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A rug is one of the staple decorations that can be found inside a house. That’s not surprising since it adds depth, style, and warmth if placed properly in a given room.
It’s also quite durable. Inexpensive ones would usually last around one to five years, while the highest quality rugs have a lifespan of up to 25 years. That is, of course, if the owner takes care of the rug.
Although rug maintenance can be simple, a lot of people usually forgo it due to misconceptions surrounding the practice. More often than not, it only takes avoiding these seven common habits that are detrimental to your rugs:
1. Using Water to Clean Stains
When you spill something on your rug, do not attempt to clean it with water right away as it may worsen the existing problem. A stain like an oil-based ink or nail polish will permanently set on the fibers if you apply water on it.
Instead of applying water, try to dab the stain with a clean white towel to dry it as this will prevent further damage. Moreover, do not rub at the spot as you’ll only spread the stain.
In some cases, you can opt to use seltzer water to keep the area moist until professional help arrives. An expert rug cleaning service will solve your problem quickly while ensuring that the quality of your rug remains in top condition.
2. Failing to Conduct Proper Research
With the internet on our fingertips, people would often turn to the web to look for tips on how to clean their rugs. But some of the tips advised may do more harm than good.
To avoid this, try to verify the information on credible sites to see if the solution works well with the material of the rug. Cleaning companies would usually use a variety of cleaning solutions to clean a stain depending on the fiber of a rug. Using vinegar, ammonia, dish soap, or hydrogen peroxide is an option depending on your predicament. But again, do your research first before applying anything.
3. Too Long Between Cleaning
Similar to all areas in your house, your rug should be regularly cleaned as dirt and debris will accumulate on it due to foot traffic and other factors. Generally speaking, you should vacuum your rug at least once a week. If you’re too busy or lazy to handle it yourself, Rug Cleaning Melbourne or other local services may be able to assist you.
Due to the significant contribution that fur makes to rug debris, pet owners should increase that frequency to two or three times per week. In areas with high traffic, vacuum both vertically and horizontally, going over the entire surface at least four times and at least twice. As a stopgap, pet owners can look for memory foam beds for dogsthat would likely tempt their dogs to sit on their own bed rather than relaxing on the rug, eventually reducing the amount of fur that accumulates on the carpet.
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4. Addressing Spills Late
When something gets spilled on your rug, try to blot it out immediately with a paper towel to avoid it from spreading and setting in. This is doubly true when the stain is pet urine.
Don’t rub or scrub at it. Instead, dab the urine out until the area is no longer moist. You can then use an enzyme-based solution that’s specifically designed for this type of stain and one that is suitable for your rug’s material. Alternatively, you can mist on an ammonia solution followed by a mix of detergent and warm water.
5. Using Colored Cloth
Do not attempt to clean a stain with a colored cloth as the dye might bleed onto your rug, further complicating the problem. Always use a white towel or paper towel to blot out the stain.
6. Too Much Solution
When applying a chosen solution, do not over-moisten the rug as it may cause rug discoloration. Simply mist the area and blot it out with a colorless cloth.
Repeat the process until the stain is removed. Also, make sure that no moisture is left on the rug once you’re done.
7. Too Much Exposure to UV Light
Placing your rug on areas that are constantly baked by the sun will cause discoloration and will turn the fibers brittle. To avoid this, try to be mindful of where UV light is streaming into your house and the pattern it follows when the season changes. Adding blinds and curtains to your windows and glass sliding doors would also do wonders when it comes to protecting your rugs. You can even look for custom curtains that can match your interior theme, wall color, and furniture. Moreover, there could be various options available in the market, including Motorized Blinds, wooden shades, shutters, solar shades, and more. So, you can do your research before opting for one that can help you manage the amount of sunlight that enters indoors.
Discipline and Basic Knowledge
Taking care of your rugs isn’t a complicated process, although it does involve a bit of basic knowledge and discipline on your end. Now, you can acquire the basic knowledge by asking around or reading up on blog posts (using your earthlink internet plans). But discipline is something that you yourself have to inculcate in your habit. For instance, you can learn from the Web that you should remove your shoes before entering your abode as it will ensure that minimal dirt gets in. But extending this practice when guests come over needs discipline.
Training your pets is also another way to ensure that they don’t have an accident involving your carpet. And if they did, don’t let the stain sit for too long.
And of course, having a professional clean your rugs from time to time will ensure that they last long. Diligent research is also needed on this front, especially if there’s a lot of competition in your local area. Try to find a company that friends and family can vouch for so you can ensure the quality of their output.