If stains on your area rugs are piling up or there are deep-rooted problems with dust, it’s time for a full cleaning. You just need the right tools, cleaner and approach.
Here are some ideas of how to clean area rugs:
- Pick a day when the forecast is clear and sunny, and set up a station to clean your rugs. Summer is an excellent time to clean your rug because you’ll need to do it outdoors. Try not to set up over the lawn, as you don’t want any cleaners soaking into the grass. Remember that rugs are usually quite heavy. If you have two trees, you can stretch bungee cords or thick rope between them and hang it.
- Vacuum on both sides. Vacuum the fibers, then flip the rug over and vacuum the other side to remove any lingering dust. When it’s already clean, it’s time to roll it up carefully and take the rug outside to your cleaning station. Prop it up at the station with the right side facing you. If your rug is still dusty at this stage, you can beat it with a broom handle or similar tool to knock even more dust out.
- Test some carpet shampoos. Always test out the carpet shampoo before you apply it to the whole rug. Apply a little to a small corner or patch, mix in some water, and let it settle for a few hours. Go back and rinse that spot off.
- Wash the rug and apply the shampoo. Pull out the garden hose and give your rug a good rinse.
Pro tip: Don’t worry about getting it too wet, you need to prepare it well for the shampoo application. Using a sturdy brush with a stout handle, work the shampoo deep into the carpet fiber. - Rinse the rug. Read the directions and leave the shampoo on your rug for as long as indicated. When the time comes, hose down the rug again.
- Dry it. Try to wring the rug as much as possible to get rid of all the excess water.
Pro tip: A squeegee can help with this step. After that, your rug will still be very wet and you’ll need to wait for it to dry completely before moving it back inside your house.
Here at O’Dry Cleaners we have years of area rug cleaning experience. Do not hesitate to contact us when you want to have your rug cleaned.