To keep the rugs in your home looking new, clean, and in their best condition, you need to keep a few things in mind. For example, any spills on the rug need to be dealt with immediately, and vacuuming needs to be part of your regular housework routine.
Rugs truly are a highlight of your living space's style, but they are also prone to attracting a lot of dirt.
According to leading microbiologists, rug fibers can be home to millions of microorganisms, such as mold spores, pollen, and dust mites. This is why washing rugs regularly is essential and not just part of annual spring cleaning.
Follow these 5 tips from Habitat Carpets to keep your rugs clean and beautiful all year round.
1. Vacuum Rugs Regularly
This may seem quite obvious, but make sure to vacuum your rug at least once a week to remove dirt and debris. Vacuuming prevents dirt from settling deep into the fabric, making it much harder to remove.
Before turning on the vacuum cleaner, gently shake the rug to loosen any debris or dirt trapped in the fibers so the vacuum can pick it up more easily.
It is best to choose the suction-only setting on your vacuum cleaner instead of using a rotating brush or an upright vacuum, because this can damage the rug and cause fiber shedding. Use the nozzle attachment to vacuum the rug gently.
There is also the option of using antibacterial powder that can be sprinkled on the rug to eliminate germs, but first make sure to test it on a small area in case it could damage the material.
Finally, always remember to vacuum the underside of the rug as well, at least once a month.
2. Clean Up Spills Immediately
As soon as liquid is spilled on the rug, blot it up as quickly as possible to make sure the liquid does not soak into the fibers.
Dampen a white cotton cloth and blot the affected area, taking care not to rub, because this can damage the surface of the rug. Keep repeating until all of the liquid has been absorbed.
Once you have cleaned up the spill, let the rug dry completely before placing it back on the floor. This usually takes about three to four hours.
3. Remove Stains
Some rugs resist stains better than others, depending on the type of fabric. Synthetic fibers offer the best moisture resistance, while nylon rugs can be steam cleaned.
A mixture of equal parts white vinegar, dishwashing liquid, and warm water will remove stubborn stains such as coffee, red wine, and mud. However, when removing mud from a rug, the best thing to do is let it dry and vacuum it before cleaning.
4. Try Buying a Washable Rug
If you want to keep your rug super easy to clean, choose one that is machine washable.
5. Protect Your Rug from Pets
Reduce the damage that pets cause to your rug by choosing one that is suitable for dog and cat owners. You may want to use short-pile rugs in dark colors to help hide any scratches or chew marks.
In addition to these 5 tips, you may also want to have your rug professionally deep-cleaned at least once a year to truly improve its cleanliness and appearance.