Have you found the perfect floor decor for your home that blends well with the rest of the decor? We’re sure you have at least one rug or a carpet in mind for the floor of your living room or bedroom. So, what’s leaving you worried now? Is it the upkeep it demands or rug and carpet care process? Don’t worry! Though, a carpet very beautifully narrates tales through its patterns, the maintenance of the same could be a task. Owning a carpet also means being responsible for its maintenance and upkeep. Though the maintenance part of it might seem tricky, this shouldn’t bother you. As we’ve curated tips for carpet and rug maintenance to keep these ornamental elements fresh and shining as if you’ve just got them from the store. Bring in that rug on which you’ve set your heart and welcome a little jazz to your home.
7 Hacks for Carpet and Rug Maintenance
A carpet only does its job until it is maintained well. The duty of keeping the interiors warm and comforting is taken up by rugs, and in return, all you need to do is follow these 7 easy hacks to keep them intact and durable for their longevity.
01. Keep Rotating the Carpets and Rugs to Prevent Furniture Dent
Have you ever noticed that carpets form depressions where furniture nestles on them? Have you thought of how to remove carpet dents left by heavy furniture? This noticeable flaw makes the entire appeal duller and might make even a new carpet look old. The key to this issue is to keep rotating the rug or carpet.
Make sure that you rotate these carpets once every six months in order for them to retain their durability.
02. Vacuum the Carpet Regularly to Remove Dust
Rugs and carpets are dust magnets that attract even the tiniest dirt particles and let them settle deep within their fabrics. We know the cleaning master in you doesn’t want to set their feet on a dirty rug, which is why we advise you to vacuum the carpet on a regular basis with a vacuum cleaner, the best carpet cleaning machine.
The frequency of cleaning is determined by the location of the carpet. The more traffic there is, the more frequently you’ll have to clean them. And in case you’re a proud pet owner, your carpets will have to be vacuumed on a frequent basis, as these could house fur and dander.
03. Sweep the Dirt Daily to Maintain your Carpets and Rugs
Normal dusting won’t do when it comes to taking dust out of carpets, especially hand-knotted carpets. You need to be extremely careful while cleaning carpets. Extra care is required while cleaning hand-knotted carpets, as rough abrasion might ruin the pattern formed by the woollen fibres and make the carpet lose its plush.
Carry the carpet to an open area and sweep away the dirt with a broom. After cleaning the surface, flip the carpet over and repeat the process for the base. In the event that brooming leads to loosened-up threads, make sure to cut them before the situation worsens. To prevent sand or dirt from settling deep inside the fibres of rugs or carpets in high-traffic areas, sweep them daily. Removing dirt from rugs or carpets is still much easier than removing chewing gum. If you are facing such a problem do visit our blog on the same.
04. Carpet Care Tips for Recovering the Accidental Spill
Has your toddler accidentally spilt orange juice? Or perhaps you notice a fresh stain on the carpet? Do you know how to get rid of these stains from the carpet? It’s easy. Immediately blot the spillage with a damp cloth or an absorbent tissue. Don’t get the liquid on the unaffected area. Blot the stain very gently.
In case of spillage of any solid item, make sure that you scrape the surface as much as you can and then dampen the residual. Still, if the carpet stains persist, clean it with hot water, white vinegar, and carpet cleaner. Blot it with a cloth and dry the carpet without heating it.
05. Place a Rubber Inlay Beneath the Rug and Carpet
The basic rule of carpet and rug maintenance is to make sure that they remain in good condition. The threads of carpets don’t have anti-slip properties on their own. You need to introduce a solution for that. Opt for rubber inlays and place them beneath the carpet to prevent these from slipping away from their designated positions.
Apart from the anti-slip properties, a rubber inlay also ensures that the carpet doesn’t start curling up from its edges. This minimizes the chances of the carpet losing its shape, and normal wear and tear is also prevented by the bottom surface, which helps these carpets retain a fresh look.
06. Snip Away Extra Strands of the Carpets and Rugs
We all love the frills and florals that carpets bring into our homes. But even the lovely fringes of these carpets need to be taken care of. Make sure to assess the entire surface and snip away any extra strands standing out on the carpet. This will not only prevent the carpet from getting more damaged but will also offer you a smooth surface to walk on.
Brush the fringes to keep them from tangling and wash them with a carpet cleaner that does not have chlorine. While storing, roll the carpet in a muslin or polyurethane sheet to let it breathe and stay fresh.
07. Take Help of a Professional for Carpet and Rug Maintenance
If you’re not ready to put effort into carpet and rug maintenance, there’s nothing to worry about as professionals are always there to help. With their magical techniques, they’ll make your carpets look as fresh as they were when you first got them.
