The Quick Guide To Braided Rug Cleaning

 

Braided rugs are impressive additions to any home. They adorn your room with a classic look that’s long-lasting and comfortable. They’re great to have during the winter and help you warm up your space. This blog gives you a quick guide to braided rug cleaning, whether at home or by a rug cleaning company.

What Are Braided Rugs?

Braided rugs come from a pioneering idea of recycling clothes that have been around for hundreds of years. Ancient people braided their scraps together to create floor coverings to insulate their homes against the cold winter months instead of dumping them.

 Braided rugs are gorgeous and practical and exceptionally durable. They provide a rustic charm to every room and can also be bought at pretty reasonable prices.

For most rug owners, the main problem with a braided rug is the entrapped dirt in the tiny threads. If the braided rug needs to be cleaned, put it outside over a picnic table and dab it with a clean sponge and a mild dish soap.

You can turn on the water hose and rinse letting the wet rug dry outside in fresh air. Avoid leaving a braided rug outside overnight and make sure you bring it inside before sunset (unless it’s still wet).

  Also Read: The Top-Quality Rug Side Binding Repair

Braided Rug Cleaning with Snow

Surprisingly, snow is a good solution for Braided Rug Cleaning. You just need to find a clean area with four inches of fresh snow over it (at least twice as large as your braided rug). Then, lay the rug flat on the clean snow and pack it down into it by walking over the rug. Apply more pressure if needed and keep your balance! 

The excess pressure will pack snow into the tiny cracks of your braided rug, where dirt, dust, pet hair, and grime deposits are entrapped. Flip your braided rug onto its opposite side in another clean, fresh snow area, then quickly clean the top with a stiff corn husk broom. After that, you’ll see the dirty snow left on the ground. 

You can repeat this procedure on the opposite side of your braided rug on both sides.

Your Braided rug should not remain wet; otherwise, it will be the prey to mold and mildew. Leave the wet braided rug to dry draped over a chair or table for 24 hours or braided rugs can be laid flat to dry on a covered porch or screened-in area to prevent urban animals from sitting and leaving a mess on them.

Braided Rug Cleaning with a Rug Beater

Get your braided rug outdoors and then hang it over a fence or a wall. Hanging a braided rug across the center will expose each side equally for beating. Wear glasses to protect your eyes and wear a face mask to filter flying dirt and debris from entering your lungs!

Use a long arm rattan or wire rug beater found at a local antique shop. Start beating each side of your braided rug vigorously by swinging the rug beater towards it on both sides. Flip the braided rug and repeat this procedure until it’s clean. 

Finally, detach your braided rug from the draped area, shake it out and bring it home.

This method is also called badgering, which is one of the oldest and best-performing methods for braided rug cleaning.

Braided Rug Maintenance

You can also rotate your braided rugs to extend their life and flip them from one side to another. That not only prevents wearing out but also extends the seasons you can use your braided rugs. 

Areas with high foot traffic create uneven wear if you do not rotate the braided rug occasionally. Redistribute the foot traffic pattern on your braided rug by simply rotating them every year.

Rug Smells can linger on any rug, including braided rugs, regardless of their fabric and weaving method. Rug experts recommend white vinegar to neutralize odors. Alternatively, a spray bottle full of water and essential oils works perfectly to scent your braided rug!

Rug Spray (Recipe No. 1):

1. 2 Drops Lavender Essential Oil
2. 1 Drop Lemon Essential Oil
3. 2 Drops Eucalyptus Essential Oil
4. 1 Cup Water

Add Water to Spray Bottle and pour essential oil drops in order, one by one. Shake to mix well and spray it all over your rug.

 Rug Spray (RecipeNo. 2):

1. 1 Drop of Rose Oil
2. 2 Drops Tea Tree Oil
3. 2 Drops Thyme Essential Oil
4. 1 Cup Water

Recipe no. 2 works better on dog urine stains but you should already have removed the urine bulk and dissolved the attached stain with a proper solution.

