How To Clean a Really Dirty Rug.

Looking to give your rug a refreshing transformation? At times, a superficial clean just isn't enough, and a deep clean becomes a necessity. If you're puzzled about where to start, fret not. Here's a guide on how to restore the vibrancy of your rug, no matter where it's placed in your home.

Start by shaking or vacuuming your rug to remove dust and debris. Select a carpet shampoo suitable for your rug type and follow the provided instructions. We always suggest testing a small part of the rug first. Create the solution, apply it to a hidden area, and look for any discoloration. If everything looks good, proceed with the entire rug. Cleaning a rug outdoors is typically easier, but if the weather is uncooperative, you can also clean it in the bathtub to prevent a mess and potential dye leakage onto your floors. Ensure the rug is completely dry before using it again. This can be achieved outside or in a well-ventilated room. If the fabric permits, use a fabric spray to keep your rug smelling fresh.

Cleaning a wool rug Wool rugs are favoured for their durability and vibrant colours, but they require a special cleaning approach:

Shake or vacuum the rug. Mix a bucket of cold water with a capful of gentle, non-bio laundry detergent or a wool-specific carpet shampoo. Remember to test a small area first. Use a damp white microfiber cloth, and working with the grain of the fabric, gently dab the rug. Pay extra attention to heavily soiled areas, and re-dampen the cloth as necessary. Avoid saturating the rug to keep its plush feel. Refill your bucket with plain water and repeat the previous step with a fresh white cloth. Blot the rug with a dry white microfiber cloth or a plain coloured towel to remove as much moisture as possible. Let the rug dry completely before walking on it again. If needed, hang it up or use fans to expedite the process. This procedure is also the best way to clean cotton rugs.

Cleaning a shag, fluffy, or deep pile rug Cleaning shaggy rugs is akin to wool rugs, but dry shampoo can be used instead of cold water and detergent:

Sprinkle dry shampoo onto the rug and use a cloth to work it into the fibres. Let the dry shampoo sit for a couple of hours, then vacuum thoroughly for shaggy rugs with a pile height of up to 5cm. If your rug's pile is longer than 5cm, shake it out instead.

Cleaning a jute rug Jute rugs complement natural and earthy-toned carpets and wooden floors nicely, but they are sensitive to water. Hence, cleaning a jute rug requires the same dry shampoo or dry cleaning method mentioned in the shaggy rugs section.

Cleaning a sheepskin rug Knowing how to clean a sheepskin rug could save you a significant amount in dry cleaning bills. Sheepskin or cowhide rugs need specialized cleaning methods to prevent shrinkage and maintain the quality of the fibres.

Fill a bathtub with cool water and sheepskin-specific detergent. Regular wool detergent is not suitable. Swirl the sheepskin rug in the bath for 5-10 minutes to dislodge dirt. Wring it out and rinse until all the detergent is removed. Pat it clean with dry towels to remove as much water as possible, then roll it up to squeeze out the remaining moisture. Lay the rug on a large, dry towel and reshape the hide to allow it to air dry. It should dry in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat to avoid shrinkage. Halfway through the drying process, use a sheepskin brush to fluff the wool gently. Repeat when it's completely dry for a clean, fluffy sheepskin rug! The final step is also applicable if you're looking to fluff up your shaggy rug.

Cleaning viscose rugs Viscose rugs are gaining popularity due to their lustrous appearance. Check your rug's label to determine if it's made of viscose. They should not be wet as it could cause discoloration. To clean, use a brush with soft bristles and blot any spills with a white cloth to minimize staining.

Cleaning outdoor rugs Outdoor rugs tend to gather more dirt due to their exposure. However, their durability allows for more rigorous cleaning.

Outdoor rugs can be beaten with a broom handle to dislodge debris. You can then rinse them with a hose and let them air dry. They'll look as good as new!

Removing stains from your rug Daily life comes with inevitable accidents and spills. Your rugs might take the brunt, but there's no reason for everyday spills to cause lasting damage. Here, we'll look at common accidents and how you can tackle stains on your rugs.

Vinegar and Water Solution If the smell is not too strong, a simple solution of white vinegar and water could do the trick. Mix equal parts water and white vinegar and use a cloth to blot the rug with the solution. Allow it to air dry fully.

Carpet Freshener Sprays There are plenty of sprays on the market designed to keep your carpets smelling fresh. These can be a great quick-fix solution if you have guests arriving and don’t have the time to thoroughly deep clean the rug.

Maintaining Your Rug Keeping your rug looking and smelling fresh is all about maintenance. Regular vacuuming and shaking can help to dislodge any debris trapped in the fibres. Use a rug or carpet shampoo every few months to keep it smelling fresh. Also, consider using a fabric or carpet spray to keep the rug fragrant. Try to deal with spills immediately to avoid staining or smells setting into the rug.

How to protect your rug Looking after your rugs doesn’t just stop once they’re clean. Ensuring that they stay clean for as long as possible is just as important. Below are a few tips on how you can keep your rug looking and smelling great for longer:

Rug pads: These are useful to stop your rug from slipping and to provide a bit of extra padding. They also provide a barrier between your rug and the floor, stopping any debris from scratching the back of your rug.

Rotate your rug: Depending on how your room is set up, you may find that parts of your rug get walked on more than others. By rotating your rug every few months, you can ensure that it wears evenly.

Keep food and drink away: This may seem obvious but it’s one of the most common reasons for stains on rugs. If possible, try to keep food and drink in the kitchen or dining room and away from your rugs.

Take off your shoes: Shoes can bring in all sorts of dirt and grime from outside. By taking off your shoes at the door, you can help to keep your rugs cleaner.

Avoid sunlight: If your rug is in a sunny room, try to keep it out of direct sunlight as this can cause the colours to fade over time.

Rugs bring warmth, texture, and colour to our homes. With the above guide, you can rejuvenate and maintain your rugs, keeping them looking and smelling fresh for years to come. From stains to odours, and wool rugs to shaggy ones, every type of rug can be cleaned and cared for with the right techniques and a bit of patience. So don't hesitate to give your rugs the care they deserve, they will repay you with their enduring charm and beauty.

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