Rugs Cleaning Done Right

Recently I caught my 2-year old toddler doing art right on our living room rug.

There were red strokes from a marker all over the rug.

My heart sank.

Thankfully the marker was washable and it came out of the rug fabric.

I understand if you are concerned about similar accidents.

You may google rugs cleaning near me to only end up cleaning the rug yourself.

If that’s you, below I share a few tips on rugs cleaning done right.

First, not all rugs are created equal.

There are different types of area rugs and each type determines how to properly clean the area rug.

The best way is to follow the specific cleaning instructions provided to you for your rug.

If there is no such guidance, however, below are general rules to follow based on the type of rug in your home.

The four categories to think about for the right cleaning procedure are:

1. Thick foundation rugs with and without a pile
2. Thin foundation rugs with and without a pile
3. Rugs made of delicate materials
4. Rugs with fringes

Vacuuming

First, if you are using a vacuum, turn the beater bar off.

Motorized vacuum brushes can damage the surface fibers of your area rug.

1. Thick foundation rugs with and without a pile

If you have a solid foundation rug (with or without a pile) and you are using a standard vacuum, vacuum across the direction of the pile (not in the same direction of the rug pile).

Do not go near the fringes.

If you have an upholstery attachment, you can use it to clean a sturdy rug - this way you can go in the direction of your rug pile.

Pick the attachment up after each stroke, then go back to take another stroke.

This way you avoid pushing the attachment against the direction of the pile.

For a thin area rug with a pile - use an upholstery attachment only and vacuum in the direction of the pile.

Pick the attachment up before each stroke just like previously described so you don’t use the attachment against the pile.

2. Thin foundation rugs with and without a pile

For a thin area rug without a pile - use an upholstery attachment only and vacuum across the direction of the pile (not in the same direction of the pile).

 3. Rugs made of delicate materials

If you have a very delicate area rug, it is best not to vacuum it at all.

You can use a soft brush instead and clean the surface by hand.

You should brush across the direction of the pile (not in the same direction of the pile).

4. Rugs with fringes

To clean rug fringes - use an upholstery attachment and go gently in the same direction as the fringe while picking up the attachment after every stroke.

If the fringes are very delicate or old, then use a soft brush in the same direction of the pile.

Please note that these are general rules on rugs cleaning done right for the different types and categories of rugs.

We share specific instructions to clean each rug in the product description so that when you purchase a rug, you know exactly how to take care of it without any guessing.

Share what was the worst accident on your area rug?