How to Keep Your Rugs in Great Condition

A clean rug often looks better than its age, and that comes with taking great care of it. Although there are effective ways of cleaning rugs at home, it is cumbersome, and some choose to engage in commercial rug cleaning services.

Nevertheless, is it worth it to clean a rug? Other than cleaning, there are other ways of maintaining a rug's appeal, durability, and effect on the ambience of a room.

How Clean Is Your Rug?

Sometimes, clear tell-tale signs, such as stains and a musty smell, show a rug needs cleaning. However, some less detectable signs appear when a rug is overdue for thorough cleaning. They include;

1. Allergens Effect

A rug can trap dirt and other allergens, including mould, within and underneath its fibres. Over time, these allergens are released into the atmosphere, and when inhaled, they cause allergic reactions. These reactions often affect the skin and respiratory system.

Those affected by this kind of dirt sneeze or wheeze, and others itch the exposed parts of their skin. In some cases, dust and mould can cause severe reactions and infections needing medical attention.

2. Pets on the Rug

Pets usually carry dirt, bacteria, and other debris, which compounds the problem when they come in from outside and lie on the rug. They also rub themselves on the rug as they play or lie on it. Pets also leave their fur and dandruff on the rug; some may have fleas and ticks.

Sometimes, they relieve themselves on the rug when they have issues using the sandbox. Ultimately, the rug becomes a health risk and may need professional cleaning to remove dirt, stains and contaminants.

3. Ineffective Cleaning

The ease and effectiveness of cleaning a rug depend on its size, cleaning method, and type of dirt. Other factors include the cleaning materials and fibre used to make the rug. Some rugs need special handling, so traditional cleaning methods may not work.

In other cases, some cleaning detergents and sprays may not be as effective in getting stains, odours, and dirt from the rug. Therefore, the rug retains some of the dirt despite having undergone some cleaning, including regular vacuuming.

Why Hire Professional Cleaning Services

There are natural methods of cleaning and rejuvenating rugs. However, there comes a time when professional cleaning services are the best option for maintaining a rug. Quality rugs are expensive. Some are heirlooms passed down through generations, and others are imported or ordered as custom or signature treasures. Below are a few reasons why you need to hire professional cleaners.

Professional cleaners use appropriate cleaning reagents

Some cleaning agents are recommended for DIY cleaning damaged rugs in the long run. For instance, vinegar fades fibres in rugs, and prolonged use disintegrates the rug's texture; however, it eliminates odours. A professional cleaner uses the appropriate commercial cleaning products that smell fresh without compromising their quality.

For the Relevant Cleaning Methods

DIY cleaning methods for rugs include:

• Vigorous brushing with stiff brushes.
• Using products like vinegar and baking soda.
• Recent vacuuming.

One problem arising from these methods is not giving the rug time to dry due to impatience and failure to know if it has dried out completely. The outcome is the growth of mould and mildew and the infamous odour arising from the dampness.

A professional cleaning service employs the correct cleaning method, which includes the optimum drying process and time using timed turbo driers. Some cleaners hand wash rugs depending on the manufacturer's cleaning instructions or its material.

It saves money

Hiring commercial cleaning equipment and buying cleaning agents seems cheap and convenient, but with time, the costs add up and become a liability. The advantage of professional cleaning is that the rugs receive the proper care, with deep cleaning required once or twice a year.

This cleaning schedule keeps the rug in good condition and appropriately cleaned instead of the more frequent DIY option. In the end, it is cheaper and more reliable. Getting free estimates on quotes for the cleaning service should help you settle for the most cost-effective one. Knowing what the professionals offer in the cleaning service package is also good before contracting them.

Minimise dirt accumulation

Rugs, especially those in high-traffic areas, can gradually accumulate significant grime. Improper and inadequate cleaning makes this worse. Professional cleaners choose cleaning methods and solutions depending on the nature of the dirt to get rid of stubborn grime and stains.

Less likely to damage the rug

Commercial cleaners rely heavily on customer reviews to grow their customer base. Therefore, they aspire to provide the best cleaning service to protect their reputation in the competitive industry. Confirming if the company is insured and licensed and if the staff has the relevant accreditation or qualification is still advisable.

For Recommendations on how to care for the rug

A professional and experienced rug cleaner can recommend tips for improving a rug's durability and aesthetics. Such advice can include the best cleaning methods while waiting for the next professional deep cleaning session.

Some experts may even advise on the dyeing of a faded carpet. In the case of increasing wear and tear due to heavy traffic, they can advise on using hardy area rugs and runners on hallways and stairs to protect the rug from foot traffic. Moving the furniture around is another way of maintaining a rug's appeal.

To Eliminate Complications from Cleaning

Some rugs develop peculiar problems over time or due to DIY cleaning. Wrinkling, odours, staining, and fading are some of the problems. Resolving them can be anxiety-inducing, such as wondering if and how to iron a rug to remove wrinkles.

Another headache from DIY cleaning is wicking. It happens due to excess wetting of the rug, and the stain reappears once the surface dries, making it look dirtier. With professional cleaning methods, such problems rarely occur because the cleaners are professionals who understand different rugs and how to clean them.

Conclusion

With proper handling and cleaning, a rug can last more than 10 years. Avoiding exposing rugs to dirt and contaminants makes it easier to keep them clean. Clean rugs enhance a living space's beauty, comfort, and hygiene standards.

They also eliminate long-term problems caused by poor cleaning methods or the accumulation of dirt and grime. Professional rug cleaning services play a significant role in maintaining a rug's beauty and durability. They will keep the rug looking as good as new and the house smelling fresh.