We’ve all experienced that moment when we walk into a home and the first thing we notice is the rug. That’s because a rug isn’t just something you add to your space; it’s an integral part of it.
And while they should be easy to maintain, there are actually several important steps that can make a huge difference in how they look and feel.
In this article, we’ll take you through 5 simple steps that will show you how to take better care of your rugs.
1. Vacuum your rugs
Regular vacuuming will remove dirt and dust before it has a chance to build up, making it easier to keep your rugs clean.
Vacuum the stored persian or oriental rug to get rid of any residual odors or dust trapped within the rug fibers. When cleaning your carpet, vacuum first to remove all loose debris such as dirt, food, or hair. To keep the rug free of moisture damage or bugs, be sure to keep it off of your floors.
Using a vacuum with a beater bar or rotary brush will help loosen and remove deep-down dirt and debris. Vacuuming slowly and evenly will ensure that all areas of the rug are cleaned thoroughly.
Be sure to vacuum both sides of the rug if it is reversible.
And finally, paying special attention to areas that get a lot of foot traffic will help prevent dirt and grime from building up in those areas.
2. Spot clean stains with a solution of diluted dishwasher detergent and water
Spot clean your rugs as needed, using a gentle carpet cleaner. Be sure to test the cleaner on an inconspicuous area of the rug first to ensure it won’t damage the fibers.
- To spot clean stains on your rug, mix a solution of diluted dishwasher detergent and water.
- Use a clean white cloth to blot the stain, working from the outside in.
- Rinse the area with clean water and blot dry.
- If the stain is still visible, repeat steps 2-4.
- Once the stain is gone, vacuum the area to restore the pile.
When drying your rugs, do not allow your rug to sit for long periods in an area that is exposed to sunlight, because that will result in fading your carpet.
To dry your rug, put it in direct sunlight for several hours, but do not leave it there longer than this, because prolonged exposure will cause color to fade.
If your rug gets damp from cleaning, allow your rug to dry thoroughly to prevent any issues with mold or mildew afterward. As that would leave you having to go rugs shopping.
3. Store your rugs in a rug caddy in the off-season
Store your rugs in a rugs original caddy in the off-season. Once your rug is clean, roll it up and store it in a cool, dry place.
Properly packing up your rug and keeping it in a temperature controlled area is the best way to make sure that your rug stays in excellent condition and is ready to be unpacked anytime you want. No matter what kind of carpeting or area rugs you have, they need to be fully dried out prior to storage.
Avoid storing it in direct sunlight, as this can cause fading. This will keep them clean and protected from dirt and dust.
4. Clean any pet hair on your rug before storing it for the season.
This will help to prevent the hair from becoming matted and difficult to remove later on.
5. Have your rugs professionally cleaned every one to two years, depending on their usage.
Using the services of a professional South African Rugs and Carpets cleaner will help your carpets stay looking their best for longer. Especially since over time, a dirty rug can not only develop mold and mildew, it also attracts pests. Over time, any amount of humidity, dirt, pet hair, or other particles actually can break down a rug and make it develop mold or mildew. If your carpets or area rugs are stored for a long period of time, mold and mildew will destroy them.
Essentially, whether you are moving into a smaller apartment for the time being, or have an overly large collection of precious Oriental rugs in your current house, you will want to have somewhere secure where your carpets, throws, and cloth flooring can be stored. Whenever possible, store your carpets, rugs, and fabric floor coverings in climate-controlled storage space with no windows. Keeping your carpets and rugs in a climate-controlled facility will keep them safe from extremes of temperature and humidity, as well as fluctuations.
By following these simple steps, you can help to keep your rugs looking their best for years to come.
