Rug Cleaning and Maintenance Tips
BY JUSTIN YECK, Feizy
VP of Sales, Marketing and Product Development & Design | jyeck@feizy.com | www.feizy.com | Photos courtesy of Feizy
We’ve all been there. You invest in a beautiful statement piece for your space and suddenly little Fido has decided to make it his own. Don’t fret! Feizy Rugs is here to help you get that spot out and protect your investment. As someone who has pets and a messy husband, the tips below have been a lifesaver!
First things first: Use caution when cleaning your rug. Always start with an inconspicuous area. If you are uncertain about your ability to effectively clean the rug on your own, we recommend you first consult an expert. IBB can help direct you to a rug cleaning professional near you.
Everyday accidents happen, but that doesn’t mean your rug’s appearance has to suffer. Here are six steps to ensure your rug won’t pay the price of mishaps:
1) ACT FAST
2) BLOT – NEVER RUB
3) CLEAN – EDGE TO CENTER
4) DO NOT SOAK
5) PAT AND FAN DRY
6) BRUSH PILE
FAST FIXES
Food and Beverage: Vacuum dry spills thoroughly on machine-made rugs. For wet spills, use 1/4 teaspoon of mild liquid detergent with a cup of water.
Red Wine: Pouring salt over spills on all dark liquids will absorb the liquid like a sponge.
Pet Messes: Use a vinegar solution, 1 cup white vinegar to 2 cups of water. Rinse with cold water and blot dry.
Paint, Oil, and Grease: Use nail polish remover. Rinse with cold water and blot dry.
VACUUMING
Vacuum Regularly…
The number one way to ensure rug integrity is vacuuming. Vacuuming regularly helps prevent dirt on the surface of the rug from filtering down into the pile where it can accumulate and cause increased wear. Vacuum once a week for light traffic, one to three times a week for moderate traffic, and daily for heavy or pet traffic. Occasionally, vacuum the back of the rug to remove the fine grit that may damage the foundation of the rug, and remember to vacuum both sides of reversible rugs to prevent dirt from settling into the fibers.
…But Carefully
Many of today’s vacuums are high powered, and standard vacuuming can pull threads through the rug backing. Vacuums equipped with a power brush create a raking effect on the rug and can weaken the knots. Ideally, use a canister vacuum (or the handheld attachment on an upright vacuum) to clean your rug. Remember, brooms and manual sweepers are just as effective and are often a safer maintenance option.
Beater Bars
When using an upright vacuum, disengage the beater bar, as this can pull fibers from the rug and cause premature deterioration. If you are unable to manually turn off the beater bar, set the vacuum to its highest setting and gently set the vacuum on the rug.
Fringe
Avoid vacuuming the fringe on your rug. The fibers can be caught and destroyed by the rotating mechanism of the vacuum’s brush. Continuous friction on a fringed or serged edge can deteriorate the fibers over time. Fringed edges are sensitive, and a handheld attachment is ideal for routine cleaning. Should the fringe of your rug become damaged, seek immediate assistance from a reputable rug repair workshop.
Shag Rugs
Avoid vacuuming shag rugs entirely as traditional vacuuming can severely damage the rug fibers. Instead, shag rugs should be carried outside and beaten to loosen dirt and release foreign particles.
The above tips will ensure that your rug will continue to stand up to everyday wear in your home, and with proper care, your rugs can continue to look as beautiful as the day you bought them!
