Carpet Cleaning Guide

Regular Cleaning

Rugs are an integral part of the decor in every home. However, over time, they can accumulate dust, dirt, and bacteria, affecting the aesthetic and hygiene of your space. Cleaning rugs and carpets is an important process that should be performed regularly to maintain a clean and healthy environment. The following instructions will help you keep your rug clean and beautiful forever! Before starting, check the label for any possible special cleaning instructions.

1. Using a Vacuum Cleaner

Use an electric vacuum cleaner or a broom with soft bristles to remove dust and small debris from the rug or carpet. This procedure should be done 2-3 times a week, so that the debris does not sink deep into the rug, making their removal more difficult. In rooms with heavier traffic, such as the kitchen and hallway, daily vacuuming may be necessary. You should use slow, short, back-and-forth movements. For shag-type rugs, if vacuuming is permitted, be sure to set it to low power and be careful not to have any spot on the vacuum nozzle where the rug fibers can get caught.

2. Stain Removal

If your rug has stains, use a liquid cleaner that is suitable for rugs and follow the instructions provided on the packaging. It is advisable to test if the cleaner is suitable by applying it to a small, inconspicuous area of the rug. Once you are sure the cleaner is safe, apply it to a towel cloth and gently blot it onto the stain, using circular or dabbing motions, without rubbing it. Finally, wipe the stain with a clean cloth or a soft brush. To find the ideal cleaner for each stain, refer to the table at the end of the article. It is best to treat stains as soon as possible and not wait for them to dry, as they will mix with dust and become even more difficult. If food drops, make sure to pick it up with a spoon, carefully passing it under the stain, and then follow the blotting procedure. For liquid stains, absorb as much liquid as possible using paper or towels. To clean the stain, follow movements from the outside towards the inside, so as not to spread it. If the stain persists, contact a professional cleaner. 

3. Deep Cleaning

For a deeper clean, you can use a rug or carpet steamer. Follow the instructions that come with the device and ensure it is completely dry before placing the furniture back on the rug. Be careful to follow the steps above before using steam to deep clean your rug, as if the rug is not clean there is a risk that the stains may penetrate deeper into the pile due to the high temperature. Also, you can use mild soap and water and rub the rug with a soft brush, so as not to destroy its fibers. Do not overdo it with the use of water and ensure the water is lukewarm or cold and not hot. Alternatively, spread a light layer of baking soda, leave it for about 1-2 hours, and then vacuum it with the electric vacuum cleaner. This procedure can take place every one to two times a month. 

4. Drying the Rug

After cleaning, allow the rug to dry completely before you start using it again. Open windows or use a fan to speed up the drying process, but ensure it happens naturally. It is best for it to dry in a warm environment. Do not place it in the sun, as there is a risk of its color fading. Lay it out horizontally for two days so that the water escapes evenly and the weave of the fibers is not distorted or pulled.

Annual Cleaning

Most rug cleaning services recommend that rugs be deep cleaned once a year. This time is usually when you replace your summer rugs with your winter ones. This cleaning is extremely important, as if you store your rugs dirty, the accumulation of microorganisms can cause damage to the rugs and make them unhygienic. Using a solution that you can prepare yourself, with a neutral detergent for very sensitive clothes, in a ratio of one tablespoon to 5 liters of lukewarm water (make sure the detergent is completely dissolved), brush the rug along the direction of the pile with a soft brush dipped in the solution. Rinse with clean lukewarm water. Pay special attention to the final rinse, so as not to leave traces of detergent on the rug. The second method is to create a mixture with one teaspoon of dish soap, one teaspoon of vinegar, and one cup of water and apply it to the rug with a spraying device. Do not pour a large amount of liquid that will soak the rug. Then wipe the rug with a damp cloth. For drying, follow step 4 mentioned previously. 

Washing a Rug in the Washing Machine

There are certain rugs that can be washed in the washing machine. These are usually small machine-made rugs that can fit into the drum of the washing machine. To make sure your rug can be machine-washed, you must read the label with the cleaning instructions from the manufacturer. First, ensure that your rug fits in the washing machine and then  vacuum it with the electric vacuum cleaner to remove small debris and dust, and if you encounter stains, pre-treat them following the corresponding instructions mentioned above. If your rug has fringes or other tufts that may get caught in the drum, causing problems for the rug, make sure to place it in a special laundry bag to protect it. Then, select the temperature and detergent recommended by the manufacturer, although mild cleaners and gentle cycles are usually recommended. Always wash the rug alone in the washing machine, even if there is space to add other rugs or clothes. Then dry your rug evenly and away from the sun. To speed up drying, you can use a brush and remove as much water as possible. 

