Regular vacuuming (ideally twice a week) is a must-do to keep your rugs looking and smelling fresh. But what about when you don’t have a carpet cleaner?
Check the tag to see what kind of material your rug is made of so you can use a cleaning solution that won’t damage it. Then follow these simple home hacks to keep your rugs clean and looking great.
Vacuuming
Vacuuming your rug regularly is a simple yet effective way to maintain its cleanliness. Regularly sweeping and vacuuming removes loose dust, dirt, pet hair, food particles and other particles, which helps improve your home’s indoor air quality and reduces allergen build-up.
Regular brushing and shaking out your rug is another important method for removing external contaminants and maintaining its appearance. This dry technique effectively ejects dust and dirt from the fibers of your carpet and can liberate as much as 80% of dried soil specks, resulting in improved indoor air quality.
When stains are present on your area rug, it is recommended to spot-clean them as soon as they occur. If they are fresh, blot them with clean white towels or microfiber cloths to absorb the stain before it has time to set.
Some rugs may require more extensive cleaning techniques, such as a mixture of dish soap and white vinegar for dark stains or a solution of baking soda and borax for pet stains. Always test any cleaner on a small portion of your carpet to make sure it doesn’t cause damage or discoloration.
When your rug is completely dry, you can re-vacuum it to remove any remaining dirt and debris. If you have a portable vacuum cleaner, this is the ideal time to use it. Alternatively, you can hang your area rug outside on a rail, balcony or clothesline and beat it with a broom handle to help break up the dirt and re-suspend it.
Spot Cleaning
Maintaining a clean home with rugs can necessitate regular vacuuming and spot treatment. There are several natural compounds that can be used to remove specific stains from carpets without the use of water. For dark stains, you can use a mixture of vinegar and dish soap, as well as baking soda, to remove dirt and dust.
Various commercial stain removers can also be purchased, but it is a good idea to test any of these on a small section of the carpet before applying them to the entire surface. When blotting a stain, make sure to use white cloths so that the stain does not transfer to the carpet and to avoid scrubbing, which can cause a permanent hole in the fibers.
For blood stains, club soda poured on a clean cloth can be effective. Likewise, blotting wine or beer spills with clean paper towels can prevent the spots from setting in. If a stain has already been set, a clean cloth can be dabbed with a deodorizing cleaner that includes essential oils such as lavender or geranium.
These are available in spray bottles and are often made from natural ingredients to reduce the chances of harming the fabric. Some of these can even be used to clean pet stains from the carpet, but you should always check with your veterinarian to ensure that the chemicals are safe for your pets.
Drying
The dirt and dust that gather on the surface of rugs can pollute the air in homes, as well as create an ideal hiding spot for bacteria to grow. Learning effective cleaning techniques allows homeowners to keep their rugs clean without harsh chemicals.
Regular vacuuming prevents dirt and dust from being pushed deeper into the carpet fibers, while spot cleaning helps eliminate stubborn stains or bad smells. The use of natural products is also a great option for those who want to avoid the chemicals found in commercial carpet cleaners, especially when they have sensitive skin or pets at home.
Before vacuuming, shake the rug to remove surface debris and dirt. If the rug is too large to be shaken outside, a vacuum cleaner that can handle thick rugs may be necessary. Once the vacuuming is complete, blot the area with dry towels or an absorbent microfiber cloth to lift excess moisture and stains.
If a natural DIY carpet cleaner is being used, spot-test it on an inconspicuous part of the rug to ensure that it will not cause discoloration or damage to the fibers. If the homemade cleaner works as intended, apply it evenly to the rug and agitate it using a stiff brush or scrub it with a sponge. Once the carpet is cleaned, blot it with dry towels to blot away the remaining moisture and let it air dry. If possible, open windows and turn on fans to speed up the drying process.
Preventing Stains
Whether you have kids or pets running around, carpets and rugs are a trap for dust particles that are hard to breathe and even more so for bodily fluids (not to mention the odors they carry). Regular cleaning not only preserves their visual appeal but also safeguards the well-being of the occupants.
One of the most effective ways to keep your rug clean is to prevent stains as they occur. Use door mats to reduce the amount of dirt brought into the home, and make sure guests and family members wipe their shoes before entering. Regular vacuuming is a must, and spot cleaning should be done as soon as a stain occurs. When a spill does happen, blot it immediately with paper towels to minimize its effect and avoid the formation of an ugly, darkened area.
If a stain does set, it can usually be removed by using one of the many green cleaners on the market. For instance, baking soda is a multi-use cleaning product that can banish unpleasant odors and lift oil-based stains. It is a good idea to apply any cleaning solution to one inconspicuous part of the rug before applying it to the whole surface.
Alternatively, you can mix equal parts borax and salt to make a paste, which you then apply to the stained areas. This method works just as well as commercial powdered carpet cleaners but doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals that might damage the rug fibers or irritate your skin.
Final Touch!
If you have no idea about all this, then you can collaborate with Hagop Manoyan. He has a huge collection of antique rugs and will also assist you with cleaning tips and tricks. Therefore, don’t waste your time if you don’t have any rug cleaner. Read this guide, and let’s get started!