Best Way to Clean an Area Rug
The best way to clean an area rug is to vacuum it thoroughly. It's important to be thorough, as debris may accumulate on the fiber side of the rug, and underside, too. After vacuuming, take the rug outside to beat it. Then, use a squeegee or a garden hose to remove stains.
Vacuuming an area rug
There are many benefits to vacuuming an area rug. For one, it helps to reduce allergens. The thick fibers of an area rug can harbor dust mites whose skeletons are dangerous if inhaled. Shaking an area rug can also loosen up dirt and debris. Before vacuuming, hang the rug to remove any loose debris.
If you have a soft-bristled broom, you can rub baking soda on the fibers of the rug. This will neutralize the acidic or basic odors in the rug. You can also use baking soda to remove stains. It helps neutralize odors by normalizing the pH balance in the area. It also acts as a scrubbing agent and helps remove dirt from pile fibers.
Vacuum the backside of an area rug twice a year. This will remove dust and debris, as well as preventing the growth of beetles and moths. Regular use of an area rug is also beneficial in controlling their numbers. Buying a moth repellent and Cedarwood balls are also great ways to get rid of moths.
Using a squeegee
When cleaning an area rug, it's a good idea to start by removing excess water with a squeegee. This tool has a rubber-edged blade and can be used to wring excess water from the rug. While using the squeegee, be sure to pull the rug in the direction of the nap so the water will drain. You should also lay the rug flat so it can dry properly. Flipping the rug over to allow it to completely dry can help loosen compacted fibers.
To test if your cleaning solution is compatible with your rug, test it on a small area first. To avoid damaging the fibers, make sure not to over-wet the area rug by using too much solution. It's also important to use water that doesn't contain any soap suds. After using the solution, rinse your rug with clean water to remove the excess.
Using a garden hose
Using a garden hose to clean your area rug can be a convenient way to clean your rug. You can either use a hose fitted with a spray nozzle or fill a bucket with clean water. Then, rinse the area rug thoroughly with the garden hose. This will ensure that no soap residue remains. You can also use a squeegee to remove excess water.
Before you use a garden hose to clean an area rugs, you must check the care instructions on the rug. If the material is synthetic, then you should apply soap or shampoo to the fibers. If it contains dye or bleach, then you should take it to a dry cleaner. If the area rug is made from wool, then use a soft microfiber cloth to clean it.
Using enzymatic stain remover
Using an enzyme stain remover to clean an area carpet is one way to get it looking like new again. Besides getting rid of stains, enzyme cleaners can also remove odors. These odors can be even worse than the stains themselves. Animal waste, for example, can be extremely toxic to inhale, and a carpet enzyme cleaner can break down this material and eliminate the odor.
The process is simple: first, apply the enzyme cleaner to the area of the area rug that has the stain. Once the enzyme cleaner is applied to the stain, allow it to sit for a few minutes. Depending on the severity of the stain, you may need to leave it on the area for longer. The longer you leave it on the stain, the more it will be able to break down the stain and odor.
Using a bonnet
Using a bonnet to clean an carpet is an effective method for removing surface dirt and grime from your carpet. It will leave the fibers looking shiny and clean and dry in less than an hour. The downside is that a bonnet isn't an extraction method, meaning that the shampoo and detergent will remain in the carpet. If you have children, pets, or allergic reactions, this method may not be ideal.
A bonnet carpet cleaner works by scrubbing the surface of the carpet thoroughly with a cleaning solution. It's important to follow the manufacturer's directions and check the label before you use it. Once the carpet is dry, use a vacuum to remove the dry residue.