26.05.2014
Keeping Area Rugs Clean
With the amount of hard flooring options out there today, area rugs for comfort and as accents have become more popular. As these area rugs naturally become soiled and stained over time, it is worthwhile to consider some things that will help keep area rugs clean, and maintain their look and decorum.
Vacuum regularly. This is the best way to keep clean and protect your area rugs. You can augment vacuuming if the area rug is of manageable size by taking the rug outside and giving it a good shake, even hanging it over something like a clothesline and hitting it with a broom to get out dust and debris. If it is sunny all the better as UV rays are a natural disinfectant. Some area rugs are machine washable which you can’t beat. If it has a latex backing then this is probably the case and the tag may mention this.
To even out wear with area rugs, turn the carpet 180 degrees once in a while to even out the effects of foot traffic. Some carpet, typically flatwovens, are reversible so they can also be turned over once in a while to even out wear.
When stains happen, get to them as soon as you can. Blot up excess moisture with old cloth toweling or with paper toweling. If you can still see the stain then apply a 1/2inch layer of baking soda and tamp it down. Wait 24 hours and vacuum it off. The evaporation process can be a powerful stain remover.
Of course even if you do the best you can, you will probably at some time have to get them professionally cleaned. Steam cleaning and hanging on a plant tower with air assisted drying is the best choice.