HOW TO CLEAN A RUG

 Rugs are an essential design element that have the power to transform a room. But from foot traffic to pets, food spills, stains, dirt and water, your beloved rug can take a beating. When it’s time to clean your favorite rug follow the proper steps to ensure your rug lasts for years. Below are multiple methods on how to clean an area rug. If these methods don't get the job done, we recommend contacting a profressional rug cleaner.  

• Check the care label: First things first, read the care label that comes on your rug to know if the rug has any special instructions for cleaning. Antique, persian, and other delicate fiber rugs should be left to the professionals. These rugs are expensive and sometimes impossible to replace and so it is worth it to invest in cleaning by a rug expert.
• Know when to clean: All rugs, no matter the material, are made to live on the floor. Most can be kept looking good with frequent vacuuming and spot cleaning as needed. But eventually your rug may need a little more. When your rug starts to look worn or simply starts to smell a little funky, it’s probably time to clean the rug.
• Shake it out: Start by taking the rug outside and giving it a really good shake. You can even use the old fashioned method of hanging up the rug and hitting it with a broom or racquet. This helps to remove dust and dirt that has been lodged into the fibers of the rug. This especially works well for longer pile rugs (think shag) as vacuums have a hard time pulling dirt from between the fibers.
• Vacuum both sides: Once you’ve given the rug a good shake, vacuum both sides of the rug to remove any remaining dust and dirt.

If your rug is not made to handle a lot of moisture, steam cleaning can be a great method. Steam cleaners come in a variety of sizes and can be purchased or rented. Steam cleaners work by forcing steam into carpets which loosens dirt, dust, mites, and bacteria from the fibers so they can be easily removed from the rug. Steam cleaners don’t require suction because the water from the steam quickly evaporates.

• Be sure to check the label of your rug for care instructions. Vacuum the rug thoroughly on both sides. If the rug is on a hardwood floor move the rug to a carpeted area or to a cement floor. Or, you can place a waterproof barrier under the rug (such as a tarp) to protect the flooring. Follow the instructions on the steamer to fill it with water and a small amount of mild cleaner. Turn on the steamer and allow time for the steamer to warm up. Pro tip: too much soap can ruin a rug so be sure to use only the suggested amount from your steamer instructions.

• Start at one end of the rug and pull the steamer toward you in smooth straight lines, working backward across the rug. Once the rug is cleaned you can help the rug to dry by opening windows or turning on fans. Once the top of the rug is dry, turn it over to dry the back.

Carpet cleaners clean by forcing soapy water into the rug and then immediately sucking the dirty water out. Carpet cleaners come in an assortment of sizes and can be purchased or rented. For spot cleaning and small jobs, a portable handheld carpet cleaner does the job nicely. For bigger jobs, you’ll want to get a machine that’s made to clean large carpets.

• Power washing is not recommended for antique or natural fiber rugs (wool, cotton, jute, sisal, leather, etc). With synthetic fiber rugs (polyester, nylon, etc.), test a small section of the rug to be sure colors don’t run or bleed.

• Use cool water to power wash the rug on a flat surface such as a driveway. Wash the rug in small lines, pushing the dirt to the edges of the rug. Once the rug is completely clean, allow it to dry thoroughly.