Adding warmth, comfort and style, rugs are a sure way to make your house a home. However, in households with muddy paws or young children, they can be subject to a considerable amount of dirt and general mess.
As they can be made from a variety of materials, deciding how to clean a rug effectively can be tricky. However, this shouldn’t stop you from doing it. Regular maintenance make your rug last much longer, improve its appearance and prevent the build-up of dust. In this guide, we will discuss the different methods of rug cleaning and the pros and cons of each type.
Can I clean the rug myself?
This largely depends on the cleaning method you use, and the rug’s material. More delicate fibres such as wool are more likely to become damaged and so we’d recommend that you get these done professionally.
Dry Cleaning
Dry cleaning uses low moisture solutions to effectively clean rugs. This means that they dry much faster so there’ll be no damp feet! It also tends to remove more stains than other methods.
To begin with, the rug should be thoroughly vacuumed. This will remove any loose soils which will be harder to extract once the dry cleaning begins. Solvents are then applied to break down any remaining soil found in the carpet material, and this is combined with a scrubbing action. This will make them much easier to hoover up after the rug has completely dried. It is important to note that woollen rugs will require a milder solution than other rug types due to its delicate nature.
The time taken to complete the process will vary depending on rug size, however the drying time will be significantly faster than steam cleaning. Some solvents might also be quite harsh on the material and the environment, so make sure you check the label before you buy.
Steam Cleaning
Many people believe that steam cleaning relies solely on steam is used to clean your carpet, when in fact this method also uses chemicals. The steam cleaner will spray a solution onto the fabric, the majority of which will then be picked up by a wet vacuum cleaner.
Different cleaning solutions should be used depending on the rug material. Synthetic rug fibres will require an alkaline cleaning substance, whereas wool and natural fibres should be cleaned with an acidic solution. However, these shouldn’t be too strong or they can damage the material.
This method is best when you require a deep and thorough clean, however the speed of dry cleaning makes it the less popular option. They also tend to have
mixed results at removing stains.
Cleaning Sheepskin and Shaggy Rugs
Most rugs can be kept in good condition by regular hoovering, however shaggy and sheepskin rugs can prove a challenge.
Sheepskin Rugs
Sheepskin rugs are naturally dirt resistant, however this doesn’t mean that they never need to be washed. Natural sheepskin rugs can often be put on a low temperature, gentle machine wash. However, if they’ve been coloured then we’d recommend that you wash them by hand.
When cleaning your sheepskin rug, you should use cold or lukewarm water; if it’s too hot it can cause shrinkage. A type of wool detergent should also be on hand as other chemical types may damage the fibres. Immerse your rug in the water, and gently move it around. After a few minutes, remove it and fashion it back into its original shape.
Sheepskin rugs should be allowed to dry naturally and should never be placed on a radiator. Fluff them with a wire brush whilst they’re still damp and again when they’re dry.
Shaggy Rugs
Either steam clean or hand wash your
shaggy rug. If you choose to hand wash it, you should use warm water and a gentle detergent. Leave it to soak for around 25 minutes before rinsing it thoroughly in cold water to remove any detergent. Leave the rug to air dry before returning it to your floor.
Is your rug past its best?
Rug Traders supply a variety of rugs, with options for bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens and hallways.
Browse online today to find the perfect rug for your home.
