Rugs add warmth and visual interest to floors, injecting colour and pattern into your home and creating distinct living spaces. However, carpets also collect dust, dirt, and irritants that must be regularly removed to keep them looking like new.

The most popular way to clean a rug is by cleaning it professionally. Unfortunately, most carpet cleaning companies lack the knowledge and skillset needed for proper area rug care, often leading to damage. Check out The-RugMan rug cleaning Adelaide.

How to Care for Small Rugs

Small rugs are integral to any room’s decor, yet they can be challenging to keep clean. Carpets accumulate dirt and debris over time, leaving them dirty and discoloured. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to keep your area rugs looking their best.

Depending on the type of rug, you may want to brush it occasionally. Doing so can help remove stubborn pet hair that may not come up with vacuuming alone.

You may want to brush the back of a small rug, as this will remove any gritty dirt that has accumulated there. You can do so with either a soft-bristled brush or a stiff-bristled brush.

Check the care labels before beginning to clean a specialty rug. For instance, some silk-made may require special dry-cleaning or machine-washing procedures.

Other rugs like wool and cotton may be laundered or dry-cleaned. Washing machines can be used for these rugs, but it’s wise to use a mesh laundry bag or zippered pillowcase for protection from the agitator. Check out The-RugMan rug cleaning Adelaide.

Sheepskin and fur rugs can be cleaned using a shampoo tailored to their material. You may also find soap-based carpet cleaners that work well on these rugs.

How to Care for Fur and Sheepskin Rugs

Sheepskin rugs are stunning and luxurious but require regular upkeep to look their best. While professional products can help remove stains, dirt, and smells from your carpet, other methods are available to keep it looking its best.

For most stains, the initial step is to absorb as much liquid or solid as possible with paper towels or other absorbent material. Once the spill has been absorbed, use a mild soap or cleaning product to eliminate any remaining residue. If the stain has been set, use a spoon or butter knife to scrape away at it from the fibres gently.

To achieve the same effect, sprinkle dry baking soda over your sheepskin and let sit for two to eight hours or overnight. Finally, vacuum the baking soda with a handheld or regular vacuum cleaner.

In addition to these tips, always double-check the manufacturer’s instructions before washing your sheepskin rug. With proper care, your wool-backed sheepskin rug should last for years.

How to Clean a Room-Size Natural-fibre Rug

Natural fibre rugs such as jute, sisal and seagrass require regular cleaning to look their best. To properly care for these delicate weaves, it’s essential to understand their particular requirements and use products that won’t damage the weave.

Spots and spills should be addressed promptly upon discovery to avoid permanent staining. Dab the area with a clean cloth to absorb as much liquid as possible.

Spot treatments: Mix water with a mild detergent such as dish soap or laundry soap to create an effective solution. Rinse thoroughly, and then blot dries with a clean cloth.

If the stain persists, soak a sponge in a solution of vinegar and water and use it to rub away any spots gently. For more stubborn spots, spray with this solution before leaving it to sit for 10 minutes before wiping it out with a clean, dry sponge. Repeat this process until all traces of the stain have disappeared.

Make your rug cleaner by using a fabric protector. Fabric protectors repel dirt and moisture, extending the time between rug washes. You can purchase commercially-produced fabric protectors or make your own using equal parts beeswax and soy wax, which you then melt together until thoroughly melted.

Before and after cleaning your rug, it’s wise to give it a good shake. More oversized rugs can be hung from clotheslines or railings, giving the fibres time to settle before vacuuming.

You can also leave your natural-fibre rug outside on a sunny day for several hours to help combat bacteria and mildew hiding within its fibres. Doing this also helps eliminate any odours that the carpet has developed over time.