How Often Should You Get Your Area Rug Cleaned?
Have you been wondering how often you should get your area rug cleaned? Do you have pets or loved ones with allergies? Does it carry a lot of foot traffic? If you answered yes to our questions, the rugs should be cleaned quite regularly to keep the home and family healthy. Before spot-cleaning or washing a rug yourself, look for the care label. It should indicate if the carpet is washable or whether it must be dry cleaned.
Area rugs bring comfort, warmth, and color into rooms and are an investment, especially luxury items such as Persian rugs. All area rugs deserve proper care, but how can you extend their use?
With Regular Vacuuming
Carpets should be vacuumed on a weekly basis unless you have children or pets, when it must be done more frequently. Daily vacuuming is not practical in most homes, but if you allow dirt particles and dust to accumulate, the area rug fibers start to look dull and retain odors. Vacuuming and spot cleaning extends the life of rugs, while deep cleaning removes heavier soil, restoring the brightness of its colors and the buoyancy of its fibers.
Do you know how to spot clean cotton or jute rugs? Gently blot the rug with an undyed cotton cloth lightly soaked in a mild soap and water solution. Never rub the spot or use bleach, as it might cause more damage. Wool and silk area rugs should be taken for professional cleanings, and all rugs rotated to ensure even wear over time.
With Pets
Our furry family makes us laugh and gives unconditional love. But it is frustrating when they urinate or vomit on our carpets or rugs. Why do dogs return to a spot where they previously urinated due to anxiety or excitement, after you cleaned the area? Their noses detect minute chemical scents your human nose cannot pick up, and unless you use a pet stain removal product, it is best to take the rug for a professional clean.
Pets track dirt into the home, and many love rolling around on an area rug, leaving hair behind. Regular vacuuming will take care of the matter, but it is suggested that much-used area rugs be cleaned by professionals at least every 6-12 months or more often if required.
With Allergies
The presence of animal dander, dust mites, pollen, and mold allergies increases when you have carpets and area rugs in your home. Dirt and other environmental particles collect in the rug fibers and get stirred up and breathed in when you walk over them. Allergic reactions include sneezing, a runny nose, wheezing, or red, itchy eyes, among other symptoms. To limit the number of common allergens and irritants in your area rugs, use a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) vacuum every week. Professional area rug cleanings must be done every two months, but if the allergic reactions are light, you can do it every 12-18 months.
With Light-Colored area rugs
Have you always wanted a vacation home decorated primarily in white? It is a simple serene color that stands out with the use of layers and textures. Light area rugs can be used to add warmth, but keeping them clean is challenging, even when you don’t wear shoes in the home and there are no pets.
Stains show up easily, but a cleaning schedule that focuses on weekly maintenance with quarterly deep cleaning will maintain the sophisticated effect homeowners desire. At Hometown Cleaners, we have the professional expertise to clean vintage, silk, and Persian rugs. For the convenience of our clients, we also offer a free pick-up and delivery service.
Are you a snowbird with a second home in Jupiter, Juno Beach, or the Treasure Coast? Do you live in Florida permanently? We have a wash and fold laundry service and do expert alterations. When you want drapery or an area rug cleaned, contact Hometown Cleaners.
