Rugs, we all have at least one in our homes, if not in the living room then perhaps the bedroom? They are essential for many reasons, one of course, being a warm surface for bare feet. But, did you know that a rug can also benefit an interior’s design? It’s true! They add texture and can act as a dividing wall in open-plan spaces where needed. And because there are so many reasons to include one and consequentially use one, it should come as no surprise to learn that they need to be cleaned regularly. After all, rugs are constantly absorbing body odours and indoor air pollutants whether that’s fumes from gas fireplaces or steam from an oven. Still, it’s not just as simple as throwing your rug in the washing machine (sometimes it is, but this is rare). Rugs, particularly large ones, need to be cleaned in a certain way and that means assessing a few factors before you begin. Luckily, EZ Living Furniture has listed them below along with the cleaning tips required to maintain your rugs. So, let’s begin!
1. Factors To Consider Before You Cleaning Your Rug
Certain rug types require special cleaning products and techniques which is why it is incredibly important to understand the type of rug you own before you begin the cleaning process. Here are a few factors to consider:
Rug Material: The material your rug is made from is the deciding factor in how you’ll clean it. For instance, a rug made with synthetic materials can usually be cleaned at home using a mild detergent (i.e. washing powder) and some water. Other rugs with delicate or natural fibres/materials should be treated with more care. For example, a silk or jute rug cannot be cleaned in the same way, which is why you should enlist the help of a professional. Antique rugs will also require specialised cleaning.
EZ TIP: Check the label on your rug to find out what it’s made of.
Rug Size & Weight: Unsurprisingly, larger and heavier rugs are more difficult to clean. In this instance, it’s best to have a helper on hand to assist you with moving/cleaning your rug - preferably someone strong.
Stain Type: If the reason you are cleaning your rug is to target a stain/spill, then we have some bad news. Certain stain types are more difficult to remove than others. For example, pet urine and wine stains are some of the most difficult and you will need to hire a professional to help tackle these. The important thing to remember with any stain (whether it happens to your rug or sofa) is that a quick response time is crucial. If you allow any spill to sit too long, it is much more difficult to remove.
If you have considered all of the factors above and are able to move forward with cleaning your rug at home, it’s time for the next step…..
2. Gather The Tools & Supplies Needed To Clean Your Rug
1. Vacuum.
2. Mild detergent (or specific rug shampoo).
3. Bucket.
4. Cloth, Sponge, Soft-bristled Brush.
5. Water.
6. Rubber Gloves.
7. Garden Hose or Bucket.
8. Wet-Dry Vacuum or Squeegee.
3. Remove Dirt & Debris
Rugs (like mattresses) can be home to millions of pollen particles, dust mites, and mould spores. Removing dirt and debris from a rug is relatively easy. All you need is a vacuum cleaner! The type of vacuum cleaner you have is important though - it shouldn’t have a strong suction or rotating brush. A strong suction and rotating brush can pull on the fibres of your rug and cause irreparable damage. If you own a rug with a high pile (long, stringy fibres), it would be in your best interest to shake the rug outdoors first to remove any dirt from deep inside the rug. This will remove the dirt entirely or at least bring it to the surface of the rug ready for vacuuming. Once your vacuum is switched on and ready to go, it’s time to get started. Start by gently moving your vacuum (with its brush attachment connected) over the top of the rug and when this is completed, move onto the underside of the rug.
EZ TIP: You can choose to move your rug outdoors now for vacuuming if you wish, and position it on a large tarp (ready for a deeper clean with detergent and water) or wait until a later stage.
4. Do A Colour Test
Before you start scrubbing, put on your rubber gloves to protect your hands. You’ll also need to ensure that the detergent/shampoo you use will not cause the dye in the rug to fade. To ensure this won’t happen, test the solution on an inconspicuous area first, if the colour bleeds, it’s time to start looking for a cleaning solution alternative. If it doesn’t bleed, it’s safe to move on to the next step.
5. Wash Your Rug
Now it’s time to clean your rug. As previously mentioned, not all rugs respond well to being cleaned. If you’ve moved onto this step, we’re going to assume that your rug has been tested using your cleaning solution and it is safe to proceed.
1. Move your rug outside and place it onto a tarp if you haven’t already done so.
2. Using a sponge, soft-bristle brush, or cloth, work the solution into a lather on the rug. Allow the cleaner to sit on the rug for at least five minutes before you start rinsing. Anything less than that will diminish the effectiveness of the product you use. Giving it those five minutes to set in will allow the dirt to lift away.
6. Rinse & Extract
When you’re satisfied that you’ve given the rug a good scrub, the next step is to rinse the soap out. You can use a bucket to splash cold water over your rug or a garden hose - the result is the same. Once the water runs clear of any soap residue, it’s time to extract the water from it. You can do this using a wet & dry vacuum or a squeegee. Once the majority of the water has been removed from the rug, you can allow it to finish drying outside (if the weather permits) or in a well-ventilated area. Fans can also help to speed up this process. Remember to make sure the rug is fully dry before you return it to the room.
7. Spot Treat
If a spill has just occurred, there is a chance that you can remove it - if you’re quick. There are a few things you can do that will help with any spot treatment solution you will use. First, blot the stain with a clean microfibre cloth - this will soak up any excess moisture. Use cool water with your stain solution and allow your rug to dry naturally in a well-ventilated area.
8. Vacuum Again
Yes, you read that right. Once your rug has dried completely, you’ll need to vacuum it again to remove any remaining debris. Using a soft-bristled brush, you can restore the appearance of your rug by gently brushing its fibres.
9. Professional Rug Cleaning
Regardless of the rug you own, all rug types could benefit from a professional, deep clean at least once a year to really enhance their cleanliness and appearance. Dry cleaning might also be an option for small to mid-sized rugs. Remember to always check the labels for care instructions before proceeding with any of the cleaning instructions above.
Have you got the cleaning bug after that? If you have, it might be worth tackling some other high-use furniture in the home! Read; How To Get Everyday Dirt & Stains Out Of Your Sofa.
If your rug is unsalvagable, it might be time to replace it with a new one. Browse our full selection of rugs here.
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