Your indoor spaces are not complete without the added
aesthetics of oriental area rugs. For most of us, they are a great investment
for home décor improvement and can add amazing colors to your rooms.
Oriental area rugs have soft layers of fibers which make
them an excellent place for watching your favorite TV shows, playing games, or throwing
slumber parties!
Nevertheless, for your rugs to last for an extended period, you need to maintain them. Your
maintenance routine should involve regular cleaning, whether by professional or
DIY (Do It Yourself) services.
Hiring professional cleaners can be costly, but if you think
you can do a good job at cleaning your rugs, why not give it a try? Who knows? You might just surprise yourself.
To guide you on your self-cleaning routine, I’ll give you
some cleaning tips for keeping your oriental area rugs in tip-top shape. Here
goes!
Tips for Cleaning Oriental Area Rugs
While small oriental area rugs can be easily cleaned, it’s
best to clean them outside on a nice sunny day, or in a garage or utility rooms
(on a clean floor). To do this:
-
Get the
rug prepared. Thoroughly vacuum either sides properly to remove any loose dust
and dirt.
Test for color fading or running. Carefully follow the mixing
directions on the store-bought shampoo/rug cleaner, or add a few small drops of
mild dishwashing soap to a bucket of warm water.
Don’t use hot water, except if you
want your rug’s fibers to shrink or the color to fade.Test the solution on a
small area on the rug first to ensure that the colors aren’t running. If not,
go on to the next step.
-
Wash. Use
a brush or sponge to work a froth of detergent or shampoo deep into the rug,
then allow the mixture to soak. Before rinsing, work in the solution for a few
minutes.
-
Rinse the
rug. Use a garden hose to thoroughly rinse the rug. Ensure that the water
is sud-free before you finishing the rinsing process.
-
Get rid
of excess water. Use a squeegee to squeeze as much water as you can out of
the rug. Be careful, though. You only need to work in the direction of the
rug’s nap.
-
Allow it
to dry. Place the rug flat on a clean surface. After the upper section
dries, flip it for the bottom to dry as well.
-
Loosen
the fibers. Use a soft-bristled brush or a vacuum to loosen the rug’s
fibers, as most of them may have been pressed down throughout the
drying/washing process.
NOTE: Only wash
your oriental area rugs when they are dirty. To determine if they are, pick up
the rug from one corner and let it flop onto the floor. If you see a small
cloud of dust floating around, a proper cleaning is needed.
Verdict
Oriental area rugs are a great addition to your home. However,
maintaining them is essential for
improving their overall condition. Cleaning can be done by hiring professional
services or just doing it yourself. Either way, maintenance is key. Happy
cleaning!