Rugs can accumulate dust and debris that needs to be vacuumed away with low suction vacuum cleaner.
Use of inappropriate cleaning methods on vintage rugs can damage and discolour them, particularly regarding scrubbing which can embed stains deeper within its fibres.
Below are a few methods recommended for old rug cleaning Adelaide.
Vacuuming
Rugs trap dirt, dust, and debris which can break down fibres over time and shorten their lifespan. In addition, this buildup of dirt may aggravate allergies or respiratory conditions.
Regular vacuuming is essential in clearing away much of this buildup, particularly using a suction setting that is gentle on both carpet and antique rug threads. Furthermore, periodically flip over and vacuum both sides.
Unless your rug is heavy, take it outside and beat or shake it to loosen any dirt that a vacuum might miss. Many hardware stores sell specifically designed rug beaters which work well. Also remember that rotating the rug regularly will prevent excessive direct sunlight that could cause it to fade over time.
Shampooing
Rug cleaning is often necessary due to dirt and dust becoming embedded in its fibres, often using a vacuum cleaner; however, outdoor rug cleaning with an electric rug beater or broom handle may also work to eliminate most dust build-up.
Larger rugs may also be removed and placed on a concrete floor for treatment with commercial carpet-cleaning foam according to its instructions, then rinsed and allowed to air-dry before being returned onto their flooring surfaces.
Antique rugs, which are constructed with wool fibres coated in natural lanolin, serve as effective dirt-repellents. However, using the wrong cleaning supplies or harsh techniques such as scrubbing can break down their fibres, leading to permanent folds in them and creating permanent creases in them. Therefore, a soft bristled brush should be used and its stroke should go in the direction of its pile or nap of the rug for best results.
Spot Cleaning
As soon as a stain occurs on an old rug, you should immediately apply effective old rug cleaning Adelaide methods. It’s crucial that it’s treated quickly and correctly in order to preserve its fibres and prevent deeper penetration of stains that will only further sink deeper. Otherwise, they may reappear over time.
Before using any cleaner, it is advisable to perform a preliminary test with a white cloth to make sure it won’t cause colours to run or cause other forms of carpet damage.
Chemical-based cleaners should be avoided; though effective, their chemicals can damage rug fibres over time and cause stains that initially seem to disappear before reappearing later on. Scrubbing should also be avoided on older rugs as this can further cause irreparable damage.
Reversing and gently shaking out rugs at least annually will help remove pet hair and general dust, while even out wear in areas that might receive more foot traffic than others.
Dry Cleaning
Take your old area rug in for professional dry cleaning may seem like the easiest option, but this isn’t always the most beneficial method of rug care. Chemicals applied directly can leave residues that attract even more dust and dirt particles while damaging its foundation over time.
Home rug care should include regular shaking and vacuuming to remove grit that damages fibres and dulls their sheen, especially prior to inviting guests over. This will also prevent your rug from fraying over time.
If a spill occurs, use paper towels or clean clothes to quickly absorb liquid stains with paper towels or cloths. For heavily stained rugs that smell of urine or contain large stains that require chemical cleaners to deodorise spots quickly; an enzyme cleaner such as the one available here is an ideal old rug cleaning Adelaide method. It works much faster in breaking down and deodorising urine spots than chemical-based cleaners can. Rinse and dry thoroughly (using portable fans can speed this process); leaving water-logged areas could result in permanent colour fading and rot.
