Rugs help enhance the appearance of a room because they add color, pattern, and texture. A handmade rug made of wool, for example, provides warm underfoot and fits any type of home design. A rug or carpet at home, however, requires proper maintenance to keep it clean and sustain its quality.
A Breeding Ground for Germs
Germs can be anywhere in your home despite your efforts of keeping it tidy. Some germs may also hide in places you think are clean. Carpets and rugs are a common breeding ground as they’re exposed to heavy foot traffic.
An average person sheds about 1.5 million dead skin cells every hour. Since bacteria love eating dead skin cells, rugs become a fine dining experience, especially when added with food particles, pollen, and pet dander. Approximately 200,000 bacteria are present in each square inch of carpet, which is 700 times more than on a toilet seat.
Common bacteria that live in rugs include E. coli, salmonella, and staphylococcus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains staphylococcus can spread to people who touch a contaminated surface.
Proper Cleaning of Rugs
Cleaning rugs can be tricky, and vacuums usually don’t take away all the germs. It’s essential to learn the proper way of cleaning your rugs to save money. You should also avoid falling into the trap of believing in carpet cleaning myths. Using white wine to remove red wine stains, for instance, will only leave your carpet with a pink stain.
Additionally, many homeowners believe you should only vacuum once a week. But you should vacuum your rugs every day. It prevents dust from piling on the surface and extends the lifespan of the floor covering.
Some rugs are for dry cleaning or spot cleaning only, but most of them are washable. The proper way of cleaning rugs depends on the material.
Before putting your rug into the washer, you should test it for colorfastness. Rub it with a clean, damp, whiten rag. You can also use wet cotton and rub it onto the fibers of your rug. In case any color transfers to the rug, the dyes will bleed in the shower.
Check your rug for stains. Treating stains, including food and greasy spots, before washing will give you better results. Follow the correct treatment removal technique based on the cause of the stains. You may use heavy-duty detergent if you’re unsure of how to treat a certain stain.
Wash the rug after pre-treating the stains using cold water and a liquid detergent. A front-load or top-load high-efficiency washer makes the process easier. You may wash two rugs together for better results during the high spin cycle.
Air drying is ideal for rugs because high heat causes shrinkage. Use a clothesline or dryer away from direct sunlight when drying your rugs. Exposure to sunlight fades some of the colors in your rug. Use an iron to smooth wrinkles.
Hiring a local carpet cleaning services also help keep your rugs clean and well-maintained. Professionals will use the right disinfectants to prevent bacteria from spreading.
It’s important to know how to clean the rug in your home. Its design may complement your interior space, but it can be difficult to clean because of its material. Protect yourself and family from any bacteria looming around your house by starting cleaning your rugs correctly and regularly.