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How to Properly Clean a Rug

Rug Cleaning El Dorado Hills involves removing bacteria, molds, allergens and various other microorganisms embedded in the fibers of the rugs. It also includes repairing and strengthening the rugs.

Regular vacuuming reduces the accumulative effects of dirt on carpets. Vacuums should be equipped with a nylon screen to prevent damage. Stains are best treated as soon as they occur. Press a clean cloth or towel over them and blot to absorb the stain.

Rug Cleaning - Professional Rug Cleaner | Stanley Steemer

The rug is soaked in a special deodorizing solution that eliminates odor and sanitizes the rug. The solution is agitated with a scrub brush to loosen the dirt and stains. After the rug is completely saturated with the cleaning solution, it is rinsed to remove the dirt and detergent. The rug is then dried on a flat surface to prevent resoiling. A deodorizing product may be applied before or after washing, depending on the type of odor. Some rugs have a stronger smell that requires a more potent solution.

Whether it’s an accidental liquid spill, a soiled couch, or just general grime, odor can linger on rugs and carpets. This can be a real turn-off for guests and family members who step into the room.

Odors can also be caused by mildew, smoke, or pets. The best way to combat these is to vacuum regularly. A good quality vacuum cleaner should be used to minimize the impact on the rugs. It is also important to note that fringe should be removed and placed on a nylon screen while vacuuming to avoid any pulling or damage.

Regular vacuuming will keep dirt from accumulating in the fibers. This will help to extend the life of your rug and reduce wear and tear. We recommend that area rugs be vacuumed at least twice per week. It is also recommended that rugs be rotated and shaken out at least once a year to even out the wear and tear from foot traffic and sunlight.

Urine stains should be treated immediately to prevent them from being set into the rug fibers. A combination of vinegar and baking soda is a safe and effective method for removing urine stains. To apply the mixture, first spray the affected area with vinegar. Then, sprinkle a liberal amount of baking soda over the entire spot. Place books or other weighted objects on the area to increase absorption. Allow the baking soda to soak overnight. Then, use cold water to rinse and dry the area.

Another odor that is easily eliminated is the odor from old shoes. A simple solution is to put a few slices of onion in the closet or basement overnight. The onions will absorb the odor, keeping the area smelling fresh.

Rugs trap and collect dust, dirt, allergens, food stains and pet odors. While regular vacuuming and over-the-counter carpet cleaners may remove surface debris, most stains will require professional attention. Our tried and true cleaning method involves hot water extraction or steam cleaning. This specialized technique provides superior results for your area rugs. Hot, soft water infused with a tough, yet safe, cleaning solution is injected into your rugs. Powerful suction removes dirt and allergens, the cleaning solution and 95 percent of the moisture. This is the cleaning method most recommended by rug manufacturers and will keep your rugs looking great longer.

Our staff is trained to know which techniques are best for each type of rug. For example, a hand knotted wool rug will need to be treated differently than a machine made synthetic fiber rug. Before washing a rug, our professionals will test it for color fastness and fiber type to determine what methods are best suited for your specific rug.

The rug is then washed in a controlled temperature room, rinsed, and then moved to a drying area where air streams circulate it to speed up the process. The rug is then groomed, and if necessary, a deodorizing treatment can be added. This is especially important if your rug has been soiled with urine.

Urine residues are hard to remove with normal cleaning and can be the source of bad odors, which can often be a serious health risk for pets. Enzymatic cleaners can be used to break down the protein that makes up most of the bio-makeup of urine, which helps eliminate bad smells and odors.

Before the washing begins, it is very important to blot, rather than rub, any fresh spills to avoid spreading them. It is also important to pick up any solid material, like crumbs or candle wax, before the stains have a chance to set in. If a spot does occur, it is very helpful to have on hand a cleaning caddy that contains vinegar, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol and a commercial carpet cleaner spray, and a sponge or scrub brush.

Rugs are a natural magnet for dirt, germs and allergens. They look clean on the surface, but bacteria, dust mites and mold can get deeply embedded in the fibers of a rug. Regular vacuuming and over-the-counter carpet cleaners only get rid of a small amount of this matter. If left untreated, area rugs can trigger asthma attacks, coughing, sneezing and skin rashes in the people in the home. Cleaning a rug can prevent the spread of these health problems and extend its lifespan and beauty.

The best way to avoid stains is to prevent them from occurring in the first place. Vacuuming a rug at least once per week reduces the accumulative effect of dirt and dust on the fibers. It also helps to keep the rugs free of pet hair and other debris that can be difficult to remove from the rug’s surface. It is important to remember to use a quality vacuum and not an overly powerful one that could damage the rug. It is also necessary to be careful when vacuuming fringe as it can be pulled and damaged.

Another method of preventing future stains is to spot clean any spills as soon as they occur. This is crucial as stains are absorbent by nature. It is important to blot any solid stains with a clean cloth or paper towel and not rub as this can make the stain permanent. For liquid stains, a solution of water and mild detergent is usually recommended. This should be tested on a small corner of the rug before being applied to the rest of the area.

Urine stains are especially challenging to treat. Spraying the affected areas with a suitable oxidizing agent can help to eliminate these hard-to-remove stains. Be cautious as some of these agents can react poorly with wool rugs. Adding an enzyme cleaner to the washing process can also be helpful in treating urine stains as well. These are specially designed to break down and eliminate the odor and residue that is left behind after an urine spot is treated with conventional cleaning products.

After your rug is washed, it’s important that you properly dry it. Doing so will prevent heat damage, mold growth, and moth infestations. Using a fan to blow air over the rug will help speed up drying and eliminate moisture that can cause stains. You can also use a dehumidifier to draw out moisture from the air, which will further speed up drying time.

Be sure to allow the rug to completely dry before reusing it. Rushing this process can lead to permanent creasing and staining of the fibers. It’s also a good idea to use a wet/dry vacuum cleaner to extract any remaining water from the carpet. This method is especially useful for rugs with long pile or thicker fabrics.

If you have a carpet cleaning company that you trust, they may be able to provide you with a special dehumidifier to help speed up the drying process. They can also shampoo your rug after it’s been cleaned, removing any remaining dirt or stains. This can be a great option if you aren’t comfortable washing your own rugs, or if you have a large, expensive rug that requires professional care.

Taking steps to protect your rug is a must, as rugs can be a valuable investment that can add a lot of value and beauty to a room. Proper rug maintenance and care can ensure that it lasts for years to come and that your home or business looks clean and well-kept. If you have a rug that needs to be cleaned, be sure to hire an experienced and trusted carpet cleaning company to take care of it for you.

If you have a rug with a lot of pet urine spots, an enzyme cleaner can be very helpful. These cleaners can break down the odor-causing proteins in the urine, leaving it fresher and more odor-free. They can also be used to address other stains on the rug, such as food spills or grease spots. Just make sure to test the cleaner in an inconspicuous spot first, and read the directions carefully, as some may require a different treatment than others.