If you have already decided to replace the carpeting in your house with customized area rugs, then you must in-depth knowledge on how to keep them clean and look well-kept. This, however, may not be as simple as it seems.

Fortunately, with the assistance of some practical, useful cleaning and maintenance ideas, this is one task that fits neatly into your hectic lifestyle.

Pro Tips to Keep Your Rugs Clean 

Many factors contribute to a rug cleaning regimen. These variables are dependent on the size and type of the rugs. Below are some pro tips for the upkeep of your rugs. 

1. Give your rugs some good shaking

Unless the rug is exceptionally huge, do not be afraid to bring it outside and shake it off to remove debris that has not become embedded in the rug’s depths. Even huge rugs could easily roll up and be hauled outdoors with the assistance of another person. By completing this step prior to the deep cleaning operation, you will have eliminated a significant amount of loose dust and grime.

2. Vacuum regularly.

After removing the majority of the loose debris, it is time to get your vacuum cleaner in action. Vacuuming often and thoroughly will be your rugs’ best buddy in terms of retaining their original sheen. It can literally extend the life of the rugs by years.

3. Stains on the rugs must be removed quickly.

If you neglected to address a stain immediately after it occurred, you may require a strong stain removal product that is suitable with the rug’s material but could be dangerous for your health. It would help if you immediately blot the stain from the exterior to the interior and then rinse. Repeat these procedures if necessary until the stain is not visible anymore. Avoid vigorously scrubbing the stained spot, as this may cause irreversible damage to the rug’s fibers.

4. Deep clean the rugs. 

Deep clean all the rugs you have at home at least once a year, depending on the material used to make them. If your rug is getting a lot of foot traffic or if you have small kids and/or pets, a more frequent deep cleaning may be necessary. If the carpets are delicate, they should be hand-washed only. Rugs made of natural fibers should be cleaned gently with mild cleansers and a small amount of warm water. 

5. Rugs must be thoroughly dry before placing them.

Following a deep cleaning, you want to ensure that it is completely dry on both ends. After squeezing out excess water, make use of the sun’s heat or inside fans to expedite the drying process and eliminate the danger of mildew or mold forming.

Practical Tips for Preserving the Quality of Rugs

Apart from keeping your area rugs clean, there are a few more things you could do to preserve the quality of the rugs. Below are the ideas on how to bring out the best in your rugs.

1. Provide quality padding.

After purchasing some lovely rugs, ensure that they are properly padded underneath. This increases comfort, avoids slippage, and contributes to reducing wear.

2. Rotate the rugs on a regular basis.

Rotate the rugs’ orientation at least once a year. Depending on the amount of foot traffic, some people rotate their rugs as frequently as once every six months.

3. Change the arrangement of furniture periodically.

Apart from altering the appearance of a place, rearranging the furniture will disrupt or eliminate natural paths that people normally use. This can significantly extend the life of the rugs.

Step-by-Step Guide In Cleaning Your Rugs

Cleaning methods will differ significantly based on the type of rug in your home. Cleaning an antique rug, for example, would require various products and techniques than cleaning a bamboo or jute rug.

To make your rugs look new and lengthen their lifespan, it is important to identify the type of material that the rug is made and then customize your cleaning procedures accordingly.

1. Follow the cleaning instructions on the tag.

Often, rugs would have a little tag attached to the bottom with instructions on how to clean them properly – check out these instructions first. If your rug does not include a tag with cleaning instructions, you can still search for cleaning instructions online to determine the best method for cleaning the fabric of your rug.

2. Setup a workstation.

Cleaning a rug can be a significant effort. Having a workstation for the cleaning procedure is a smart idea. It is highly recommended to have it in the garage or driveway to avoid creating clutter inside.

3. Procure the necessary cleaning tools.

Several items that you may require to clean an area rug include the following:

• A vacuum

• A brush or a microfiber cloth (depending on the material used in making the rug)

• Baking soda

• Warm water

To start, sprinkle baking soda over your rug and vigorously vacuum it. Use baking soda to deodorize the rug and vacuum thoroughly before washing to ensure that all loose debris is taken out.

After vacuuming your area rug, use a cleaner designed for the material of your rug and gently scrub it with a microfiber cloth or soft-bristle brush.

4. Use the appropriate rug shampoo.

Conduct an online search to choose the ideal rug shampoo for your specific area rug. Consider the rug’s material, style, and color scheme to avoid color bleeding or frayed edges.

5. Wash the rug.

Using the shampoo, pour it on a damp rag or soft brush. Massage it into the rug carefully.

After putting shampoo on your rug, carefully rinse it and hang it to dry. Avoid machine drying your rug; a lot of rugs are too big for non-commercial dryers, and the heat generated by your dryer may cause harm to your rug.

6. Repeat vacuuming.

Once your rug has completely dried, vacuum it once more to keep it looking new.

7. Replace it when necessary.

If a rug still looks unclean or outdated after a thorough cleaning, it may be best to consider tossing the rug out.