Best way to Clean An Area Rug
Area rugs are like magnets for stains, just like carpets. By all means, you will try to take care of your rugs, but you just cannot stop staining your rugs & having them get dirty is the worst. Also, it is best to know how to clean an area rug on a hardwood floor. Preferably concentrate on the part of the stain rather than cleaning the entire rug.
To prevent dust & dirt from penetrating deeper into the fibers, an area rug should be vacuumed at least regularly, several times weekly. If the dirt can penetrate down the fibers, the backing weakens & evens the hardwoods can end up with scratches.
In this post, we will teach you how to clean area rugs on the hardwood floors. Here’s what you’ll need:
-Equipment / Tools
-Soft-bristled brush
-Vacuum
-Small bowl
-Microfiber cloths
-Plastic tarp or sheeting
-Sponge mop
-Old bath towels
-Steam cleaner
-Materials
-Baking soda
-Dishwashing liquid
-Oxygen-based bleach
-Carpet stain remover
-Carpet shampoo
STEP 1: Vacuum Time
Use a vacuum cleaner to clean your rug with a vacuum that features a carpet beater bar to loosen & suck away dirt. Whether you are doing a thorough cleaning or just a regular treatment.
If your rug is small, try vacuuming the top first and then turn the rug over to vacuum the underside. If you can, try to take the pad outside, give it a good shake & clean or mop the hardwood floor under the area rug
STEP 2: Stain Removal
For minor stains, place a plastic tablecloth or placemat under the affected area on top of the carpet pad. This will shield wood floors from moisture. Before using any cleaner or solution on your rug, test it on a small area on the edge to see the effect on the color.
There are types of stains particularly dirt and food stains that can be removed by spot cleaning.
Use a solution of one teaspoon of dishwashing liquid & two cups of warm water. Apply the solution to the stained region with a soft-bristled brush. Allow it to soak for about 10minutes, then using a clean cloth, blot away the dirt & stain.
Again, dip a clean cloth in freshwater to blot away any excess soapy solution in the rug.
If the stain is still obvious, prepare a mixture of warm water oxygen-based bleach following the product label directions. Apply the mixture to the stained area & let it work its magic for one to two hours.
Elevate the cleaned carpet area with books or anything that you can use to increase the air circulation to speed drying after spot cleaning.
STEP 3: Removing Odors
Use a baking soda to remove odors from area rugs. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda on the entire surface. Use a sponge to work the solution into the rug, down into the fibers to the backing. Let the baking soda remain on the carpet for several hours or overnight, and then vacuum it away. Baking soda can absorb odors & a gently abrasive nature will loosen any soil or debris to be vacuumed away.
STEP 4: Thorough Area Rug Cleaning
If the area rug requires a thorough cleaning, and cannot be transferred to an area with a protective plastic sheet, remember to cover the hardwood.
Vacuum the area rug. Roll up the area rug then the rug pad & transfer it to the other side. Thoroughly vacuum or dry mop the hardwood floor to remove any dirt & dirt that may cause scratches to the hardwood floor. Put down a plastic or protective cover that is larger than the area rug onto the hardwood floor. Make sure to secure it with masking tape. Unroll the rough on the plastic or protective cover.
STEP 5: Clean with A Carpet Shampoo
Read the label in the carpet shampoo, if you need to dilute it first or if it can be used directly. Use a sponge mop or soft-bristled brush to apply the shampoo. Completely wet the carpet but not so much liquid that the carpet is dripping. Use the brush in heavily stained areas to remove soil and dust. End by dipping the mop in freshwater & rinsing the fibers to remove soapy residue. Change the rinse water frequently until no more dirt or suds appear.
STEP 6: Cleaning with a Carpet Steamer
After preparing the room, use a home or leased carpet steamer to clean the area rug. Follow the instructions on the label & use a recommended cleaning solution by the manufacturer. Place the water & the recommended cleaning solution in the steamer, then turn it on to begin steaming. Move the machine swiftly as steam is blasted on the rug, focus on the areas with heavy stains & dirty spots.
STEP 7: Dry the Carpet
Dry the carpet by turning on your fans, or open windows to add circulation and increase airflow. Turn the other side of the rug when you feel the surface has already dried. Drying your rug can take up to 48 hours, depending on how big the area rug is.
Once completely dry, return the rug to its original spot. Life the rug and unroll it. Vacuum again the rug to make sure that there is no dirt left.
When cleaning your area rug, remember to clean the hardwood floors as well. Schedule a thorough cleaning of your rugs and dust your floors regularly. Having a scheduled cleaning will keep both your floor and rug long-lasting & will look good as new.