Rug Cleaning – Do-It-Yourself Versus Professional Rug Cleaning

Rug cleaning is often the most neglected and ignored aspect of rug care. The fact is that it’s one of the most important, simply because a dirty rug will not only be unsightly, but it can also have a negative impact on your health. Because of this, it’s vital to learn the best rug cleaning methods.

One of the most common rug cleaning practices is vacuuming. But while it’s a good idea to vacuum on a regular basis, it’s important not to just jump in there and vacuum it with all of your power. Instead, work in small sections and use quick, even strokes. If you do have a particularly stubborn stain, try blotting the area with paper towels or absorbent cloth first and allow the area to air dry before moving on to rug cleaning.

Once you’ve finished vacuuming, take a sponge or brush and dampen the area. Work a few circular motions until the water dries. This is a key step in rug cleaning, as when the rug is damp it allows the carpet fibers to move more easily through the fibers of the rug, thus resulting in a tighter nap. If it’s particularly dirty or there is any sign of mold or mildew, lightly dampen the area again and give it some time to dry. It’s very important to allow drying time between steps as getting the rug clean isn’t something you can do in a few minutes.

If the rug is relatively new and the dirt hasn’t set in yet, take a mild dish detergent and mix it with warm water. Pour this over the entire rug area and allow it to sit for approximately ten minutes. Then thoroughly rinse it with hot, clean water. Be sure to rinse all of the detergents out of the rug and then give it a quick hose down to get any excess detergent out.

For heavily soiled areas or rugs that have an odor, consider using a diluted bleach solution. Use a small amount and blot the rug to dry instead of rinsing it. When you have blotting chores out of the way, spray the area lightly with bleach and rinse it, are careful to allow it enough time to dry thoroughly. You should also consider using carpet cleaning products to take care of stubborn stains or odors, as these products work to break down the stain and get it to break up on its own.

When you’re finished with your rug cleaning, take a look at your rug. If it looks visibly grimy, you may want to consider either refinishing it or giving it a coat of protective sealant to protect it from future damage. The best method by far is to let the rug to dry completely on its own before having it professionally cleaned. Professional rug cleaning services are great for getting rid of stains, but if there’s a stubborn stain, you’ll want to go with the home remedies because they work faster and don’t leave a lasting residue. When it comes to the cost, it is generally much less expensive to clean a rug yourself than to have professional cleaners do it.