How to Clean your Rugs without Damaging them

T

Rugs are decorative elements that can easily get worn out over time. Plus, they collect dirt from our shoes and dust from the environment, so it’s important to clean them regularly. In this article, we’ll show you how to clean your rugs without damaging them.

Keeping rugs clean is a lot of work.  They gather dirt, often contain mites, and are the first places to get stained if you drop food or drinks.

So, cleaning them correctly and maintaining them regularly will keep your rugs looking great for longer, meaning you can show them off in all their glory – especially if they’re Persian rugs.

How often should you clean your rugs?

There’s not really any definitive answer to this question. While it is true that you need to get in the habit of cleaning them regularly, that doesn’t necessarily mean giving them a deep clean every week.

If you can give your rugs a deep clean a couple of times a year, that will be more than enough, provided that you carry out good general cleaning and maintenance, eg. vacuuming your rugs every week.

Another good habit to get into is to make sure you pick up anything that falls on your rug. We often drop crumbs, liquids, foods etc. when we eat. This means that food waste can quickly build up, and even leave marks on your rugs.

Step 1: Shake out the dust

If you have large rugs, you probably won’t be able to simply put them in the washer. So, if you don’t want to go to the cleaner’s, you’ll have to find a way to wash them yourself. The first step is to get rid of all the dust:

• Take your rug out to your patio, and hang it from a washing line or rope so that it’s suspended off the ground. Then, hit it with a broom or another hard object to beat out the dust. Be sure to do this carefully so that you don’t damage your rug. If you don’t have a patio, do it on your terrace, garden, or another outside area.
• If you have a small carpet, you can simply shake it to get rid of all the exterior dirt and dust.
• Finally, leave it out in the fresh air for a while to aerate and get rid of any odors.

Step 2: wash with water and cleaning product

The best way to get dirt out of your rug is to use a mixture of water and cleaning product, making sure to use one specially designed for rugs. But how can you get the best results?

• Once you’ve gotten rid of the dust and aired out your rug, wet it thoroughly with plenty of water. If it’s really dirty, you can use a hose or bucket to pour on water. Otherwise, you can simply go over the surface with a damp cloth until it’s clean.
• Don’t stop until you’ve been over every inch of your rug. You have to clean the entire surface, and make sure to get rid of any marks or stains.
• Finally, leave it to dry in the open air. Obviously, it’s best to try and clean your rugs in the summer months when it’s sunny, as it’s a lot more difficult to do this in cold or wet months when it won’t dry as quickly.

Step 3: check and place

Once you’ve done all that, return your rug to its original place and check you’ve got the result you wanted. To do this, have a good look over the entire surface, run your hands over it, and look for any traces of dirt or spots you’ve missed.

If you find any dirt, you can clean it in situ, meaning you don’t have to take it back outside to start the cleaning process all over again.

A clean rug means a happy home

Don’t forget that your rug forms part of your decor. Although it serves to make your floor warmer and more comfortable, it also contributes to the style and look of your home.

Now you can enjoy your spotlessly clean, stain-free rug. When it comes to your home, the most important thing is that you feel happy and comfortable.