When buying an area rug it is important to know how to properly clean and care for the new decorative and functional piece in your home. Area rugs can range in their own care and needs. As each type of rug is made with a diverse blend of fabrics you must know the needs of your rugs. All too often homeowners will invest in a new area rug and make all too many cleaning mistakes. To ensure your area rug is properly cleaned and cared for, Carpet Care 2000 would like to share a few tips on how to care for area rugs and what mistakes to avoid.
Don’t Scrub an Area Rug Stain to Remove It
One of the most common mistakes made when cleaning area rugs and even carpets is scrubbing too hard at a stain. When cleaning area rugs you never scrub the stain. When you scrub a stain you don’t remove it you are only pushing the stain deeper into the rug and the stain will begin to spread out. When a stain occurs on an area rug you should use a blotting or dabbing motion to soak up and remove the stains. It can be hard to resist the urge to scrub at a stain but it only makes the matter worse.
Avoid Using the Wrong Rug Stain Remover
Not all area rugs will use the same fabrics or blend of fabrics. Due to various blends of fabrics it is important to use the right stain remover or area rug cleaner. If you use the wrong cleaner, it can damage the fibers of the area rug or cause color bleeding or discoloration. When cleaning stains or cleaning the rug in general, it is important to get the right type of cleaner. Most area rugs will have a tag with the fabric type and cleaning recommendations.
Never Skip Vacuuming Area Rugs
Both rugs and carpets need to be vacuumed to remove loose dirt and to stay clean. Too many homeowners neglect vacuuming their area rugs. When you need to remove stains or have the area rug cleaned it is essential that it is vacuumed first. If not vacuumed, the dirt will turn to mud and make the rug stiff and more dirty. Rugs need to be vacuumed just as much as carpets. When caring for area rugs it is important to vacuum them once a week just like you would carpet.
Skipping Rug Spot Test
When cleaning your area rug with a commercial cleaner or a homemade one, many people will not test it before using it. When cleaning your area rug it is very important to test your cleaners before using them as they can have a negative effect on the fabric. Some fabrics will become discolored or the dyes can bleed even when advertised to be safe on your types of rug. It is better to be safe than sorry. When using a cleaner for the first time, make sure to test it in a small discrete spot on the rug. Give it 30 minutes to see if there is any negative reaction.
Area Rug Cleaning, Stain Removal & More in Tracy, Livermore, San Ramon, Dublin, Mountain House, Walnut Creek, Danville & the East Bay of California
Area rugs can be a major investment, depending on its quality. If you wish to leave cleaning and caring of the rug to the professionals, contact Carpet Care 2000 today.
