Adding area rugs is an excellent way to beautify any home. Area rugs are an elegant way to protect hardwood floors and add visual interest to any home. While fine area rugs are certainly gorgeous, they do take a bit of maintenance. Hence, to keep them looking that way for years to come. We’ll learn about cleaning a rug with a carpet cleaning machine in this blog.
Understanding The Premise Of Carpet Cleaning
Getting your carpet cleaned offers numerous benefits for your health and home. Regular cleaning improves indoor air quality by removing allergens, dust, and pollutants that trigger allergies and asthma. With cleaner air comes better life quality. Also, regular cleaning extends the life of your carpet by removing harmful particles that damage the fibers. A clean carpet is easier to maintain, by regular vacuuming.
Can You Use A Carpet Cleaning Machine On An Area Rug?
Some materials can endure rigorous cleaning of carpet cleaning machines, while others are prone to damage.
Risks of Using Carpet Cleaning Machine
Fiber Damage
Natural fibers are often more delicate than synthetic ones. Harsh chemicals and intense rubbing can lead to deterioration.
Color Spreading
Natural dyes used in rugs fade easily with strong cleaning products and rubbing. Therefore, when you apply a cleaning solution, it spreads.
Shrinkage
Natural fibers like cotton and wool are likely to shrink when exposed to heat and water.
How To Use Carpet Cleaning Machine?
Do you wonder how to clean dried hot sauce from the carpet? In this situation, a suitable carpet cleaning machine came to the rescue.
Before you begin, make sure to read the machine’s user manual and carpet’s care instructions for specific recommendations. Here are a few steps on how to use your carpet cleaning machine:
Area Preparation
First, move any furniture out of the way. Then, give the carpet a good vacuum to pick up loose dirt. If you have stains, use a stain remover and let it sit for a few minutes, following the instructions on the label.
Prepare Cleaning Solution
To begin, it is essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the proper setup of your carpet cleaner. Plus, pay particular attention to the recommended ratio of water to cleaning solution and water temperature.
Choose Setting
Next plug the machine in. Then, check if the model has settings for light, normal, or deep cleaning. You can select the one that’s appropriate for your specific cleaning. Thereafter, start with the lightest setting and adjust as needed as you clean.
Begin Cleaning
As you clean, move the machine forward slowly while pressing the button to spray the cleaning solution. After that, release the button and pull the machine back to suck up the dirty water. Overlap each row to make sure you clean everything evenly. Keep going until the water you’re sucking up looks clean.
Drying Phase
Do another pass with just the suction on. Make sure to turn off the trigger. This will help speed up the drying time and prevent mold from growing. Also, open windows and turn on fans to get the air moving.
Empty Water Tank
Once you’re done, empty and rinse the water tanks. Thereafter, remove any hair or dirt from the brush. Wipe down the machine to keep it clean.
What Causes The Dirt On A Carpet?
There are many inorganic and harmful compounds that settle into carpet.
Foot Traffic
Walking on carpets pushes dirt, dust, and debris deep into the fibers. Hence, it can be difficult to remove with simple vacuuming.
Spills
Food and drink spills lead to long-term stains and catch even more compounds. This leads to further wear and tear.
Pet Dander
Pet hair and skin flakes can quickly set in the carpet fibers. Hence, it contributes to odors and causes respiratory problems.
Outdoor Elements
Dirt, dust, pollen, and other outdoor elements can be easily tracked in from outside. Thus, it settles into the carpet and impacts its appearance.
Avoid These Common Mistakes While Cleaning A Carpet
It is crucial to avoid common mistakes for effective and safe carpet cleaning. Therefore, be aware of the following steps:
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Harsh chemicals cause damage to carpet fibers. Therefore, it may make your carpet lose the color, perhaps ruining your rug’s aesthetics.
Excessive Moisture
Excess moisture can lead to mold and mildew growth. Moreover, it creates an unhealthy indoor environment that causes health concerns.
Not Vacuuming First
Not vacuuming thoroughly before cleaning leaves loose dirt and debris on the carpet. It prolongs the cleaning process and reduces the efficiency of the machine.
Rushing The Process
Rushing through the cleaning process results in an uneven cleaning. It is because the dirt and stains will be left behind.
Neglecting Manufacturer’s Guidelines
If you do not read the user manual and overlook their guidelines, it can impact the lifespan of carpet and void warranties as well.
Deal With Cleaning Dried Stains
Yes, not only dried stains can be cleaned, but you can also clean cats vomit from carpet using a carpet cleaning machine. Therefore, you have to pre-treat the area before cleaning.
How to clean dried stains:
- Pre-treat the stain
- Allow to dwella
- Use the carpet cleaner
Develop Regular Cleaning For Carpet
Regular maintenance is essential to maintain the lifespan and appearance of your carpets.
Vacuum Regularly
Vacuum your carpets at least once a week to remove loose dirt, dust, and debris.
Clean Spills Immediately
Take action on spills as soon as they happen to prevent staining. It minimizes the amount of dirt that is embedded in the fibers. Dab the area with a clean cloth, using plain club soda in many cases.
Use Rug Pads
Place rug pads under area rugs to prevent slippage. It reduces wear and protects your flooring.
Safety Precautions
The following precautions are essential to ensure a safe and healthy cleaning environment.
Inspect Equipment
Regularly inspect the condition of all electrical equipment. Which includes cords and plugs, for any signs of damage or wear.
Use With Caution
Do not pull the cleaner by the supply cable. Therefore, you must be careful not to run over the cable when cleaning.
Wear Protective Gear
Make sure to wear gloves and masks. Since it is essential when handling chemical cleaners or dealing with dust and allergens.
Ensure Ventilation
Open windows and doors or use fans for proper ventilation. Additionally, reduces the buildup of fumes from cleaning products.
Conclusion
Are you thinking of deep cleaning your rug? But not sure where to start? Contact Coastal Carpet Care Cleaning Services today for a free consultation. Let our experts help you determine the best cleaning solution for your precious area rugs. Visit our website or call us now to schedule your appointment!
FAQs
My rug is super old. Is it still safe to use a carpet cleaning machine on it?
Old rugs can be fragile, make sure the machine doesn’t damage the rug.
Can I use any type of cleaning solution in my carpet cleaning machine for my area rug?
Nope! Some cleaners can impact certain rug fibers or the machine itself.
My area rug has a fringe. How do I clean that with a carpet cleaning machine?
Use a low setting and go gently to avoid tangling or damaging the fringe. You can even clean it by hand.
