6 Tips For Cleaning Area Rugs

Area rugs can really make a room pop, but depending upon where they are in a room, they might have a tendency to get dirty. They can be magnets for dust and oil from all those bare feet walking on them. To keep your rugs in tip-top shape, and to keep them from wearing out too soon, these tips might come in handy.

1. Use the Vacuum

   Area rugs should be vacuumed regularly to keep them free from dust and debris. Reversible rugs need to be vacuumed on both sides. If you have cats or dogs, vacuuming might not get all the pet fur and dander out, but using a brush and brushing against the grain might do the trick.

2. Shake It out

   This is a tried and true method your granny probably used for carpet cleaning. If you can take your rug outside, just give it a good shaking. Make sure it’s not windy out or you might end up with a face full of dust and dirt. If you have a clothesline, you could hang it there and give it a few good whacks with a rug beater.

3. Give It a Hand Wash

   A small bucket of warm water and a stiff brush are the perfect tools for giving your area rugs a thorough hand washing. Adding some vinegar to the water will make your rugs smell clean and fresh, and restore the shine to tired fibres.

4. Call the Cleaners

   If you’re unsure about how to wash your rugs yourself, call a reputable carpet cleaning company to do the job. This might be best anyway if you have very expensive rugs like Persian or Oriental rugs. You wouldn’t want to ruin the delicate fibres.

5. Machine Wash

   Smaller area rugs might do well in the washing machine, although placing them in a mesh washing bag is a good idea. Wash on a cool setting and let them go through an extra rinse cycle to make sure all the soap rinses out. Before throwing them in the washer, read any labels to make sure they’re washer safe.

6. Sprinkle the Powder

   Rugs that are made from any kind of hides or fur do well being cleaned with unscented powder. Pour talcum powder on them and let it sit for a couple of hours. Brush the powder through and shake it out. The backs can be cleaned with warm water and mild soap and rinsed with a damp cloth.