Can You Make Rug Cleaning A Do-It-Yourself Project?

No matter how it happens, all area rugs eventually get dirty and need a proper rug cleaning. Perhaps by your pet getting sick on your rug. Or by your own footsteps when you forget to take your muddy shoes off. And, there’s no telling how that stain appeared overnight. 

Now, you realize you haven’t had your Oriental rugs cleaned since a year before the Covid-19 pandemic hit. Now that you are working at home, you wonder whether or not you can make rug cleaning a Do-It-Yourself Project?You can find licensed expert rug cleaning experts in your area and receive a free, no-obligation estimate for your project. And, you will be glad to know that Khazai Rug Cleaners specialize in cleaning Oriental and Persian rugs.

Our Advice on DIY Rug Cleaning

Experts say rugs (especially Oriental and vintage Persian rugs) should be cleaned professionally every two to three years. You can tell when this is needed because your area rugs will look dirty or smell. The best way to test to see if area rugs need to be cleaned is to try the “puff” test.

 That is, by lifting one corner of your area rug and letting it flop flat on the floor. If this sends a “puff” of dust into the air, it’s a sign that it’s time to clean your rugs. 

You’ll Need The Commitment To Take Ample Time.

Plan on taking all the amount of time it will take. That can be much more than you would expect. Experts say you’ll need to make it a weekend project to give the job enough time for cleaning and drying.

 You’ll Also Need The Items on This List of 10 Things:

• Step 1

These are the essential tools and supplies you’ll need to complete a successful area rug cleaning:

• Rug shampoo (or mild dish soap)
• Small spray bottle
• Bucket
• Soft-bristle brush or sponge
• Water
• Rubber gloves
• A Squeegee
• Garden hose
• Wet-dry vacuum

 

• Step 2

Vacuum the rug on both sides thoroughly and remove all debris and dirt. You’ll need to make sure every last bit of debris is gone. If you have pets, the brush attachment will suck out the lingering stray hairs.

• Step 3

You can use rug shampoo when it comes to the actual cleaning solution. Follow the directions on the bottle for mixing. Or, mix your own rug cleaning solution in your bucket. All you need is the following items:

• one teaspoon dishwashing detergent
• One tablespoon white vinegar
• One teaspoon sodium bicarbonate
• A clean, absorbent towel
• A clean sponge

Also, you can use mild dish detergent mixed with lukewarm water. It’s essential not to use hot water because it can shrink the rug or cause fading.

• Step 4

Before you start scrubbing, do a color test. Ensure the cleaner doesn’t cause color bleeding. Next, test the solution on the rug’s corner to make sure it is colorfast. If the color doesn’t bleed, then it’s safe to proceed to the next step.

• Step 5

Use a sponge or soft-bristle brush to begin washing the rug. Work the cleaning solution into a lather right on the area rug. Let the cleaner sit on the area rug for a full five minutes before you start rinsing. Anything less than five minutes will hamper the cleaning process. It takes all of the full five minutes to set in and start lifting the dirt away.

• Step 6

6Rinse the soap out of the rug thoroughly using a garden hose or buckets of clean water. Check if the cleaning solution is all gone from the area rug. And ensure that the runoff water is completely clear.

• Step 7

Get rid of as much excess water in the rug as you can so it will dry faster. That is when you can use a wet-dry vacuum. If you don’t have one, you can use a squeegee and apply it in the direction of the nap.

• Step 8

Here’s a crucial extra step: repeat steps 5, 6, and 7 on the bottom side of the rug. 

• Step 9

Lay the area rug flat and allow the top of the area rug to dry completely. And then flip it over to let the bottom side dry. Fans can help speed up the process. Make sure the area rug is fully dry before you return it to your room.

• Step 10

Vacuum or brush out the rug. Since threads and fibers can get compacted and squashed, you should revive them with a vacuum on the now-dry rug. You can also brush them with a soft-bristled brush.

Whether You Do-It-Yourself or Not, Keep Khazai Rug Cleaning in Mind 

If you feel there’s no need to hire professional rug cleaners for the task, fine. But, if your rug is extremely delicate (for example, an antique rug, Persian rug, or oriental rug), feel free to call us.

For top-notch rug cleaning services in Washington DC, you can rely on us.

Contact our Rug Cleaning team in Louisville or Lexington to make an appointment. You can call or contact us through our website to get started!

Schedule a Rug Cleaning With Us