How to Get the Best Out of Rug Cleaning

Residential Carpet Cleaning El Dorado Hills CA act like giant air filters, trapping and removing dirt and allergens. Regular cleaning keeps your rugs looking great and functioning well.

Different cleaning methods might be required depending on the fibers, rug construction, and backing type. Woven rugs are the strongest; tufted and action-backed rugs can be damaged by harsh scrubbing or wrong cleaning chemicals.

Area rugs are the focal point of many rooms and bring warmth, color, and comfort to the home. They are also prone to heavy traffic, stains, and spills and can become worn and faded over time. Regular vacuuming and spot cleaning can help extend the life of your area rug, but often, a deeper, professional-grade wash is required to get it clean.

The choice of how to clean your area rugs depends on the type of rug, its condition, and your needs. Some rugs, such as cotton and wool, may be cleaned using commercially available cleaners. Others, such as silk and other finer rugs, require special care. Rugs made of natural fibers can be washed on the same washing machines used to wash clothing, but if you do this yourself, follow the product instructions carefully.

A natural fiber rug should be vacuumed before washing to remove any dirt and dust particles in the fibers. It should then be laid out flat and sprayed with an organic, nontoxic rug cleaner such as Eco-88 or ZorbX. After spraying, use a scrub brush to work the cleaner into the fibers. You will then need to rinse the rug thoroughly with clear water. Be sure to dry it completely before putting it back on the floor.

If you have a large area rug made of synthetic materials, you can wash it in your home using a hot-water extraction machine (also known as a steam cleaner). Be sure to follow the product directions closely. This method works best on a roomy area rug that can easily fit in your washing machine. Be careful to fill the machine sparingly, or you could damage your rug.

For a finer wool, sheepskin, or hair-on-hide rug, it is best to take it to a professional cleaner. These companies typically have a cleaning plant with stone or tile floors and built-in drains to capture soapy cleaning solutions and clean rinse water. They can also utilize high-powered extractors to make your rug pristine and fresh.

Another option is to have your rug shampooed onsite at your home. This type of cleaning can be effective for most rugs, but choosing a rug cleaner with experience with your specific type of carpet is important.

A professional rug cleaner can inspect your rug for problems such as deteriorating backing materials, color loss, pet urine, or other odors that cannot be removed with a basic rug shampoo. If the odors are severe, additional cleaning techniques and deodorizers must be used to eliminate them.

Most rug manufacturers recommend cleaning your area rugs professionally every 3-5 years. This will not only extend the life of your rugs, but it will also improve the air quality in your home by eliminating trapped bacteria, food particles, and other allergens that cause asthma or other respiratory conditions. Regular deep cleaning will also maintain the beauty and value of your area rugs.

Rugs add a wonderful comfort and style to rooms but can also trap dirt, debris, and odors. Regular sweeping and vacuuming can help prevent dirt buildup, but more severe stains require professional cleaning techniques to remove them. In addition, rugs are typically more delicate than wall-to-wall carpets, which means they’re more likely to be damaged during cleaning.

Before the professional rug cleaner arrives, try to do a quick spot clean. This will save you money and time, as the cleaner won’t have to spend a long time prepping your rug before getting down to business.

Use a clean cloth or paper towel to scoop up solid stains and blot liquids. Try to avoid rubbing, as this can make the stain permanent. Replace the damp towel as soon as it becomes saturated. If the stain persists, dip a clean cloth or towel in club soda or water and use it to absorb the remaining liquid. After a few minutes, the spot should be almost dry. Soak a clean white towel or cloth in a mild detergent for more in-depth cleaning, and blot the area until completely dry.

Another simple step to prepare for a rug cleaning is to move all furniture away from the rug. This will allow the cleaner to access and clean the entire surface area of your rug without being blocked by furniture. It will also give the cleaner a better idea of how well your rug is holding up and can alert you to any areas needing special attention or repair.

If your rug has a high pile or a dense, higher nap, it might need to be combed before being washed. This helps eliminate tangles and will allow the rug to dry more quickly afterward. It’s also important to check the tag on your rug for instructions. Some rugs must be pretreated with a stain protectant or may require a complete soaking to eliminate odors and sanitize the fibers.

When a professional comes to clean your rug, they’ll first use compressed air to dust it on both sides. This will remove much dirt and debris that a standard vacuum cleaner can’t get. After dusting, the rug is rolled up carefully and taken outside to their cleaning station, where they’ll set it up on a sturdy support system. This can be a bench, a stairway, or a bungee cord stretched between two trees. Be sure to save a parking space for their van in the driveway or nearby so it’s easier to get the equipment out of the truck. Also, consider tucking fragile items into storage or out of sight during the rug cleaning. This will help prevent them from being accidentally knocked loose or smacked by the equipment as it moves around the house. This includes vases, decorative items, and any other items that could be easily broken or damaged by the cleaners’ tools and machinery.