Even if you’re ready to do the work, it’s best to hire a professional to clean these soft furnishings at least once a year. This will improve the condition of your carpets, and professionals might also serve you with some tips and insights on DIY maintenance.
Rug And Carpet Cleaning Tips
While cleaning carpets is crucial, knowing how to cater to which material is vital before starting. Every material has a suitable method that promises a neat and clean rug and carpet. Let’s look at different tips for each type of carpet material.
01. Cleaning Hacks for Synthetic Carpets And Rugs
Do you own a synthetic carpet? Congratulations, because you’re going to master its cleaning because it’s simple. Start off by vacuuming the entire surface to get rid of tiny dust particles settling inside the fibres. In case of a liquid spill on the carpet, blot it with an absorbent towel and don’t try to rub it, or else the stain will spread. After you’re through with the cleaning process, dry the carpet by placing it under a fan or air conditioner rather than offering additional heat.
02. Cleaning Tips for Woollen Carpets and Rugs
The fuzz of woollen carpets demands extra attention and care while cleaning. Prevent moving a rotary brush on these plush surfaces. Liquid stains can be cleaned using the same misting and blotting methods as on synthetic carpets. Make sure to use cleaners that go well with wool and keep it as soft as it is.
03. Wash The Dirt From Natural Carpets
Natural carpets are easy to clean. Vacuum it just like a synthetic carpet and use a beater brush to get rid of dirt. Grit that settles on these carpets can make the surface look worn out and abrasive. Hence, getting rid of the grit is essential. Dampen the area with any spillage to bid adieu to the stains. Dry these with low heat settings, and the carpet is ready to slay with its natural beauty.
By following these rugs and carpet cleaning tips, you can make your old carpet and rug look brand new.
Step-By-Step Guide for Rug And Carpet Care
Maintenance of rugs and carpets isn’t as daunting as it sounds. And to make your job easier, we have a manual with three easy steps that will help you maintain the charm of these carpets and rugs for a long time.
01. Proper Wash With Warm Water to Maintain your Carpet
Notice a small rug covered in dirt? Wash it away! Prior to putting it in a washing machine, check if there’s a tag on the rug that says it can be washed in a machine, or else you’ll have to wash it with your hands.
Before tossing it in the machine, it’s advised to shake it to get rid of any dry dust resting on the surface. Make sure that the temperature is kept warm for the wash and that a mild detergent is used.
02. Beat the Carpets and Rugs
Yes, beat these up to remove dirt. If you own a large rug that is difficult to wash in a machine, consider beating it outside. Place the rug on a clothesline and beat it with pressure to help remove dust. In the case of rugs that support only dry cleaning, this is the best and most efficient method to achieve a clean look in these fabrics.
03. Vacuuming the Carpet
Rugs need to be vacuumed on a regular basis, or dirt might settle deep within. While simple carpets can be cleaned without worries, you need to be a bit careful when it comes to rugs with fringes. Practice caution so that fringes don’t get caught up in the beater bar, or else the entire look of the carpets will be ruined.
Sparkling, Fresh Floors with Carpet and Rugs!
Keep your home sparkling with neat aesthetics by following these easy tips for the care and maintenance of rugs and carpets. The simple addition of carpets to a space can fill the room with a little drama and enhance its aesthetics. And with such an investment, you’d want the essence to be retained for a long time, right?
The good news is that these easy hacks let you achieve this goal of carpet and rug maintenance, so that your home looks fresh always.
FAQs Related to Carpet and Rug Maintenance
01. How often must a Carpet be Vacuumed?
Though this depends on the area your carpet is placed in, the basic rule demands vacuuming carpets at least twice a week to keep them well-maintained and increase their life.
02. How do you Maintain Carpets in Homes with Pets?
Apart from the basics like vacuuming and washing, it’s advised to purchase carpets that are composed of stain-resistant fibres and opt for shades that conceal the fur shed by your pets.
03. How to Cater to Curling Rugs?
An easy fix for curling rugs is to steam over them. Other than that, you can also anchor the edges on the floor with the help of tapes or inlays.
Now that you are aware of various ways of carpet and rug maintenance, you might also love to know what steps you should take while replacing your carpet. Do visit our blog for the same.
7 Steps to Take When Replacing Carpet of Your Home!
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Author Bio
Saili Sawantt – She is an Architect and Interior Designer by profession. Writing is what she treats as her passion. She has worked as an Architectural Writer, Editor, and Journalist for various design as well as digital portals, both national and international. Formerly she has also worked with Godrej Properties Limited (GPL) Design Studio, Mumbai, due to her keen interested in learning about Sustainability and Green buildings. Apart from this, she runs her blog ‘The Reader’s Express’ and is a practicing Architect & Interior Designer.