Rug Care and MaintenanceThere are two basic groups that rugs can be assigned to when it comes to cleaning and care:
1) Synthetic fibered rugs, i.e. Nylons, Polyesters, Polypropolenes etc. 2) Natural fibered rugs, i.e. Silk, Wool, Cotton, Viscose, etc. Each category will share some common cleaning techniques, but there will be some variations between the two in some areas. Keep these basic supplies together in a "First-Aid" kit: 1) Soft, absorbant cotton towels (white, cream or any light neutral). 2) Club soda. 3) Vinegar 4) An enzyme treatment such as Nature's Miracle, if pet accidents are a possiblity. The formula for any spill cleanup is: Blot/Rinse/Blot |
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Synthetic Fibered Rugs
These manmade fibers have some really fantastic properties such as being very color stable, being monofilimant which
does not allow stains into the fibers themselves and being non-allerginic. Any liquid spill should be addressed simply by blotting the spill, take a sponge dampened with club soda and dampen (not soak) the affected area and blot again.
Continue this process until the towel is no longer showing color from the spill. Any solids should be removed before you begin the blotting process. If mud or damp soil etc. gets tracked in, allow to dry, then brush off the dried dirt, being
sure to brush with the nap of the rug, vaccuum up the loose soil. Brushing the soil away after it has dried will keep from pushing it down into the pile of the rug and make cleanup much easier. Once the majority of the soil has been removed , proceed with the Blot/Rinse/Blot process.
If the spill has soaked into the rug and gotten into the foundation, which is usually cotton, be sure to place a towel underneath
the area so the the rug can dry thoroughly and eliminate the possibility of mildew.
Usually allow 12-24 hours for the rug to air dry thoroughly.
Natural Fibered Rugs
Natural fibers have some very good properties of their own, not least of which is the fact that they are natural. Wool has amazing resiliency, outstanding wear characteristics and very good longevilty. Silk, while typically the most expensive fiber found in rugs and thought of as a luxury fiber, wears well under light to moderate traffic and is also a monofiliment fiber, making it an easy material to care for. The Blot/Rinse/Blot method outlined above is what you will also do for your natural fibered rugs. The main difference will be keeping an eye out for color fastness. After your first Blot, inspect the towel for any rug dyes.
If the rug's dyes are absorbing into the towel, STOP and contact a rug cleaner specializing in natural fibers and/or handcrafted rugs. If only the spill is being absorbed into the towel, continue with Blot/Rinse/Blot method we previously discussed. Be sure to place a towel under the damp area to allow complete drying of the foundation.
Had a Pet Accident?
Pet urine and vomit are the most damaging spills to your rug. They go on hot and acidic which re-dyes and sets the fibers which can cause a permanent stain. Therefore, quick reaction is crucial to sucessfully cleaning your rug with minimal damage from the spill. The Blot/Rinse/Blot technique will be used here also.
First, remove any solids, then blot and check your towel for any sign of rug dye. If there is no rug dye evident, continue the rinse with the club soda. If there is evidence of rug dye, substitute a 50/50 water and vinegar mix for the club soda and continue with the process. Once finished, mist the area with Nature's Miracle or another enzyme treatment designed for pets, to help control odor. Do not saturate the area as that will not improve the odor control and could damage your rug. For complete odor control, the rug will need to cleaned and soaked in an enzyme bath. A rug cleaning specialist will be needed
to do this.
Old pet stains can be helped to a certain degree, but typically, once the stain drys, it changes from an acidic stain to an alkaline stain, which combines with the high alkalinity of wool to yellow the yarn. It also conteracts the mordant process that holds the dye on the wool fibers, essentially making the dyes dissolve. This affects wool rugs particularly and the synthetic rugs, while not immune, will better resist the dried pet stain.
General Care Tips
Rotate your rug periodically. This will even wear as well as help even out any color changes resulting from direct or indirect sunlight. If your wool, cotton or silk rug is exposed to direct sunlight, you may consider having a UV-filter coating applied to your windows.
Inspect your rugs periodically. Especially with wool rugs, regular inspection can head off moth infestation. Moths and carpet
beetles generally prefer dark areas with little air circulation so the backs of rugs and areas underneath furniture need special scrutiny. The larva look like "sticky lint" so flip the rug over and check for any activity. You will need to have the rug cleaned by a cleaning specialist to ensure that all larva and insects are killed and eradicate the threat. Synthetic rugs do not support
moths, but should be inspected for wear on edges or fringe so repairs, if needed, can be made and you will get the longest life and enjoyment from your rug.
