Rugs can be an excellent addition to any space, tying the room together while adding texture, color, and even making rooms feel less empty. But like any other part of your decor, area rugs need to be constantly cleaned in order to keep up their appearance and avoid trapping and spreading dirt and dust in your home. But how exactly do you go about cleaning your area rugs, and what should be avoided? Let’s take a closer look at the do’s and don’ts of vacuuming area rugs so you know how to go about cleaning them properly.

The Do’s and Don’ts: Area Rugs

When you’re looking to properly vacuum an area rug, do:

• Vacuum the surface of your area rugs at least monthly or bi-monthly, paying to the back of the rugs at least twice a year.
• Vacuum the rug from side to side, taking care to go in the direction of the nap or the weft lines.
• Use your upholstery attachment if you’re dealing with a thin or old rug.

But don’t make these mistakes:

• Use a beater bar or a stand-up vacuum unless you have an area rug with a deep and thick pile.
• Vacuum shag rugs or tufted rugs (in the latter case, too rough at the risk of pulling out fibers).
• Vacuum against the nap or the rug’s fringes.

The Do’s and Don’ts: Antique Rugs

Antique rugs are unique but often at greater risk of being damaged when not cleaned properly. Here’s what you need to do when vacuuming antique rugs.

DO:

• Vacuum the front and the back, doing several passes to make sure you’re getting all the dirt out.
• Take care to learn more about the history of your rug, such as when it was last professionally cleaned.

However, don’t:

• Get your rug wet or try to steam or dry-clean your rug.
• Use a rotary vacuum or one that has high suction settings on.
• Try to do it yourself if it’s filthy or if you don’t know what you’re doing.

The Do’s and Don’ts: Wool Rugs

Wool rugs are much thicker, which means you can put more elbow grease into your rug care. Here are a few general rules to follow when cleaning wool rugs.

DO:

• Blot liquids slowly as soon as they’re spilled on the carpet.
• Use a beater bar to get it exceptionally clean.
• Test new cleaning strategies on small sections to avoid causing bleeding colors or other issues.

However, wool is not invulnerable. When cleaning, don’t: 

• Use alkaline detergents or your standard rug-cleaning shampoo (adds too much moisture).
• Try to steam clean your rug on your own as it can end up staying moist without the proper equipment.
• Spot clean if you’re not sure what type of stain you’re dealing with.

Get the Professional Rug Care You Deserve With East Coast Rug Care

Most importantly, reaching out when you need help cleaning your rug can be the best thing to do. Whether you need area rug cleaning in Warminster, PA, or wool rug cleaning in Bucks County, PA, East Coast Rug Care is here to provide you with the attention to detail and excellent support you need to keep your rugs and your house in order. Contact us and get your free quote today!