When it comes to cleaning your area rugs, don’t settle for anything less than a professional rug cleaning. It may be tempting to tackle the problem yourself, but area rugs require a gentle but effective approach to cleaning. PCS Niagara provides professional rug cleaning and repair in Niagara Falls and the surrounding areas.
Regrettably, too many people attempt to clean their own area rugs. Do-it-yourselfers often damage their rugs by scrubbing too hard or using the wrong cleaning solutions and utensils. Don’t take the risk with your area rugs. They are much too special—and often too costly. Have your rugs cleaned professionally on an annual or twice-annual basis, and follow the tips below to keep them in great shape between professional rug cleanings.
As is the case with carpet, the most important thing you can do for larger area rugs is to vacuum them regularly. For reversible rubs, vacuum both sides. This removes grit and grime that can wear out your rug prematurely. Be careful not to vacuum the fringe of your rug.
To remove pet hair, use a stiff brush, brushing in the direction of the nap of the rug. Vacuuming often leaves pet hair behind.
Foot traffic and sun can put extra stress on area rugs. Turning them once or twice a year will even out the wear and keep them looking great for longer.
For small rugs you can take it outside and shake or beat it vigorously to remove dirt and grit.
When your rug becomes stained, time is of the essence. Remember to blot the stain rather than rub. Remove moisture from spills as quickly as possible.
Use a solution of 1 teaspoon liquid dish detergent, 1 quart of warm water, and 1/4 teaspoon of white vinegar. Apply to the stain, rinse, then blot dry.
Apply detergent solution or a citrus-oxygen cleaner, rinse, and blot until dry.
Using the detergent mix above, apply to stain, rinse, and blot. If a stain remains, use a commercial spot carpet cleaner.
Use a dry-solvent spot carpet cleaner for foods such as butter, margarine, or gravy.
Peel off what you can, then put ice cubes in a plastic bag and harden the gum, scraping the gum off with a spoon or dull knife. Vacuum and use a dry-solvent spot cleaner if needed.
Use the same treatment as gum, hardening it with ice cubes in a plastic bag and scraping. Dampen a clean white cloth or cotton ball with rubbing alcohol and blot to remove any remaining wax.
For acrylic and latex paint, while the stain is still wet, spot-clean with the detergent solution. If color remains, dab with rubbing alcohol. For oil-base paint, sponge with odorless mineral spirits, being careful not to soak through to the backing.
Sponge with cool water, dab with detergent solution or a citrus-oxygen cleaner. Rinse with a solution of 1 cup white vinegar and 2 cups of water and blot until dry.
If you encounter stains not covered here or if you have any questions, call PCS Niagara for expert advise from one of our cleaning specialists.
