How to maintain artisan rugs?
Aesthetic rugs and carpets are especially cozy and bring warmth to the interior. Despite its rustic appearance, artisan rugs are a fragile and delicate cover. Adopt proper treatment to clean them effectively and remove all kinds of stains. Here are all the tips and advice on how to maintain artisan rugs for a long time.
Washing
Artisan rugs are recommended to be washed by hand every 3 to 6 years, depending on traffic. A rug should not be steam washed. The heat-resistant detergents and spotting chemicals used in steam cleaning can cause damage, causing discoloration and shortening the life of textiles.
Padding
Carpet pads extend the life of the rug by reducing foot traffic. The pad also provides anti-slip and acts as a barrier against liquid spills, thereby protecting the hardwood floor.
Vacuum
It is advisable to vacuum weekly to reduce the build-up of dirt particles that are harmful to the carpet fibers. When using a vacuum cleaner, do not vacuum the fringes. A suction-only vacuum cleaner reduces the chance of fringe damage but does not completely remove dirt.
Storage
It is best to clean the artisan rugs before storing it. The average home soil is composed of sand, clay, carbon, starch, protein, oil, mud, fungi and pollen. Over time, the soil reacts with each other into dyes, which can have harmful effects. Dirty rugs are vulnerable to the invasion of pests such as moths, skin beetles and mold. The rug should be cleaned, wrapped in a heavy, breathable product such as paper, and taped to all exposed seams. Do not store rugs in direct contact with concrete floors or walls.
Pest Infestations
The best precautions against pests are regular vacuum cleaners and inspections. Pests prefer a dark and undisturbed place. It is important to check all wool products in the house regularly and wash them promptly. In many epidemics, oriental rugs are not the cause. Clean all items from secondary sources before putting them in your home.
Steps to wash your artisan rugs properly
- Collect tools and consumables
Here’s what you need to do to clean the area rug successfully:
- Rug shampoo (or mild dishwashing liquid)
- Bucket
- Soft bristle brush or sponge
- Water
Optional:
- Rubber gloves
- Garden hose
- Wet and dry vacuum cleaner
- Remove dirt and debris
Vacuum the rugs on both sides completely. You need to make sure that all the last bits of the debris are gone. If you have a pet, use a brush attachment to remove prolonged hair loss.
- Mix the cleaner
For the actual cleaning solution, you can use a rug shampoo like this from Bissell. Whatever shampoo you choose, mix according to its specific instructions (listed on the bottle).
Alternatively, you can use a neutral dishwashing liquid in a bucket with warm water. Do not use hot water as it can shrink the rug and cause fading.
- Perform a color test
Before you start scrubbing, make sure the cleaner does not shed color. Test the solution at the corners of the rug to make sure it does not fade. If the color does not bleed, it is safe to proceed to the next step.
- Wash the rug
Use a sponge or a soft bristle brush to pour the cleaning solution into the rug foam. Place the cleaner on the rug for 5 minutes before starting the rinse. Less than that can speed up the cleaning process. Wait 5 minutes and then start removing dirt.
- Rinse the rug
Rinse the soap from the rug using a garden hose or a bucket of clean water. Make sure that all cleaning fluid is completely removed from the area rug and the effluent is clear.
- Remove excess water
At this point, remove excess water from the rug as much as possible to allow it to dry faster. You can use a wet and dry vacuum cleaner if you have one, or use the squeegee in the direction of a nap.
- Let the rug dry
The penultimate step to clean the area rug is simply to dry it. Place the rug flat and allow the top of the rug to dry completely and then do the same for another side. Fans help speed up the process. Make sure the rug is completely dry before returning it to the room.
- Vacuum or brush off the rug
During the cleaning process, threads and fibers can be compressed and crushed. Vacuum the dry rug to revive it or brush it with a soft bristle brush. This is completed. You can enjoy the freshly cleaned carpet. You know how to clean the area rug yourself, and you can get the job done whenever you want.
