How To Clean Area Rugs

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Area rugs, like anything in your home, should be cleaned on a regular basis. Now, don't let the word "regular" panic you — it's a word relative to what you're cleaning. An area rug doesn't need to be cleaned as often as, say, your bedding, but it should be cleaned just as well.

Now, the easiest way to clean a rug, especially a large one, is by hiring a professional rug-cleaning service. This can get pricey, however, depending on the size and type of rug you have. Because you can do the same job yourself, you're basically choosing between whether you want to pay in cash or in labor.

Should you choose labor, you need to follow these steps:

Before you do anything, get as much dirt and whatnot off it as possible. Shake it out, run the vacuum over it, then shake it out again. You should vacuum the rug on a regular basis anyway (be careful of any fringes or snags!), but it's best to do it right before a cleaning so no debris will keep water and cleaner from getting through to the fibers.

Now, if you don't have a lot of stains to worry about, you can spot clean your area rug. Unless the rug is wool, you can use something like OxiClean. Pour it on according to the included directions and press an old (but clean) towel to the stain. Hang it outside to dry, or dry it by hand with a hairdryer.

If this doesn't work you might have to invest in or rent a carpet-cleaning machine. You can get a steam-cleaner or a hot water extractor, which will in most cases work just as well as a steam.

If the area rug is particularly dirty, bring it to a self-service carwash, where you can use the hose to drench the rug and use some of the cleaning solution.

Now that you know the basics of cleaning an area rug, take a look at these tips on how to keep it looking as nice as possible:

Turn the rug 180 degrees every few months so that it gets even light exposure. If it stays in the same position throughout the year, you'll probably notice that parts of it aren't as vibrant as they used to be.

Try to get to spills before they turn into stains. Even a spill of water can do damage to the rug fibers if allowed to sit. Take a hairdryer to any water spills, and for soft or alcoholic drink spills, apply baking soda to absorb the liquid's color for a few minutes. Vacuum up the baking soda and wipe up the stain with a wet towel. Then dry the spot with a hairdryer.

As said before, area rugs don't need to be cleaned super-often. Keep an eye out for stains on yours, and do regular upkeep on it and it should stay looking good as new.

About the Author:
1800GetARug.com is your source for area rugs online, from antique persian rugs to modern hand knotted rugs.



Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com


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