Whether you’ve got kids, pets, or just heavy foot traffic, sooner or later it’s going to happen: You’re going to spill something on your rug. Don’t panic. It’s easy to clean rugs at home if you have the right tools, follow the right steps, and know where to look (no, not in your closet). To get you started on that never-ending quest of keeping your rugs clean no matter what life throws at them, here are a few tips and tricks on how to spot clean rugs. Oh, and remember that prevention is key!
The supplies
To spot-clean a rug, you’ll need a few supplies. First, you’ll need mild dish soap. Next, you’ll need a clean white cloth or sponge. You’ll also need distilled water and a vacuum cleaner. Finally, you’ll need something to blot the stain with, like paper towels or a clean rag. Once you have all of your supplies together, it’s time to get started! Fill up your bucket (or whatever container you’re using) with some warm water. Add in a bit of dish soap and mix it up until it is dissolved. Now, using your cloth or sponge, apply the soapy mixture on top of the dirty area. Make sure that all of the dirt is covered by the suds. Let this sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing off with cold water!
The process
- First, identify the type of stain you’re dealing with.
- Second, pre-treat the area with a spot cleaner or diluted vinegar solution.
- Third, blot the area with a clean cloth to remove as much of the stain as possible.
- Fourth, if the stain is still visible, treat it with a rug cleaner designed for that type of stain.
- fifth , allow it to dry and vacuum up any residue
- Sixth, rinse and repeat as necessary!
Don’t scrub too hard
When you’re spot cleaning a rug, you want to be careful not to scrub too hard. Otherwise, you risk damaging the fibers or making the stain worse. Instead, blot the area with a clean cloth or sponge, using gentle pressure. You may need to do this several times to remove the stain completely.
Follow the directions on your rug
The first step is to always check the manufacturer’s label on your rug. Many rugs can be spot cleaned, but some require special care and should be taken to a professional. Once you’ve determined that your rug is safe to spot clean, start by vacuuming the area to remove any loose dirt or debris. Then, pretreat the stain with a cleaner designed for use on carpets or upholstery.
Get Professional Help When Needed
It can be tough to spot-clean a rug on your own, especially if you don’t have the right tools or if the stain is particularly stubborn. That’s why it’s always a good idea to get professional help when you need it. Here are a few tips to help you find a good spot-cleaning service near you. You can search online for rug cleaners near me and narrow down your search by zip code, type of service needed (i.e., dry cleaning vs. wet carpet) and more. If you’re not sure how to describe what kind of help you need, try searching for phrases like rug dry cleaner near me or rug steam cleaner near me. You might also want to ask friends and family members if they know of any great rug cleaners in your area!
Wear old clothes, you’re gonna get dirty.
When it comes to spot cleaning rugs, the first thing you need to do is wear old clothes. You’re going to get dirty, no matter how careful you are. So, it’s best to just put on some clothes that you don’t mind getting ruined.
When in doubt, call an expert.
There’s nothing quite like a fresh, clean rug. But, life happens and sometimes those rugs need a little spot cleaning. Here are some tips and tricks from someone who’s done it a million times.
1) Always use your vacuum cleaner first to remove as much of the dirt or spill as possible.
2) Don’t pour water on the stain if you don’t know what caused it- chances are you’ll just make it worse.
3) Try using white vinegar instead of soap when washing out a stain.