Rugs come in all shapes and sizes, adding more personality to your home with minimal effort. The goal when purchasing an area rug is to make it last because a vintage rug or oriental rug can cost a lot of money to replace. Learning how to clean an old rug can help you keep it looking and feeling great between professional cleanings.
How to Properly Clean Your Handmade Vintage Rugs at Home
Vintage rugs are a popular choice for adding flair to an otherwise plain room. An antique rug is typically patterned and sometimes hand-woven, so it's important to treat them with care when cleaning them in between your professional cleaning services.
Vacuum - Start by vacuuming your rugs. This can help remove dirt and lift any loose particles on the surface.
Foot Traffic - In high-traffic areas, it's best to assess the rugs for any signs of damage. Identifying problem spots on your rug will help guide you on where to start rinsing.
Gentle Motions - Hot water is usually your best friend when you notice a new spot on your area rugs. Grab a clean cloth and use gentle blotting motions to begin lifting the spots.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals - If the warm water isn't giving you the deep clean you need, try using the baking soda method. Baking soda can be mixed with water and white vinegar to create a powerful cleaning solution that won't damage your vintage rug. You can spray your cleaning solution on the affected area, then use a soft-bristled brush to rub it in. Finish by dabbing with a clean cloth, and watch your vintage rug come back to life!
How do you clean area rugs made from fibers like jute?
Jute falls under the umbrella of natural fiber rugs. These tend to be harder to clean because cold water and water can cause the fibers to shrink, distorting the shape of the rug. Similar to cleaning an antique rug, you will want to be very careful to preserve the area rug.
Vacuum - Just like treating vintage rugs, you want to begin with a good vacuum cleaner to lift as much dirt as possible. At Zerorez, we recommend vacuuming at least once a week to give your area rugs longevity.
Dry Cleaning - Because cold water, or any water, can cause jute to shrink, dry cleaning is the best cleaning solution for this kind of area rug. Many people attempt to use a mild carpet detergent, but baking soda is a much better way to preserve the rug. Simply sprinkle it over the jute rug, and let it settle in for 10-15 minutes. The baking soda will help to eliminate any odors, as well as absorb any oils or spills on the area rug.
How to Clean Hand-Knotted and Oriental Rugs
Traditionally, an oriental rug is a hand-knotted rug made from wool or silk. Wool rugs and silk rugs generally require a similar cleaning process in order to keep them looking their best.
Vacuum - Just like the other rugs, it's time to pull out the vacuum cleaner. Lift as much dirt as possible to begin the cleaning process.
Water - Grab a cloth and spray some warm water over the areas that need attention. Wool rugs have a distinct fiber pattern, so be sure to follow the area rug's fibers when blotting the area.
White Vinegar - If the water doesn't work, take half a cup of white vinegar and water, spritzing the area lightly. Let it sit for five minutes, and spritz the area again to begin lifting the dirt or grime.
If you are worried about the color bleeding, test the mixture on an inconspicuous area before spot cleaning.
How do you deep-clean a rug by hand?
Attempting to deep clean a rug by hand is not for the faint of heart. That's why Zerorez offers top-notch professional advice and cleanings. We recommend spot cleaning when possible with a homemade cleaning solution, but we believe that both natural fiber rugs and synthetic rugs need to be professionally cleaned in order to make them last.
Other Tips to Keep in Mind When Cleaning Carpets
When you want to clean vintage rugs, a wool rug, or other kinds of antique rugs, it's best to avoid the use of any harsh chemicals. Rug shampoo is advertised to remove stains, but they are not the best option to safely clean your area rugs. These rug shampoos often contain bleach that will damage your area rug permanently, making matters much worse.
When it comes to things like pet stains or other wear and tear on your favorite rug, simply seek professional advice from the experts at Zerorez. Have your area rug professionally cleaned every 6-18 months to see the best results and keep your area rug looking and feeling like new!