Different Types of Rugs, Cleaning Methods – A Definitive Guide
Among our home decorating options, it is entirely possible that you will include rugs in the list. After all, there are plenty of wonders our rugs can do for our homes. Their color, texture, and design can both define a space and enhance our existing home decor. They also provide warmth, prevent slipping, and muffle unwanted noises and sounds made on the floor.
The only catch is, rugs seem to give us a hard job when it comes to cleaning them. It is because different types of rugs also mean different cleaning methods. For example, cleaning a wool rug is different from cleaning a sheepskin rug. You need to consider, first and foremost, the type of fabric of a carpet so as not to spoil its quality, or worse make it unsuitable for giving beauty to your home or doing its function.
So, if you want to know how to clean different types of rugs, this guide is sure to help.
Cleaning Wool Rugs
Wool rugs tend to accumulate lots of dust over time. Sure, you might think of vacuuming them for an easy cleaning process, but a vacuum isn’t enough. You also need to treat them with water to get an optimum cleaning effect.
Here are the steps to follow.
● Dip a sponge in cold water that contains rug shampoo. Squeeze it out, then clean the carpet with the sponge from top to bottom, including its edges.
● Always sponge in the direction of the rug’s nap.
● Splash the rug with cold water, then leave it to dry. Just make sure that you there’s no excess water in the rug and hang it to dry for as long as possible to avoid mildew.
If your wool rug simply needs a spot treatment for stains, you can follow these tips.
● Spread baking soda over the stained area, and then run the vacuum. Baking soda not only removes stains but also excellent in getting rid of the odor.
● If it isn’t effective, dilute a ½ cup of white vinegar with 2 cups of water and ½ trisodium phosphate dish liquid, then rub the stain with a clean sponge.
● Then, rinse the stained area with cold water. This method works on red wine, mud and soil stain.
Cleaning Braided Rugs
Jute rugs are a favorite type of rug, but unfortunately, it is also the kind of carpet that gathers dirt very frequently and can stain badly without the proper cleaning. Its method of cleaning varies from cleaning wool and other fabrics.
To keep jute rugs nice and clean, here are some tips.
● For everyday cleaning, beat the braided rug outdoors to loosen dust and dirt from the fibers.
● To clean stains, mix 1 cup of white vinegar with 1 cup of water, dip a sponge, then rub it over the stained area until the stain is gone. Soap and shampoo are not advisable to clean a braided rug.
● Treat your rug for a full-cleaning at least once a year with a hose. Dry it in the sun for as long as possible.
● For solid spills, scrub your rug with stiff, dry scrub brush to remove the dirt before washing it with water and vinegar.Cleaning Jute RugsJute rugs are a favorite type of rug, but unfortunately, it is also the kind of rug that gathers dirt very frequently and can stain badly without the proper cleaning. Its method of cleaning varies from cleaning wool and other fabrics.
To keep jute rugs nice and clean, here are some tips.
● For stains that are still fresh, use a brush with bristles, dip it in water, and scrub out the stain until it is gone.
● For congealed mud or food, use a knife to scrape it, then scrub it with a brush. After that, vacuum the rug to get rid of the remaining bits and pieces.
● In removing indelible stains and odor in your jute rug, you can treat it with dry-cleaning powder. Spread the powder over the carpet and scrub the stain with dry, stiff brush to remove the stain. Then run a vacuum over to complete the procedure.
Cleaning Sisal RugsSisal, like jute, is a plant fiber. The same with jute rugs, sisal rugs are also prone to gather dirt easily. Therefore, their methods of cleaning are not so different from each other. To clean sisal rugs properly, check out these tips.
● As sisal rugs gather dirt more often, it is advisable to clean them with a vacuum regularly to keep it looking fresh. Just make sure the vacuum cleaner doesn’t seize the edges of the rug so as not to pull the rug apart.
● Spot clean the stain with white cloth right after it happens.
● For solid stains, scrape it with something sharp like a knife or nail file.
● Never steam clean or use water to clean your sisal rug.Cleaning Sheepskin Rugs If you have enough money, you can take your sheepskin rug to the dry cleaners. But if you want to save money you can hand wash your it at home.
Here are some tips.
● Use cold or lukewarm water when washing your sheepskin rug. Never use hot water as it will shrink your rug.
● Add a detergent specially designed for sheepskin fabric. It should be non-alkaline, with no biological enzymes. Never use a standard wool detergent or fabric softeners as they may cause damage.
● Be gentle in hand-washing your sheepskin rug in the foamy water to loosen any dirt.
● Rinse the sheepskin rug twice get rid of the detergent. After that, dry it in a shaded place away from direct sunlight, which can cause your carpet to shrink.
● Fluff the rug while still damp with a bristled sheepskin brush. Brush it again while it is drying and a final brush after it dries up.Cleaning Shag RugsWhile cleaning shag rugs is a bit similar to cleaning wool rugs, there’s still a difference.
Here are some tips you need to know about cleaning your shag rugs.
● For cleaning wine stains out of your shag rugs, mix one tablespoon white vinegar, one tablespoon of liquid dish soap and two cups of warm water. Spot clean the carpet with the solution until the stain is gone.
● For pet stains which are still fresh, use an alcohol-free wipe to remove the stains. This method, however, won’t work if you wait too long.
● Sprinkling a baking soda over the stain then vacuuming it also works for shag rugs. Takeaway Rugs are an outstanding addition to our homes. Not only do they work as a home decor in enhancing the aesthetic appeal of our living spaces, but they also provide a comfortable feeling under our feet. Therefore, cleaning our rugs regularly is the proper way is to give them a refreshing and pure look.
Author Bio:
Janis Walker lives in New York. She loves to write, and she regularly contributes to various blog sites as a guest blogger. Her forte is on lifestyle and home improvement. In her free time, Janis read books and tends to her garden.
Source:
www.boldrugs.com/blog/area-rugs/the-definitive-guide-to-cleaning-area-rugs.html
https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/floor-and-surface-cleaning/how-to-clean-sheepskin-shaggy-wool-rugs