Do It Yourself Rug Cleaning
Area rugs add color and comfort to your home while protecting your floor from scratches, dirt and shoe scuff marks. Some rugs are small and lightweight enough to wash in the washing machine, but others are too large for that method. A rug that's left to accumulate dirt and stains eventually becomes an eyesore in the room rather than a compliment to the decor. Though professional rug cleaning is an option, you can use do-it-yourself methods to clean your rug at home. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Vacuum
- Mild carpet shampoo
- Bucket
- Clean cloths
- Dry cleaning solvent
- Baking soda
- Scissors
Instructions
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1
Shake out small, lightweight rugs outside and or hang them over a fence or rail and beat the rugs to loosen and remove dust.
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2
Vacuum area rugs regularly so dirt doesn't build up. Vacuum area rugs to remove dirt and other substances from the surface and fibers. High-traffic areas will benefit from daily vacuuming, which will keep dirt from accumulating.
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3
Mix two capfuls carpet shampoo with 1/2 gallon warm water in a bucket to make a very mild cleansing solution. Dip a clean cloth in the shampoo solution and wring out the excess water. Blot dirty areas with the clean cloth taking care to rub the carpet fibers very gently.
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4
Rinse carpet by pressing a clean, damp cloth into the rug. Sponge up soap solution before allowing the rug to air dry.
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5
Tackle remaining stains by dabbing them with dry cleaning solvent. Work from the outer area of the stain in toward the middle and continue to sponge the stain until it's gone. Let the rug dry overnight.
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6
Sprinkle baking soda onto the dry carpet to absorb lingering odors. Leave the baking soda on the rug for a few hours or overnight. Vacuum the powder up the next day.
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7
Use sewing or kitchen scissors to trim loose threads from area rugs. Trim loose threads on your rugs so they don't get caught in the vacuum and unravel.
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Tips & Warnings
Wipe up spills as they occur to prevent stains from forming.
Allow mud on rugs to dry then vacuum it up. Dry mud is easier to remove than wet mud that will likely smear around the rug.
Natural fiber rugs such as wool or sisal require a gentle touch when cleaning and as little moisture as possible in order to avoid damaging the fibers.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images David Sacks/Lifesize/Getty Images Jupiterimages/Polka Dot/Getty Images