Use these two recipes spray slightly above a rug before guests arrive in your home or every week to scent your braided rugs or you can use it as a compliment after each at-home braided rug cleaning.

Can You Power Wash a Braided Rug?

Power washing should be avoided for cleaning braided rugs due to their delicate materials. High-pressure water streams can make cause discoloration and damage to them. This could cause fraying, color fading, and loss of texture. Additionally, the moisture retention from power washing could result in mold and mildew growth. Professional rug cleaners with expertise in handling delicate rugs are a better choice. Moreover, alternative methods like vacuuming and spot cleaning are safer ways to maintain the rug’s quality and appearance.

What’s The Best Homemade Solution for Braided Rug Cleaning?

To clean your braided rug at home, you need to carefully follow a few steps. First of all, mix a certain amount of mild detergent with water. You can also add baking soda or vinegar to wipe away stubborn stains. Then, follow these steps:

Blotting

If there’s a stain or spill on the rug, gently blot the area with a clean, white cloth or paper towel. Avoid rubbing, as this could spread the stain and damage the rug fibers.

Apply a small amount of the homemade solution onto the stained area. It’s important not to saturate the rug; a little goes a long way.

Rinsing

After applying the solution and allowing it to sit for a short while, follow these steps:

• Dampen a clean, white cloth with plain water and gently blot the area where you applied the solution. This helps to rinse out the cleaning solution and the stain.
• Continue blotting until you’ve removed most of the solution from the rug. It’s essential to avoid oversaturating the rug, as excessive moisture can lead to mold and mildew growth.

Drying

Proper drying is crucial to prevent any potential damage to the rug. After rinsing, gently blot the area with a dry, clean cloth to absorb excess moisture. You can also place a clean, dry towel over the damp area and press down to absorb more moisture. Repeat this step with a dry towel until the area is slightly damp.

Allow the rug to air dry in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Hanging the rug or propping it up on a clean surface can help ensure even drying. Make sure the rug is completely dry before placing it back in its original location. Dampness can lead to odors, mold, and mildew growth, harming the rug and the surrounding environment.

It’s important to note that this homemade solution and cleaning process is generally suitable for small stains and spills. For more efficient braided rug cleaning or if you’re dealing with valuable or delicate rugs, it’s recommended to consult a professional rug cleaner. They can provide specialized care to ensure the rug’s longevity and appearance.

How to Remove Odor From Braided Rugs?

To use the solutions for removing odor from a braided rug, mix them all in a spray bottle. Then, test it on a small area first to avoid damage. Mist the affected areas lightly, allowing the solution to sit briefly before gently blotting or air drying. If necessary, repeat the process while ensuring proper ventilation to prevent mold growth. Note that while essential oils can neutralize odors, their efficacy may vary. Also, for persistent or strong odors, professional cleaning services might be advisable.

What Are The Benefits of Professional Cleaning?

Professional braided rug cleaning provides numerous benefits, leveraging specialized tools and techniques to deep-clean and revive rugs. Experts assess rug materials using appropriate methods such as hand-washing or specific machine cleaning. This approach effectively removes dirt, dust, and stains and prevents color bleeding. 

Another advantage of professional cleaning is effectively addressing odor and allergens. Professional cleaning methods can eliminate odors and allergens accumulated over time, resulting in a healthier indoor environment.

Caring for Different Types of Braided Rugs

There are different types of wool rugs, among which wool, cotton, and synthetic fibers are the most common. Therefore, they need distinct ways of care and maintenance. For wool braided rugs, regular vacuuming using a brush attachment is crucial to prevent dirt buildup. Wool rugs should be rotated periodically to ensure even wear. Moreover, professional cleaning is recommended to maintain their luster. 

To preserve the integrity of cotton braided rugs, it’s best to avoid excessive moisture. So, it makes spot cleaning with mild detergent and prompt drying essential. Frequent vacuuming is advisable to prevent dirt from settling into the fibers. 

When dealing with synthetic fiber braided rugs, such as nylon or polyester, their durability allows for a more straightforward cleaning routine. Therefore, regular vacuuming and spot cleaning with gentle solutions work well. 

