There are several different ways to take care of your area rugs. These tips range from regular vacuuming to rotating them every three to six months. They also cover protecting your rugs from moths and cleaning stains. By following these simple steps, you’ll have a longer-lasting rug that looks great.
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Vacuuming Regularly
If you have an area rug in your home, it is important to vacuum it regularly to remove dirt and debris from its fibers. The frequency depends on the type and amount of traffic your rug receives. Regular vacuuming also helps to maintain an allergen-free home and provides a cleaner surface for your family and guests. This will also increase the lifespan of your rug.
When vacuuming an area rug, it is important to use the right vacuum settings for the material. Generally, three passes are enough for light cleaning, while seven strokes are needed for a thorough cleaning. If you have a reversible area rug, you may want to vacuum both sides. However, be careful to avoid spinning the rug by using your vacuum cleaner.
Rotating Rugs Every 3-6 Months
If you have an area rug, rotating it once in three or six months will help make it last longer. This will help to distribute the foot traffic evenly across the entire rug and prevent uneven wear. Rotating the rug also helps to prevent stains, which can happen due to high traffic.
Rotating rugs is important because it will minimize shedding. It is important to vacuum the rug every two or three months to avoid exposing the pile to direct sunlight. Direct sunlight may cause the pile to flatten, which will ruin the appearance of your rug. In addition, rugs that are exposed to direct sunlight will fade faster.
In addition to vacuuming and sweeping, it is also important to rotate rugs every few months. Rotating rugs will help them retain their color longer, and will avoid matting or discoloration. It will also prevent excess dirt from building up in one area.
Protecting Rugs From Moths
Thankfully, moth damage to rugs is relatively rare if they’re stored properly. This problem mostly affects rugs that are not regularly vacuumed and are placed under furniture. It is also a problem with rugs that are not regularly moved from room to room. By following a few simple guidelines, you can protect your rug from moth damage.
Moth larvae feed on keratin protein and are attracted to dark, rarely-vacuumed areas of rugs. Animal hair is a favorite food source for moths, so rugs with a lot of animal hair are a particular moth’s paradise. In addition, moth larvae can feed on blends of natural and synthetic fibers. But they are not attracted to cotton and other man-made fibers.
Cleaning Stains
Using a mixture of vinegar and water to remove stains from rugs is an excellent way to maintain the quality of your area rug. Use a small amount of the solution per gallon of water and apply it to the stained area with a clean rag. Let the solution sit for about five minutes before rinsing. The longer you leave it on, the more likely it will develop mold or mildew. To prevent these problems, it is best to dry the area thoroughly before proceeding.
You can also use common household cleaning products to remove tough carpet stains. These cleaning products will help remove dirt, gum, oil, and other stubborn stains from your area rug. Also, it is important to use softer materials like tencel or cotton for your rugs so that they can be washed with ease.
Cleaning Rugs From Pet Hair
Cleaning pet hair from rugs can be a real pain if your pets leave hair all over the floor. This can be especially frustrating when you want to sit down on the rug, but the good news is that there are ways to remove pet hair and prevent further damage to your rugs. You can also opt for the various pet friendly rugs.
One of the best methods for removing pet hair from rugs is by using a squeegee. This will help gather the pet hair stuck in the carpet fibers, and it also has a magnetic effect that can get into difficult areas. The squeegee is also more effective than adhesive, as it encapsulates hair at a single point.
Conclusion
Keeping your area rugs clean and maintained can prolong their life and increase their beauty. Regular vacuuming and periodic brushing are essential to maintaining their quality. While you should not vacuum your area rug every day, it’s important to do it every few weeks or so. This will help to restore the fibers to their original condition and keep your rug looking great.
