing, shake unscented talcum powder first on the rug and leave it for a few hours. Then brush the rug and shake it out.

Shake Them Up

Smaller rugs can be kept clean by simply shaking them outside your home. Be sure to shake them vigorously to get rid of dirt and grit. Also, check first your local codes as some ordinances do not allow shaking of rugs outdoors.

Clean Up Spills and Stains

If you see spills and stains, take action and clean them up immediately. Blot them with paper towel, dry towel or a sponge making sure you press down very hard and moving them in straight lines. The trick is to absorb the liquid as much as possible.

With milk, you need to rinse the area thoroughly using mild detergent mixed with water. For red wines, mix equal parts Dawn liquid dish soap and 10 percent hydrogen peroxide then wet you cotton towel with the mixture and blot on the affected area.