How to Clean an Area Rug at Home

There are several different methods that you can use to clean an area rug. These methods include vacuuming, squeegeeing, and using baking soda. Each method has its own benefits, so you can choose the best one based on your particular situation. These methods are easy to follow and are all very effective in cleaning your area rug.

Spot cleaning

If you’re concerned that a spill or a pet accident has ruined your rug, you could try spot-cleaning it yourself. To do this, firstly gather your supplies. These are; white cotton towels, a soft bristle brush, a small bowl, a sponge, and dishwashing liquid or baking soda.
Spot cleaning an area rug is easy. First, lift a corner of the rug and shake it. This will release a cloud of dust. Next, run your hand across the face of the rug, making a circular motion. If you see dust and dirt on your palm, it’s likely the rug is dirty. You can also check the backing of the rug to determine if any dirt is embedded deep into the fabric. After the stain or spill is removed, apply gentle, even pressure to the stain to absorb the liquid. Then, pat dry with a dry, clean cloth.

Besides spot cleaning, you should regularly vacuum your area rug. This will prevent dirt and dust from accumulating inside the fibers and make them look nicer between cleanings. Spot cleaning should be done every 12 to 18 months, depending on the type of area rug you have. You can also opt for a more intensive cleaning once a year.

After spot-cleaning an area rug, you can use a wet-dry vacuum or a hose to remove water from the surface. Rinsing it thoroughly with water should remove any excess solutions that you may have used and leave a spot-free surface. To dry the rug, simply roll it in a clean towel or use a wet-dry vacuum. Always remember to blot the rug between rinsings to prevent it from soaking up too much water.

Vacuuming

Area rugs, or shag rugs, are an excellent way to add color and protection to your floor. They also provide additional warmth in the colder months. Over time, however, they will need to be cleaned. Vacuuming can keep dust and debris from getting into the rug. However, this will not remove any stains or other dirt from the rug.

The best method for vacuuming an area rug is to pre-treat it first. Make sure that the area rug is not wet or too dry. Using a dust mop can also be effective. Vacuuming a rug with sprinkled over baking soda can remove odors and dirt.

When vacuuming an area rug, it is best to work in sections. Try to vacuum your rug at least once or twice a week for optimum cleanliness. For high-traffic areas, then obviously vacuum more often. When vacuuming an area rug, be sure to check its edges and fringes for loose dirt. If they aren’t clean, you may need to use a broom to remove debris. The last thing you want to do is get the corner of the rug stuck in the vacuum cleaner and cause damage!
When using a vacuum, be sure to avoid using the beater bar. This can damage rugs with long fibers. If you use a vacuum that features this feature, make sure to turn it off before vacuuming. You should also avoid rushing to finish vacuuming an area rug, if you go slowly then the vacuum will be able to pick up as much dust and dirt as possible

Before vacuuming an area rug, prepare the room and the rug. Make sure that the floor is free of clutter and pets. Then, use a vacuum with a cleaning head made of bristles which will get rid of the bulk of the dirt and pet hair.

Squeegeeing

Squeegeeing an area rug is an effective way to remove excess water and dirt. Squeegees have a rubber-edged blade and should be used in the direction of the nap of the rug. After cleaning an area rug, rinse it off thoroughly with buckets or a garden hose. The runoff water should be clear.

Use mild soap to clean the rug. Always test a small area first to ensure there will be no color bleeding. If the stains are particularly strong, consider getting the rug cleaned by a professional. When applying a cleaning solution, blot the stain first with a white towel. Squeegeeing also helps loosen compacted fibers.

While squeegeeing to clean area rugs may be an effective way to remove dust, you should be aware of the fact that the fibers and threads will get compacted or squished. After completing the cleaning, you can vacuum the rug and brush it dry with a soft bristle brush.

How to Clean a Rug with Baking Soda

Baking soda is an inexpensive and powerful cleaner and deodorizer. Using it on your area rug will help keep it looking its best. To use it, sprinkle a little over the area rug. Then, follow up with a spray of white vinegar or hot water. Leave it to dry for a few hours before vacuuming it again.

Baking soda will absorb odor and dampness, it is also useful for removing pet odor leaving a fresh smell. Be careful when handling baking soda as it can irritate the skin and eyes. Also, be sure to avoid spills on children or pets. If you accidentally spill it, baking soda will remain in the fibers and may stain it so make sure you thoroughly vacuum it afterward or beat it with a stick or broom handle etc.

Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a common cleaning ingredient. It is inexpensive and can be found at most grocery stores. It is also a versatile, multipurpose product that can be used on a variety of surfaces. It is not only a safe cleaning solution for rugs, but it can also be used to remove stains, kill bacteria, and eliminate odors.

Another benefit of baking soda is that it is an effective anti-flea product. It will kill flea larvae and eggs that are living in the carpet. It is also effective in treating fleas on pet bedding. You can sprinkle a little baking soda over the bedding once a week to eliminate fleas during allergy season. Baking soda can also help neutralize odors. Just make sure that you vacuum the carpet after using baking soda.

While baking soda can help with most stains, large stains and odors may require the assistance of a professional.

Drying

After cleaning an area rug, it needs to dry and air completely before being moved back into your home. This process may take several days, depending on the size. You can set up a dehumidifier or use multiple fans to allow the air to circulate through the rug.
When the rug is fully dried, you will notice that it will no longer feel damp or clingy when you squeeze it. You could also give it a final vacuum. The fibers of the rug may look flat and un-raised after cleaning, but a thorough vacuuming will bring back the luster.

If it is extremely wet, you can use towels or other absorbent material to blot it. Once you have done this, place the rug in between two layers of towels. When they are saturated, you should wring them out. If the water remains, you can use a squeegee to remove the excess water.

If the weather is warm, you can hang the rug outdoors to dry. You should make sure to place it in a warm, sunny location to allow it to dry properly. For large rugs, you should also hang them over an over-the-line rack system so that air can circulate on both sides.

If you have a rug made of fur, sheepskin, or hair-on-hide, you can try talcum powder to get rid of the stain. Just make sure to test a small area of the rug first to check whether it runs colors. If it does, you should take the rug to a professional cleaner. Always be sure to test the rug first before applying any type of cleaning solution.