The clocks went forward yesterday, bringing with it lighter evenings and a more ‘spring’ like feel. Has that inspired you to spring clean your house? One feature piece that will needs a refresh after dull winter days is the rug. Trampled on by boots, and having absorbed the smoke from fireplaces – the rug will definitely need a new lease of life this spring.
Need the knowhow? Here is how to clean your rugs in 7 steps.
Know your type of rug
Do you have a natural or synthetic rug? Natural fibres will need a gentler touch, and a cold-water process – whereas synthetic products can withstand hotter water and more harsher chemicals.
Some rugs are washables these days too – so check your product so you know where to start!
Clear the space
Make sure that you have a clear space before you start working.
Move away tables and chairs, lamps or bookcases so that there is space to focus on the rug. Move out the other bits and pieces to a different room so nothing gets broken in the process (or pop it in your storage unit so it is completely out the way).
Hoover it up
Next up, vacuum the carpet to clear away all the loose debris, dirt and soil. We recommend hoovering both sides of the carpet to make sure you get a deep clean and remove every last piece. Tap it with a broom a few times to remove any dust too.
Use a Rug Shampoo
You will need to use a specific cleaning product for a rug so you don’t damage the fibres, so find something suitable for your type of rug. A mild washing up liquid, however, would do if you don’t have the right solution. Just mix it with cold water for natural fibres, and warm water for synthetic fibres. Always avoid hot water as it can fade some rugs.
We would also recommend performing a patch test beforehand. Clean a small, inconspicuous area and scrub and rub that first. You do not want to find that you have damaged the rug by starting on an obvious central part.
Clean the Rug
Next up – give the rug a good clean. Use a sponge or soft bristle brush to scrub in circles and later up the soap. You will need to apply some pressure to make sure you get a good clean, so you’d be best to move the rug onto a plastic sheet at this point so you don’t also damage the floor.
Leave the soapy mixture for a few minutes so that it activates and lifts up the dirt particles.
Rinse the Rug
The next step is to rinse the rug of the soap solution. Take it to the bathroom and wash it in the shower or place it in the bath and use the running cold water to rinse out the rug. You will need to get rid of every trace of the soap solution and keep going until the water becomes clear.
Squeeze out as much of the water solution as possible with a squeegee – or a wet vacuum if you have one
Leave it to dry
The cleaned rug needs to be left to dry completely before it can be returned to the space. Hang it over a clothes horse, or hang it up on a washing line if possible.
When it is all dry and fresh place it back in your room, and it will become a stunning clean centre piece again.
Let us know your tips and tricks for cleaning carpets in the comments below as well!
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