Spot cleaning your area rug when it gets a little soiled will let you perform major rug cleaning less frequently. Keeping your rugs clean of small spots of dirt will also require you to call in professional rug wash companies less often. You get to save money and energy, and keep your area rug looking decent longer. Spot cleaning also reduces permanent damage.
Leaving small spots of dirt on your rug will also make it more difficult to remove stains later on. You can make use of your area rug longer by regular cleaning and maintenance. Another drawback of leaving stains and dirt on your carpet is making them more prone to moulds and fiber breakdown if your rug is made of organic material. Food stains can also lure pests into your home.
It will be easier to remove stains if you spot clean your rug as spills occur. To be able to do this, you will need a few things like a vacuum cleaner, a soft bristle brush, absorbent rags or towels, mild laundry soap, a couple of spray bottles, a fan, blow dryer or dehumidifier, and carbonated water. If you are cleaning a large spot of dirt, you should consider cleaning the rug outdoors.
Take your carpet outside to shake off loose dirt or vacuum off the dirt if it only affects a small area. If you are removing dirt from tassels, brush off the dirt gently or just shake off the edges of the rug. You can also spoon off debris from the surface. Place a rag or towel underneath the soiled area. Blot the dirty surface with a dry towel if you are cleaning off liquid from the rug.
If you want to remove old stains, you should do a mini rug wash on the dirty spot. Fill your spray bottle with rug cleaning detergent or laundry liquid soap diluted in carbonated water. Fill a second spray bottle with carbonated water only. Place a dry towel or rag below the stained portion. Spray the stain with the soapy mixture and blot it with clean rags or cloth till you see the stain transferred to your rag.
Check the underside to see if the stain bled through the back side. If the stain seeped through the back, spot clean that portion too. Rinse the rug with pure carbonated water. Blot the wet area dry with a clean towel or rag. The rug will still be moist after you blot it dry. Make the rug totally dry by using a fan, blow dryer or dehumidifier. Hang the rug to expose the front and back to the air.
If you find out that the stain cannot be removed with household ingredients and homemade
rug cleaning solutions, it might be a good idea to hire a professional rug cleaning service to clean your carpets or rugs. Professionals use industrial strength detergents and cleaning tools that can get even the toughest stains out. You can also prevent damages by hiring professionals to wash your area rug.
