Area rugs add warmth underfoot, help define the spaces in your home, and play a key role in determining the way a room looks and feels. Unfortunately, they tend to get dingy after a while. To prevent this, you’ll regularly need to give your area rugs a good cleaning.
However, before you can begin cleaning an area rug, you need to consider the type of flooring the rug is on. Doing so will prevent accidental damage to the flooring and ensure the best possible results when cleaning your rug.
Before you start typing “carpet cleaning service Dublin cost” into Google, read on to the end of this article. In order to help our fellow Dublin homeowners out, we’ve written a step-by-step guide on how to clean area rugs on hardwood floors. Read on.
How do you clean an area rug on hardwood floors?
Area rugs should be vacuumed frequently. In addition to that, rugs should be given an in-depth cleaning at least 2-3 times per year (more often if there’s a lot of foot traffic).
Here’s how to clean an area rug on a hardwood floor:
1. Vacuum
Area rugs should be vacuumed on a weekly basis, or even multiple times a week. Doing so will keep dust and dirt from getting deep into the fibres, damaging the backing, and possibly even scratching the hardwood floor.
If possible, take the rug outside and shake it out. Finally, vacuum the top and then turn the rug over and vacuum the underside as well.
2. Spot clean
Most stains can be removed by mixing warm water (two cups) and a bit of dishwashing soap (one teaspoon). Apply this mixture using a soft-bristled brush, wait 10 minutes, and then blot the stains away with a clean cloth. Afterwards, grab another cloth, dip it in clean water, and rinse away any remaining soapy solution.
3. Remove odours
If your area rug has a bad smell, sprinkle its entire surface with baking soda. Let it sit overnight before vacuuming it away.
4. Protect the hardwood
- Roll up the area rug or pad and move it to one side
- Dry mop or vacuum the hardwood floor
- Lay plastic sheeting that’s bigger than the rug over the hardwood floor
- Unroll the area rug or pad over the plastic sheeting
4. Clean with carpet shampoo
Get a quality carpet shampoo that’s designed for the materials your rug is made of, and apply it by following the instructions on the bottle. After you’re done, remove the soapy residue by dipping a mop in clean water and rinsing the rug fibres. Persian rugs need to be cleaned slightly differently however.
5. Dry the area rug and put it back
Once the area rug is completely dry, remove the plastic sheeting and roll the rug back onto the hardwood floor. Finish the cleaning by giving the rug another vacuuming.
Can you steam clean an area rug on hardwood floor?
Steam cleaning is a great way to clean an area rug without the risk of damaging a hardwood floor. However, you’ll need to place some sort of a protective barrier underneath the rug before you can start steam cleaning.
If you’re not sure how to prepare your hardwood floor or don’t have much experience using a steam cleaner, your best option is to consult with the professionals.
How much does a reliable carpet cleaning service in Dublin cost?
Thoroughly cleaning an area rug can be tiring and time-consuming. The good news is, you don’t have to do it yourself. You can learn more about the costs of rug cleaning here.
Here at Emerald Carpet Cleaning, we’d be happy to give your rugs an in-depth cleaning while you take a pleasant stroll by the O’Connell Bridge with your friends and family. Give us a call today!
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