Rug Cleaning: What You Need to Know
One of the most important parts of rug cleaning is drying. Steam cleaning can be very drying for your rugs, and it is important that you do not let your carpets stay in the steam cleaners for too long, especially if they are not made of delicate fibers. Vacuuming on a regular basis also helps keep rugs clean. Many people believe that spot removing is involved in rug cleaning, but this is not true. Spot removal is only one step in rug cleaning, the rest is up to a specialist rug cleaner.
Properly cleaned rugs will retain their shape and color much longer than carpets without proper care. In addition, a well-maintained rug can be very hard-wearing and resist damage much better than a poorly maintained carpet. So, before hiring a professional, make sure he or she has the correct equipment and knows how to properly clean your carpet. Also ask about their schedule. Some carpet cleaners are available only during certain times of the year.
A good cleaning machine for rugs is a power pressure washer. Steam cleaning is great for older rugs as well as carpets that are heavily soiled. However, a power washer is generally more powerful and thus requires a different type of pressure. You can use the hot water extraction method with the drywall shampooer, or any steam cleaning equipment that is appropriate to the type of rug.
The steam carpet cleaner that you purchase should have the right attachments and a container to contain the shampoo and detergent. You should never use tap water for cleaning your rug, even if you think it was purchased from a local store. Tap water is often acidic and can cause damage to the carpet. If you have spilled something on your rug, no matter what the type, you should use the soap and water detergent from your household cleaner or a store-bought carpet cleaner.
After cleaning the rug, let it dry thoroughly. For high traffic areas, you should allow it to dry for 24 hours between washes. For lower traffic areas, such as rugs that are hung, you can hang them in a closet to dry on their own. It will be much faster if you can hang the rug in a shady area, but it may take longer. If you do not have a ventilation system in your closet, it would be a good idea to place the rug on a table to dry.
Rug cleaning is a task that can be done by yourself, but many people feel better letting a professional do the job. You may be able to find a local carpet cleaner who is reasonable priced and happy to take his time. Remember that hiring someone to clean your home for you will mean that he has done it before and knows what he is doing. Hiring professionals will also guarantee that the job will be done right the first time.