Your area rugs make your home feel warmer, brighter, and more comfortable, but they also have to cope with dirt, dust, and spills every day. It's a good idea to know how to clean your rugs at home the right way so that they last longer and look better. You can't replace an expert cleaning with a deep clean, but you can keep your rugs looking new by doing regular maintenance yourself. This tutorial will show you the safest and most effective techniques to clean rugs of all kinds in your own house.
How To Clean Rug At Home the Right Way?
Before you start, you need to have the correct tools and know what your rug is made of. These are the two most critical elements.
Things You Need to Clean Your Own Carpets
You don't need tools that are as good as those used by professionals, but having a few key ones will make the job much more smoothly. Putting these things together before you start will make the cleaning easier.
Vacuum Cleaner: It's crucial to have a vacuum cleaner that can change its height before and after cleaning.
Soft Brush: A soft-bristled brush or carpet rake is a great way to remove dirt out of carpets and cleaning solutions into the pile without damaging the fibers.
White Cloths or Sponges: These are helpful for soaking up stains because they don't let the color from the cloth go on your carpets.
Mild Detergent: A gentle, pH-neutral cleaner that won't hurt the fibers of your rug.
White Vinegar: A natural cleaner that can help get rid of smells and some stains.
Baking Soda: Great for getting rid of smells and light stains.
Step-by-Step Guide to Clean Your Rug
Now that you have everything you need, here's how to clean your rug step by step:
Step 1: Vacuum Both Sides
Start by vacuuming the top of your rug to get rid of loose dirt and debris. Then flip it over and vacuum the back to get rid of any dirt that has fallen through.
Step 2: Test for Colorfastness
Before you use any cleaning solution, test it on a small, hidden area to make sure it won't hurt the colors or fibers.
Step 3: Spot Clean Stains
Use a mild detergent and water to clean any spots or stains. Work from the outside in to keep the stain from spreading.
Step 4: Deep Clean (if needed)
For a deeper clean, you can use a carpet cleaning machine or hire a professional. But for regular maintenance, spot cleaning and vacuuming should be enough.
Step 5: Let It Dry Completely
Make sure your rug is completely dry before you put it back in place. This will keep mold and mildew from growing.
When to Call a Professional
Even though you can clean your rugs at home, there are times when you should call a professional:
If your rug is very valuable or old
If there are tough stains that won't come out
If your rug needs to be cleaned every 12 to 18 months
If you're not sure what kind of rug you have
Professional rug cleaning services have the right tools and know-how to clean your rugs safely and effectively. They can also help you figure out what kind of rug you have and how to take care of it.