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Vacuuming
We can't stress it enough - vacuum, vacuum,
vacuum! An area rug receives a lot of abuse from dirt, sand,
dust, oily cooking residue, various spills and foot traffic.
Vacuuming area
rugs with a good machine will go a long way towards
prolonging the appearance and life of your carpet. Vacuuming
is the primary defense against dry soils that can quickly
build on an area rug.
Cut pile area rug:
The contemporary area rug is well constructed
and durable. A vacuum with a rotating beater bar to agitate
the area rug pile and strong suction to remove loose particles
is well tolerated by our area rug. If your vacuum does not
have a beater bar, it may remove surface dirt well but may
leave imbedded soil that can damage the area rug through abrasion.
Area rug with looped
textures:
To avoid damaging the loops, vacuum regularly
with suction and avoid using the beater bar.
Vacuum Tips:
- Make sure that the beater bar is actually rotating when
in contact with the area rug. A worn belt will reduce rotation
when the bar contacts the area rug.
- Adjust the height of the beater bar so that it lightly
vibrates the area rug, but will not cause the motor to slow.
- Check the vacuum bag regularly. A vacuum will become
less efficient if the soil bag becomes too full (over half
full for most machines).
- Vacuum across both directions of the traffic pattern
to prevent matting.
Vacuuming removes most dry soil, but street
grime, oily soils, and air pollution can build up eventually
and your area rug may require cleaning. The accumulation of
these particles can cause gradual dulling and some loss of
color.
Cleaning Methods
"Oxy" Cleaners
There are many oxygen cleaners on the market
that are environmentally safe and work well for spot cleaning
various stains on synthetic fiber area rug. Most of these
cleaners are biodegradable and form oxygen, hydrogen peroxide
and soda ash when mixed with water. Soda ash is sodium carbonate
and has alkaline properties, so do not use this cleaning method
on wool or silk and avoid prolonged skin contact.
Dry Powder
We do not recommend using dry powders with
plush or deep pile area rug, as the cleaning residue may be
difficult to remove. For surface stains on low pile area rug,
use a dry powder to absorb dirt particles and then remove
by vacuum. This is a relatively simple method that uses no
water and is easy to perform without a professional. If the
area rug is heavily soiled, we recommend a different procedure
or using a professional.
Dry Foam and Absorbent Pad
Another method that uses little water is
light detergent foam that is worked into the pile, then vacuumed
out once dry. Use care on looped area rug that may not tolerate
heavy beater bar use or other brushing.
Steam Cleaning
This method is most effective when performed
by a professional, although many rug cleaning machines may
be purchased or rented. The dangers of performing this method
on your own are using too much detergent or water. Some cleaning
agents available with rented units leave a heavier residue,
so use care or the advice of a professional when choosing
a product. Test the product on a small area to check for residue
or a sticky feel. Do not use if a residue exists, or if in
doubt about a product. Finally, do not use laundry detergents
to clean your area rug to avoid possible optical brighteners.
Area Rug Stain Removal
If an area rug becomes spotted or stained,
work quickly. When possible, scoop up solids and blot liquids
immediately after a spill occurs. Absorb as much liquid as
possible with a white cloth or paper towel without scrubbing
the area to prevent matting or fuzzing.
Methods of Cleaning Various Area Rug
Fibers
Natural fibers may require additional consideration
before cleaning. Do not use oxygen cleaners on wool or
silk.
Wool - Excessive agitation and heat
should be avoided, but generally wool fibers may be cleaned
with most cleaning methods. Wool should be cleaned with neutral
detergents and dried quickly. Use special care around household
cleaning products, as bleaches and other alkaline products
such as bathroom cleaners easily damage wool.
Cotton/Rayon - Cotton and rayon are
cellulose fibers and may be cleaned using all cleaning methods.
To avoid shrinking and possible browning, avoid excessive
drying and agitation. As with wool, take care with alkaline
products.
Silk - Silk should be cleaned using
a dry cleaning process. These fibers may be damaged by natural
and synthetic acids (e.g. lemon juice), and sunlight. Consult
a rug cleaning specialist for additional information about
cleaning silk.
Sisal and Other Plant Fibers - Plant
fibers such as sisal, jute, coconut (coir), ramie, and hemp
have characteristics similar to cotton. It is generally safe
to clean these fibers with all cleaning methods. As with any
fiber, dry the area rug as quickly as possible.
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