Never put potted live plants or plastic protectors on your rug.
Do not use carpet spot removers or baking soda on your natural fiber rugs. These products are designed for use on synthetic fibers.
Always have your hand knotted and tufted rugs cleaned by a specialist in hand made rugs. Surface cleaning will not thoroughly rinse the rug, therefore leaving chemical and dirt residue which over a period of time, may discolor or damage your rug.
These manmade fibers have some really fantastic properties such as being very color stable, being monofilimant which
does not allow stains into the fibers themselves and being non-allerginic. Any liquid spill should be addressed simply by blotting the spill, take a sponge dampened with club soda and dampen (not soak) the affected area and blot again.
Continue this process until the towel is no longer showing color from the spill. Any solids should be removed before you begin the blotting process. If mud or damp soil etc. gets tracked in, allow to dry, then brush off the dried dirt, being
sure to brush with the nap of the rug, vaccuum up the loose soil. Brushing the soil away after it has dried will keep from pushing it down into the pile of the rug and make cleanup much easier. Once the majority of the soil has been removed , proceed with the Blot/Rinse/Blot process.
If the spill has soaked into the rug and gotten into the foundation, which is usually cotton, be sure to place a towel underneath
the area so the the rug can dry thoroughly and eliminate the possibility of mildew.
Usually allow 12-24 hours for the rug to air dry thoroughly.
Natural Fibered Rugs
Natural fibers have some very good properties of their own, not least of which is the fact that they are natural. Wool has amazing resiliency, outstanding wear characteristics and very good longevilty. Silk, while typically the most expensive fiber found in rugs and thought of as a luxury fiber, wears well under light to moderate traffic and is also a monofiliment fiber, making it an easy material to care for. The Blot/Rinse/Blot method outlined above is what you will also do for your natural fibered rugs. The main difference will be keeping an eye out for color fastness. After your first Blot, inspect the towel for any rug dyes.
If the rug's dyes are absorbing into the towel, STOP and contact a rug cleaner specializing in natural fibers and/or handcrafted rugs. If only the spill is being absorbed into the towel, continue with Blot/Rinse/Blot method we previously discussed. Be sure to place a towel under the damp area to allow complete drying of the foundation.
Had a Pet Accident?
Pet urine and vomit are the most damaging spills to your rug. They go on hot and acidic which re-dyes and sets the fibers which can cause a permanent stain. Therefore, quick reaction is crucial to sucessfully cleaning your rug with minimal damage from the spill. The Blot/Rinse/Blot technique will be used here also.
First, remove any solids, then blot and check your towel for any sign of rug dye. If there is no rug dye evident, continue the rinse with the club soda. If there is evidence of rug dye, substitute a 50/50 water and vinegar mix for the club soda and continue with the process. Once finished, mist the area with Nature's Miracle or another enzyme treatment designed for pets, to help control odor. Do not saturate the area as that will not improve the odor control and could damage your rug. For complete odor control, the rug will need to cleaned and soaked in an enzyme bath. A rug cleaning specialist will be needed
to do this.
Old pet stains can be helped to a certain degree, but typically, once the stain drys, it changes from an acidic stain to an alkaline stain, which combines with the high alkalinity of wool to yellow the yarn. It also conteracts the mordant process that holds the dye on the wool fibers, essentially making the dyes dissolve. This affects wool rugs particularly and the synthetic rugs, while not immune, will better resist the dried pet stain.
General Care Tips
Rotate your rug periodically. This will even wear as well as help even out any color changes resulting from direct or indirect sunlight. If your wool, cotton or silk rug is exposed to direct sunlight, you may consider having a UV-filter coating applied to your windows.
Inspect your rugs periodically. Especially with wool rugs, regular inspection can head off moth infestation. Moths and carpet
beetles generally prefer dark areas with little air circulation so the backs of rugs and areas underneath furniture need special scrutiny. The larva look like "sticky lint" so flip the rug over and check for any activity. You will need to have the rug cleaned by a cleaning specialist to ensure that all larva and insects are killed and eradicate the threat. Synthetic rugs do not support
moths, but should be inspected for wear on edges or fringe so repairs, if needed, can be made and you will get the longest life and enjoyment from your rug.
Never put potted live plants or plastic protectors on your rug.
Do not use carpet spot removers or baking soda on your natural fiber rugs. These products are designed for use on synthetic fibers.
Always have your hand knotted and tufted rugs cleaned by a specialist in hand made rugs. Surface cleaning will not thoroughly rinse the rug, therefore leaving chemical and dirt residue which over a period of time, may discolor or damage your rug.