If you are wondering how to wash throw rugs, you are not alone. There are several tips to maintain your outdoor rugs appearance. Here are some of them: Pre-treat tough stains, Air-dry, and vacuum. Using the right products is also essential to keeping your rugs looking great.
Vacuum Or Beat Out Dust
Vacuuming is a great way to remove dust from throw rugs, and a broom can help beat out stubborn particles. Start at the top of the rug and work your way down, keeping in mind the direction of the pile. If you have a smaller rug, vacuum the back as well. This will help keep dust and pet hair out of the pile and prevent insects from making a meal out of your throw rug.
Be very careful to avoid harsh cleaning solutions. While there are certain types of cleaning products that can be used for rugs, they can cause more damage than good. For example, a highly alkaline product can strip the fibers of a rug, and damage the backing. Some spot cleaners also leave behind residue that will weaken the dyes in the rug. If you have an inexpensive throw rug, however, this might not be an issue, but if you have a delicate piece, it’s best to avoid cleaning it with anything harsh.
Pre-Treat Tough Stains
There are several ways to treat tough stains before washing your throw rugs. Using pre-treaters before washing will help you achieve better results, particularly for stubborn stains caused by foods and greasy spots. Depending on the type of stain, you may need to pre-treat with a stain-removal product or heavy-duty liquid detergent. Using a toothbrush for small stains is also a great option. Once you have applied the pre-treat, let it sit for fifteen minutes before washing.
There are many types of pre-treaters available, including laundry sticks and laundry sprays. Unlike sprays, laundry sticks take up less space and are easy to carry with you while traveling. These products are also earth-friendly, which makes them great for washing small everyday stains.
Pre-Treat With Stain Remover
If a spill occurs on a throw rug, you can treat it by using a pre-treat stain remover. The product should be certified by the Carpet and Rug Institute, and you can find it at most grocery stores or online stores. Blotting the stain will usually help it come out, but it may take several attempts if it is very stubborn.
For stubborn stains, enzymatic stain removers are great choices. Make sure the product is safe for the material of the rug, and follow the manufacturer’s directions. They usually call for soaking the stain for a few minutes, and then scrubbing it away with a rag.
Air-Dry Rugs
When you’re washing a rug, it’s important to air-dry it before placing it back on the floor. Doing so will help keep colors from fading and prevent shrinking. Avoid using a dryer, which can also damage the backing of the rug. If you must tumble-dry or iron a rug, make sure to use a low heat setting.
For large area rugs, you can use a commercial-sized washing machine. You can also take the rug to a laundromat for dry cleaning. Remember to air-dry the rug after washing it, as they will dry much faster when they’re hung up to dry. With the process of air-drying, you can also clean your mattresses as well. The bigger mattress sizes of alaskan and wyoming kings which are too heavy to move can be cleaned with the help of air drying.
Check Colorfastness
First of all, you need to check the colorfastness of the rugs. You can do this by dampening a clean white cloth with water and detergent. Gently rub the area of the rug on the cloth to see if the color transfers. If it does, you should not wash the area rug.
After you have determined that a dye transfer is unlikely, you can move on to cleaning. If you use a stain remover, you must check if it’s colorfast before you wash the rug. If it’s not, move on to a different solution.
Check For Dirt On Rug
Before you start cleaning your throw rug, check for dirt on the surface. You can do this by lifting a corner of the rug and kicking back. Next, run your hand across the face of the rug in a circular motion. If you see dirt clinging to your palm, the rug is dirty.
If you have pets, it’s important to get rid of pet hair from the rug. While vacuuming is the best way to get rid of pet hair, shaking the rug gently will get rid of pet hair as well. If you can’t get rid of the pet hair, try using a rug powder to neutralize the smell. You can also use an antibacterial powder on your rug to remove any germs that may have built up.
Conclusion
Putting rugs in the washing machine can be a great way to keep them clean, but there are a few things you need to know. Before you put your rug into the washer, check the care label and make sure that it is safe for the machine to use.