Preparing for professional rug cleaning

image courtesy of: Wikimedia Commons

Busy traffic areas in the home increase the chance of embedded dirt and grime in rugs and carpets. But homeowners can take a few steps to ensure the most effective rug cleaning prior to the commercial cleaner arriving. If there are pets in the home, the rugs will also have pet dander and dirt from their paws.

To prepare for a deep cleaning, it's important to vacuum the rug several times in each direction. Make sure your vacuum is set to the proper height.  If your vacuum is set too high above rug, it will not attract the grit and dirt in the fibers, yet if it is set too low, it could gouge the carpet pile, and the vacuum’s beater bar or brushes can fray the surface. The beater bar should just skim the surface of the pile, not dig into it.

After vacuuming the rug, if it is an area rug, flip it over and vacuum the other side as well to remove the dirt that is deeply embedded. You can do this even if the backside is rubber or plastic. The key to a good cleaning is to have as little as possible to clean and focus on the dirt that a vacuum cannot reach. Rugs should also be rotated at least once a year to keep the traffic patterns even and minimize stains from repetitive foot traffic.

Additionally, doormats should also be cleaned in the same manner, vacuuming both sides, or if the care label allows, they can also be cleaned in the washer and dryer. Prevention and preparation allow the best cleaning possible when you contract a professional rug cleaner.

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