Rug Cleaning El Dorado Hills CA is a very specialized service. Just like you would never hire a plumber who doesn’t specialize in plumbing, your area rug needs professionals with extensive training and experience to get it clean and healthy.
The care label on a rug should list fibers and specific cleaning instructions. Wool rugs should be dry-cleaned, while synthetic rugs can usually be washed.
Rugs hold a tremendous amount of dry soil. Dust, dander, hair, and sand are trapped in area rugs, making them a prime source for allergens, such as dust mites and pollen. Regular vacuuming is the best way to remove these contaminants from wall-to-wall carpeting. However, cursory vacuuming doesn’t remove the embedded dirt that is trapped in rug foundations. The most important step in cleaning an area rug is ensuring that all the dry dirt, sand and other debris is removed before submerging it in a professional cleaning process.
The first step in area rug cleaning is a process called “dusting.” We place the rug upside down on a grid rack and mechanically beat it to drive the dry soils into the grid system where they are blown away by compressed air. This makes the subsequent washing of your area rug more effective.
We also offer a newer process of “air dusting.” This uses the same principle as a leaf blower, except with a great deal more force. We can also use a Moore or In-plant Soil Separator to process your area rugs. These tools are labor saving devices that are very effective when used properly.
Many people do not realize that their area rugs are not as clean as they think. This is especially true if they have pets. Dirt is ground into the rug fibers and if not removed, it will prematurely wear the rug. This can be extremely expensive. This type of soil also traps bacteria and odors in the fibers and can affect indoor air quality. Area rugs should be washed regularly to prevent this buildup of grime. A thorough rug washing will remove these bacteria and make your home a healthier environment for you and your family.
Deodorization
Rugs can trap ground-in dirt, mildew and other unwanted organisms that contribute to musty odors. This build-up can worsen the symptoms of asthma and allergies, not to mention irritate sensitive skin. Regular vacuuming and over-the-counter sprays may remove some of the odor, but they don’t get to the source. A thorough rug washing eliminates odors, and a clean carpet also helps improve indoor air quality.
Most rug deodorizers come in powder, spray or shampoo form and come with various fragrances, antibacterial properties and specific directions for unique types of carpet. You can make your own rug deodorizer using ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry:
Baking soda (aka bicarbonate of soda) neutralizes odors and helps clean carpet. It’s easy to use: sprinkle a liberal amount onto the carpet, let it sit and work its magic, then vacuum it up.
Vinegar
Vinegar kills mildew and bacteria. It’s also an effective odor-neutralizer and doesn’t contain toxic chemicals like bleach or ammonia, which can leave your home with an unpleasant odor. To use vinegar as a rug cleaner, mix one cup of white vinegar with two cups of water in a spray bottle and apply to the carpet. The vinegar smell will fade as it dries.
To clean a large braided rug without damaging it, place it on a vinyl or concrete floor and put an old blanket beneath it. Sponge commercial carpet-cleaning foam over the surface and rub it in, following product directions. Rinse and dry thoroughly before putting the rug back on the floor. This method isn’t ideal for small rugs or antiques, which require extra care when cleaning.
Stain Removal
Stain removal is a major challenge, especially on natural-fiber rugs. When a stain occurs, it’s important to immediately blot the spot to soak up as much of the liquid as possible. Don’t rub – this spreads the stain material deeper into the fibers and makes it more difficult to remove.
If you are facing a particularly stubborn stain, such as red wine, try pouring a small amount of white wine over it to absorb the color. Then, use a clean cloth or paper towel to blot (don’t rub) the stain until it is dry. This will greatly reduce the chances of permanent color change in the carpet.
A few drops of rubbing alcohol is another good stain-removing solution for carpets. It is especially effective on marker stains, which can be very hard to get out of carpet. If you are concerned about using harsh chemicals in your home, a less-toxic alternative is borax. Borax is an inexpensive and easy-to-use household cleaning product that can help break down a wide range of stains, including those from wine, tea, coffee, fruit juices, and pet urine.
Before applying any cleaner, always test it on an inconspicuous area of your rug to ensure that colors won’t run or the cleaner will be too harsh for the fibers. After rinsing, it is important to dry the cleaned area as quickly as possible to prevent water-based stains or mildew. This can be done with a wet/dry vacuum or by moving the rug outside in a safe place, such as on a porch, and letting it air dry.
Moisture Removal
Area rugs are susceptible to dirt and grime that normal vacuuming can’t remove, leading to dull colors and a rough texture. A professional deep clean can revitalize these rugs, making them the centerpiece of any room.
Rugs often contain pet hair and dander, as well as food and beverage stains. Regular vacuuming and a cleaning spray can help keep these things under control, but these methods are ineffective against deeply embedded stains and soil. Professional rug cleaning uses advanced equipment and techniques that get to the root of these problems, resulting in cleaner rugs.
Dirty rugs trap toxins and allergens like mold, dust mites, and bacteria. These contaminants can affect the health of sensitive household members and lead to respiratory issues. Professional deep cleaning uses advanced tools to break down these harmful substances, reducing the risk of allergic reactions and breathing difficulties.
Besides stains, odors are another sign that it’s time for a rug cleaning. When regular air fresheners fail to mask unpleasant odors, it’s time to call in the professionals to eliminate the smell at its source. This approach also helps extend the lifespan of your rugs, ensuring that they remain vibrant for years to come.
Rugs absorb more moisture than wall-to-wall carpet, so it’s essential to dry them quickly after cleaning. After a thorough vacuuming, soak up excess water with towels until they’re saturated. Then, use fans and dehumidifiers to speed up the drying process. If you must leave your rug a little damp, make sure to vacuum only once the cleaning process is complete to avoid attracting more dirt and creating a musty odor. Alternatively, you can hang the rug outside and beat it against a rail or balcony to remove excess moisture.
Safety
Using cleaning products that are not safe for a specific rug can lead to irreparable damage. If a rug is silk, for example, certain cleaners may cause it to fade or become brittle. Similarly, wool rugs require different cleaning methods than other types of rugs because they are very delicate and can become damaged by harsh chemicals. Always test a small area of your rug with any cleaning product to ensure that it does not discolor or harm the fibers.
Failing to read a rug’s care tag before trying to clean it can also lead to disaster. Some rugs are not suitable for home washing and should be taken to a professional cleaning company instead. Other rugs may be cleaned at home, but the wrong type of cleaner could make them feel rough or leave an unpleasant scent.
It is also important to understand how to properly handle cleaning products and equipment. This includes wearing protective gear and keeping them out of reach of children. It is also a good idea to follow proper ventilation practices, such as opening windows and doors and using fans, in order to reduce the risk of exposure to harmful fumes.
Another mistake that many people make when it comes to rug cleaning is using too much water or over-wetting the carpet. Both of these mistakes can lead to mold growth and other health concerns. In addition, excessive moisture can cause the rug to warp and become misshapen. It is also a good idea to use a drying agent after cleaning the rug. This will help speed up the process and help reduce the chance of mold. Lastly, it is important to note that steam cleaning a rug will never completely remove the soil buried in the base of the rug. This soil can cause premature wear and tear by grinding the fibers of the rug like sandpaper.
