Rugs are a great addition to any home. They offer a long list of benefits, including enhancing your interior design, tying the space together, muffling noises, and reducing the risk of slipping. And, if you want them to last a long time, you have to know the right ways to care for them. Whether they are area rugs placed in the middle of a living room or small runners put in the hallways, they have to get cleaned and maintained regularly so that they can be a key part of your household for years to come.
There are many different types of rugs, such as cotton rugs, silk rugs, wool rugs, tufted rugs, and faux hide and fur rugs, and they can be machine-made or handmade. Usually, it is the handmade ones that are more delicate, so they require careful handling during cleaning and maintenance.
So, what are some tips on how you can properly clean your tuft rug, Persian rug, or other type of handmade rug at home?
Prepare the right cleaning supplies, tools, and equipment.
Before starting your handmade rug cleaning task, create a checklist of things that you need. Usually, this will include rug shampoo, water, bucket, sponge/soft-bristle brush, vacuum, garden hose, and rubber gloves.
Vacuum to get rid of dirt and other particles.
If you have never cleaned your tuft rug, Persian rug, or other type of handmade rug at home before or if a long time has passed since you last cleaned it, lots of dirt, dust, and debris will have accumulated between its fibers and knots. It is best that you vacuum thoroughly so that every last bit of dirt is removed before you proceed to the actual washing process.
Get the right cleaning solution.
These days, there is a wide range of rug cleaning solutions available in physical and online stores, so you will need to do a bit of research to find an appropriate product for your homemade rug. Just make sure to follow the instructions on the label to not cause damage, such as ruining the rug tuft cloth or causing the colors to fade. Alternatively, you can concoct your own rug cleaning solution by using mild dish soap and water.
Handwash the rug.
Fill a bucket with the cleaning solution and the recommended amount of water to start washing your rug. You may need to pour some of the solution on the rug and use a soft-bristle brush or sponge to scrub the surface until thick a lather forms. Try not to scrub too hard as doing so may ruin the rug tuft cloth, if you have a tufted rug, or cause tears on the knots, if you have a Persian rug.
Rinse it properly.
You have to rinse the rug with clean water to ensure that the cleaning solution is removed totally. Continue to pour or spray water onto it until the runoff water is clean and clear, without any bit of soapiness.
Let it dry.
Find a spot where you can lay your rug straight and flat. Once the top has dried, flip it over so that the bottom side can dry too. You can set up fans around it to hasten the drying process.
