Area Rug Cleaning

When it comes to area rugs, don’t settle for anything less than a professional rug cleaning. Sure, it may be tempting to tackle the problem yourself, but that plan could backfire. Why? Because area rugs require a gentle but effective approach to cleaning. Carpet Max is a professional rug cleaner with trained technicians who know how to handle the delicate fibers in your rug.

Unfortunately, too many people attempt to clean their own area rugs. Do-it-yourselfers often damage their rugs either because they scrub too hard or because they use the wrong cleaning solutions and utensils. Your area rugs are much too special—and often too costly—to take that risk.

At Carpet Max, we know that every area rug cleaning situation is different. That’s why we first conduct a thorough inspection of your area rugs, noting any heavily-soiled or high-traffic areas that may need special attention. We want to determine which cleaning solution is best for your particular carpet, and then combine it with our state-of-the-art equipment to achieve optimum results. We use the same hot-water extraction method on area rugs that we use on all carpet cleaning services. It’s gentle, but highly effective, and it will renew the beauty of your area rugs.

From expensive heirlooms to everyday mud blockers, Carpet Max knows what’s best for your area rugs.

Area Rug Cleaning Tips

1. Never clean rugs on location in the customer’s home unless there are extenuating circumstances such as size, weight or furniture that makes bringing the rug in for cleaning in a plant difficult. In-home cleaning is much cheaper but leaves soap and dirt residue in the rug that causes the rug to re-soil quickly. On location, the fringe cannot be cleaned and the rug may mildew on the floor because of inadequate drying. Always have your area rugs taken out of the home and cleaned by a professional company that specializes in Oriental rug cleaning. If the company does not know what type of rug you have or the fiber content, they probably know very little about cleaning area rugs.

2. The Oriental Rug Importers of America recommends that hand-made rugs be cleaned every 2 – 4 years. Rugs used in heavily trafficked areas such as an entry hall, may need to be cleaned every year. Because some rugs are so thick, waiting too long between cleanings makes the deeply embedded soil impossible to remove completely. Moths can be found in rooms that are seldom used, in dark spaces under furniture and are more likely to attack wool rugs that are dirty.

3. Vacuum Rugs Regularly. 80% of soil in rugs is dry particulate matter. It acts as sandpaper and wears out the rug.

4. Beware of any rug seller who says the rug you have just bought from then should not be cleaned. What this really means is the rug will not withstand cleaning due to condition, foundation “painting”. or other hidden defects.

5. Help Protect Your Wool Rugs from stains and soil. Wool rugs are generally sold without any type of stain protection. Our Supershield® fabric protector is Woolsafe® approved.

6. Spills and Accidents should be addressed immediately. Over-the-counter spotters found in drug, grocery and home improvement stores are a No-No! These spotters are too aggressive and can leave irreversibly discolored areas. Cold water or club soda work best as an emergency measure until the rug can be cleaned by a professional.

7. Rug Padding provides a protective layer between your rug and floor. It helps minimize slippage, increase the life of the rug, makes the rug feel thicker and more luxurious, smoothes out irregularities in the floor and absorbs noise. All pads are not created equal. The best pads for hardwood floors have a layer of synthetic felted material with a rubber coating. The surface that the pad will be used on determines the type of pad we recommend. To determine what size pad you need, measure the length and width of the rug, not including the fringe. The pad should be cut 2 inches shorter than the length and width of the rug.

Area Rug Care and Maintenance

The information here offers easy, basic steps for the care and protection of an Oriental rug.

Rotation – To insure even wear, your rug should be rotated once a year. Depending on the traffic, the rotation may vary from six months to two years.

Vacuuming – Oriental rugs, like most carpeting, should be vacuumed on a regular basis to remove dirt and restore life to the fibers. Be sure not to vacuum the fringe with your beater bar! Use the end of a vacuum hose from a canister vacuum.

Padding – a quality pad used under your rug helps protect it from dirt, wear and slippage.

Spot and Spill Procedures – Make sure that you safely and immediately clean up spots and spills before they set.

First, soak up the excess liquid by blotting with a clean absorbent material. Do not brush or rub the stain.
The spot-clean with a mild detergent-white vinegar-water solution. Do not over wet.
Rinse area thoroughly with water and a small amount of vinegar. Avoid wetting the rug’s backing.
Blot dry until most of the moisture has been absorbed.
Allow to air dry. A fan or cool hair dryer can be used to hasten the drying process.
For stains that do not come out using these methods, ask our cleaning specialists.