Washing a Rug with a Hose

The instructions in this paragraph again concern machine-made rugs for which cleaning with water is allowed. The first thing you have to do is make sure the manufacturer allows you to wash your rug this way, by checking the corresponding rug label. Choose the appropriate detergent, put it on a cloth or sponge, and wipe the surface of the rug, gently rubbing. Wet the rug using the hose and repeat the rubbing with the sponge or a soft brush. Leave the rug in this state for 2-3 hours for the cleaner to act, and then rinse thoroughly with clean water. Repeat the process if necessary. Finally, ensure that the rug dries  evenly and away from the sun. 

Tips for a Brighter and Fresher Rug:

• Dissolve 2 tablespoons of ammonia in one cup of water, spread the mixture, and rub with gentle movements. This process will eliminate unpleasant odors from your rug, making it smell like new.
• If you only want to freshen up your rug and make it look brighter, put 3 cups of water and 1 cup of white vinegar in a bowl. Vinegar will revitalize the colors in your rug and effectively tackle stains. In case there are stubborn stains, add an extra cup of white vinegar to the above mixture. 
• Regular cleaning with a vacuum cleaner or a common soft-bristled broom, as well as avoiding walking on the rug with shoes, will help maintain its cleanliness.
• If your rug's pile has been flattened due to long-term storage, vacuum it regularly, and it will return to normal after a few days. Heat will accelerate this process. 
• Choose rugs with non-slip backings, as these do not show damage due to friction with the floor. 
• It is advisable to rotate your rugs or change their position so that they receive similar use across their entire surface and do not show unevenness from one area to another. 
• If you notice threads or yarns protruding, do not pull them because you may unravel the rug even more! Use scissors and carefully cut them. 
• When cleaning the rug with the vacuum cleaner, reduce the power when you reach the fringe area, as high power in that specific spot can cause damage. If you judge the fringes to be very sensitive, avoid vacuuming them. 
• Do not allow furniture to rest on your rugs for a long period, because damage may occur that may be irreversible. Change the position of your furniture frequently.
• If possible, shake out your rug two or three times a week to remove pollutants and dust. The use of gloves and a face mask is recommended when shaking it out. 
• You can subject your rug to a waterproofing process, which will make its maintenance easier. Waterproofing should be repeated after every deep cleaning. 
• During storage, it is preferable to place the roll horizontally on the ground. If this is not possible, you can place a stiff piece of cardboard that protrudes from the edge of the rug when rolling it up, so that the side of the rug is not pressed onto the ground.

Cleaning Handmade Rugs

1. Although handmade rugs are usually more durable than machine-made ones, they require more careful cleaning. Handmade rugs cannot be washed in a washing machine, nor with running water. The process of cleaning handmade rugs with water is recommended to be done by specialists once every two years, and only if the manufacturer allows it.
2. Most handmade rugs can be safely vacuumed with a vacuum cleaner. The frequency of this procedure depends on factors such as the intensity of the rug's use, as well as its density. The denser the weave of the rug, the less often you will need to vacuum it. Silk rugs, which are particularly delicate, can be cleaned using a dusting brush instead of a vacuum cleaner.
3. For a deeper clean of the handmade rug, add water and vinegar to a bowl in a 3 to 1 ratio, and then dip a brush into the solution and run it over the rug in the direction of the pile. Do not soak your rug too much and let it dry in a shady place, as the sun can damage it. 
4. For storing the handmade rug, you should first clean it with a vacuum cleaner, and you may optionally shake it out. Then roll it up. If you store the rug folded and not in a roll, unwanted creases will appear. To prevent moths from appearing on the rug, you can use camphor or naphthalene, but be careful not to let this chemical compound touch the rug directly. 

Cleaning Jute Rugs

Jute rugs are a very popular choice for rugs in recent years, which is perfectly logical as they are aesthetic rugs that bring vitality and freshness to the decor. Although they are durable, they require special cleaning, as they are extremely sensitive to water. Therefore, their cleaning should be done using other methods that do not require the use of water. 

