If you cannot remember when was the last time when you deep cleaned your precious area rugs in the living rooms or main bedroom, or you have recently noticed they are covered in nasty stains, you’ve reached the right page. Today we are going to discuss the important topic of how to care for sensitive antique rugs and carpets at home.
Without further ado, let’s see what you could do to bring back the lost shine and beauty in your valuable rugs.
Get All The Cleaning Tools and Products You Will Need To Use
If this is your first time tackling the rather peculiar task of cleaning your antique area rugs at the house, there is no need to panic. First of all, with the help of a few simple instructions and clear steps that you will need to follow, things should go smoothly.
Get all the tools and cleaning supplies that you are going to need to use to effectively clean your precious area rugs covered in stains and dirt:
· a bucket filled with clean water
· mild dish soap or special rug shampoo
· a sponge or brush with soft bristles
· a pair of rubber gloves
· a wet-dry vacuum cleaner
· apple cider vinegar
· baking soda
· clean cloths
Step #1: Remove All Traces Of Dirt From The Rugs
Put the vacuum cleaner to its best use on both sides of the rug that requires your attention. This is necessary in order to ensure that all traces of dust, debris, and dirt will be thoroughly removed from the fibers and yarn. Make sure to also install and use the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner so you can remove all the strays of loose hairs as well.
Step #2: Clean The Rugs Using Special Shampoo
Carefully read all the instructions as provided by the manufacturer of the rug, or do your research online in case you own a manually weaved rug that has been dyed using natural plant-based dye and weaved using silk, cotton, and other natural fibers. Mix the shampoo as instructed and make sure to avoid using any wet shampoo in case the instructions do not explicitly tell you to do so. If you own a very expensive Agara rug that has been in your family for many generations, you might want to hire some expert carpet cleaners like the guys at Agara Rug Cleaning NYC to avoid any accidental damage.
It is also possible to use mild dish soap on the majority of area rugs, if not advised otherwise, and mix it in a bucket filled with lukewarm water. Remember never to use hot water for cleaning your rugs as you will risk causing them to shrink or start to fade. Also, it is essential to always run color tests on inconspicuous surfaces of your rugs before you are ready to clean their entire surface, to avoid color running issues. Use a corner to test if the rug is colorfast. If you notice the rug start to bleed, you should stop the process, pick up your phone and call an emergency carpet cleaner in your area to help you save your precious rugs.
Step #3: Brush The Rug
Put your soft-bristle brushes to work and use them together with your cleaning mix, letting the solution lather on the rug and sit for a few minutes. Then start brushing and scrubbing and proceed to rinse the soap with a garden hose or a bucket filled with water.
Step #4: Let The Rug Dry Naturally
If possible, remove all the excess water and let the rugs sit in natural sunlight to dry for a few days for best results.
Make sure to always hire professional help to assist you with antique, expensive, and sensitive rugs that require special care.