Regardless of the material, avoid direct sunlight exposure to prevent fading, and use rug pads to reduce friction and provide cushioning. Always refer to manufacturer guidelines and consult professionals when in doubt, especially for delicate materials like wool or natural fibers.

Braided Rug Cleaning by a Professional

We highly recommend getting a professional braided rug cleaning at least every year. That extends the life of your braided rugs and helps them regain their first-day look.

paiAlso Read: How to Get Smell out of a Rug Replace it with Delightful Aroma

The badgering we mentioned above is not possible to conduct in every household. It also needs the utmost care to prevent damaging the rug while badgering it. 

A professional Braided Rug Cleaning can perfectly agitate the rug with advanced tools to remove the deep-stuck dust particles. It also includes flooding the rug into the water, which loosens and brings out all the residual dust and dirt.

The solution used for braided rug cleaning is also critical because chemical detergents like bleach and ammonia burn the fibers and cause rug color bleeding.

That’s why it’d be best for your gorgeous braided rug to visit a professional rug cleaning company at least every year!

How to Clean a Wool Braided Rug at Home?

To clean your wool braided rug at home, there are a few steps you can take. However, it’s important to understand that regular maintenance is crucial to increase your rug’s longevity. Start by vacuuming it regularly to prevent dirt from getting stuck. Use the gentle setting on your vacuum and attach a soft brush to avoid damaging the wool. 

For cleaning a wool braided rug at home using a homemade solution, follow these steps:

Gather Your Supplies:

• Mild detergent
• Lukewarm water
• Clean sponge or cloth
• Soft brush vacuum attachment
• Prepare the Cleaning Solution

 

Mix mild detergent and lukewarm water in a ratio of 1 part detergent to 4 parts water.

Gently stir to ensure the detergent is well-dissolved in the water.

 

Vacuum the Rug:

• Use the gentle or low-power setting on your vacuum cleaner.
• Attach the soft brush vacuum attachment to prevent damaging the wool.
• Vacuum the entire rug to remove loose dirt and debris.

 

Dampen the Sponge or Cloth:

• Dip a clean sponge or cloth into the prepared cleaning solution.
• Squeeze out excess liquid, ensuring the sponge or cloth is damp but not dripping wet.

 

Blot the Rug:

• Begin blotting the rug’s surface gently with the damp sponge or cloth.
• Focus on stained or soiled areas, using gentle up-and-down motions.
• Avoid scrubbing vigorously to prevent damaging the wool fibers.

 

Wipe off Soap Residue:

• Switch to a clean, damp cloth to wipe away any soap or detergent residue.
• Gently wipe the rug’s surface to remove any remaining cleaning solution.

 

Air Dry the Rug:

• Allow the rug to air dry in a well-ventilated area.
• Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight or heat sources, as this can harm the wool.

 

Final Vacuuming:

• Once the rug is completely dry, use the gentle setting on your vacuum to give it a final pass.
• This helps fluff up the wool fibers and restore the rug’s texture.

Inspect and Enjoy:

• Inspect the rug to ensure it’s clean and free of any stains or dirt.
• Place the rug back in its intended location and enjoy its refreshed appearance.

 

By following these steps, you can effectively clean your wool braided rug at home using the homemade cleaning solution while taking precautions to maintain the rug’s quality and beauty.

Where’s the best place for Braided Rug Cleaning in Louisville, KY?

Khazai Rug Cleaning combines fifth-generation expertise in the rug industry and the latest technology to offer top-quality Braided Rug Cleaning in Washington DC.

To safeguard you and your rugs against the consequences of chemical detergents, we have developed only %100 green solutions for braided rug cleaning in the region. It’s made of all-natural, allergen-free, toxic-free, and pet-friendly components that are gentle on your valuable rugs but have no mercy on germs and stains.

Feel free to get in touch with us today for a free estimate and more info on the highest-quality Braided Rug Cleaning in Louisville, KY.