1. Regular Cleaning of Jute Rugs

For the regular cleaning of jute rugs, weekly vacuuming with an electric vacuum cleaner is essential. This way, you will remove debris and dust from your rug and prevent them from penetrating deeper. Select a low suction setting on the vacuum and make movements in the direction of the weave. Do not choose vacuums that use water or steam, as they may damage the rug. For a deeper clean and to remove unpleasant odors, you can sprinkle a powder mixture on your rug, consisting of one cup of baking soda and 1-2 tablespoons of laundry detergent powder. After letting the mixture act for 15-20 minutes, vacuum it with the electric vacuum cleaner. If you notice fibers protruding from your rug, do not pull them, as it is likely to unravel the rug, causing damage. Use scissors and cut the fibers carefully. You can also shake out your rug to remove debris and dust, while simultaneously making it fluffier. To kill the microbes living in your rug, you can leave it in the sun for 4-5 hours. 

2. Removing Liquid Stains on a Jute Rug

The removal of liquid stains or water on a jute rug must be done immediately. The longer the liquid remains on the rug, the more likely it is to cause damage or mold. Use paper or a dry cloth to blot the liquid and absorb as much as possible. Then, check if the liquid has reached the back side of the rug and, if necessary, repeat the blotting on that side as well. Next, use a hairdryer, keeping it at a distance of 10-15 cm from the rug, to dry the stain. Subsequently, air out your rug and only use it when you are sure it has completely dried. Sometimes, the rug may appear to have dried, but it is possible that it retains moisture internally. This specific tactic is not effective for wine and balsamic vinegar stains. If the stain does not clean and you want to risk it, you can use a mixture of vinegar and water in a one-to-one ratio and spray it on the stained area. Then, follow the procedure above. In this case, there is a risk that the stain will be removed, but a mark may be created by the vinegar. 

3. Dry Cleaning Jute Rugs

Various specialized cleaning powders for dry cleaning jute rugs are available commercially. If you choose to clean your rug this way, you should do so carefully and strictly follow the instructions provided by the cleaner's manufacturer. During the cleaning process, wear gloves and a mask to protect yourself from the chemical elements of the powder. Sprinkle the powder on the rug, gently brush it to penetrate deeply, and then vacuum the powder using an electric vacuum cleaner. 

Possible Stains and Indicative Cleaning Options

It is almost impossible for a rug not to get stained. Therefore, you have surely found yourself in that moment where you need to clean a stain from your rug. The process of cleaning a rug depends on the type of stain and the material of the rug. The following describes cleaning methods for some of the most frequent stains on rugs. 

Coffee Stain

If coffee spills on your rug, you must act fast! An effective method is using glycerin. Absorb as much coffee as possible with a paper towel or a damp cloth and then apply a little glycerin to the stain. If you do not have glycerin, you can use a solution of dish detergent or vinegar and remove the stain with a sponge. If you do not manage to act immediately and the stain dries, you should use baking soda. Sprinkle a little baking soda over the stain area and rub it with a toothbrush, then let it act for 30-40 minutes. Next, use a vacuum cleaner to suck up the soda and the stain residues. If you see that the stain persists, repeat the procedure. 

Wine Stain

The wine stain is a difficult stain, especially if we do not deal with it immediately. After absorbing as much wine as possible with paper or a damp cloth, use salt or baking soda and place it over the stain to absorb the liquid. This process may take several hours. Once the stain is absorbed, vacuum the salt or baking soda. Then, rub the spot with a sponge that has dish soap lather on it. Alternative treatment methods include using shaving foam, which you then rinse with water, or using soda containing carbonation, which will break down the wine pigments, preventing the stain from remaining in the rug fibers. 

Chewing Gum Stain

Chewing gum has the characteristic of getting tangled in fibers and sticking to them, making its removal very difficult. If the gum does not come off with detergent, use an ice cube to cool it. Then remove it using a knife if necessary. If residues remain, remove them using acetone. 

Wax Stain

If wax dripped onto your rug, do not panic and do not try to remove it with a sharp object, as this will leave residue on the rug and may damage it. Let the wax dry and cool it with an ice cube. Then place blotting paper or a paper bag or newspaper over the stain and iron over the paper with a warm temperature and you will notice that the stain will come off. 

The following table contains indicative cleaning methods for each stain:

To choose the perfect rug for you, consult the corresponding rug buying guide of designdrops and visit our category rugs to find rugs, carpets, and many other quality products at unbeatable prices!