Area Rug Cleaning Orlando
While vacuuming does the trick for day to day dirt, your area rug will need a deep cleaning at least once or year, or more often in a high traffic area. This is a project that you can do yourself with a little preparation and patience. Always follow the cleaning instructions on your rug. If no cleaning instructions are available, you can use this guide for cleaning your area rug yourself. In Florida, it’s best to do your rug cleaning during the dryer winter months, because you will need a space outdoors to dry your rug over a period of several days without it getting rained on.
Area Rug Cleaning Near Me
Mint Condition is the area & oriental rug cleaning company that Orlando trusts. We are known for stunning results and provide a 100% satisfaction, money-back guarantee on all oriental & area rug cleaning services. Our IICRC-trained master technicians and family-oriented business set us apart from other carpet cleaning companies in Orlando. If you are looking for area rug cleaning near me, wool rug cleaning, area rug cleaning drop off, or oriental rug cleaning near me, request a free estimate today or call us at (407) 456-2035.
Step One: Get the Right Rug Shampoo or Powder
Follow the instructions on your rug to find a rug shampoo or dry cleaning powder that is suitable for your rug and its materials. For example, water should not be used on a jute rug and will require cleaning with a powder. Wool rugs can withstand liquid solution when applied lightly and air-dried. For heirloom and oriental rug cleaning, it is highly recommended to hire a reputable professional rug cleaner.
Step Two: Vacuum the Rug Front and Back
If you can take the area rug outside and beat it with a broomstick, this is a helpful first step. Just like in the movies, if there are clouds of dust flying out of the rug, that is a sign to keep going. Once you have calmed the dust storm, you can take your rug back inside and thoroughly vacuum it on both the top side and the bottom. This removes remaining loose dirt and dust particles.
Step Three: Test the Rug Cleaner
You will need either a rug shampoo or a dry cleaning powder for rugs. Before applying the mixture to the entire rug, test a small corner or edge of the rug according to the product instructions. Leave it on the rug for the amount of time instructed and remove with a white cloth. Check to see if any of the color from the rug has transferred to the cloth. Likewise, check if there is any discoloration of the rug or damage to the fibers. If the test spot looks good, you can apply the product to the entire rug.
Step Four: Apply the Rug Cleaner
Follow both instructions on the rug and on the product packaging when applying the cleaner to the rug. As a general rule, never saturate a rug with product or with water. This will increase drying time and could lead to mildew if you are unable to dry the rug properly. Apply the rug shampoo with a damp microfiber cloth and gently scrub with a soft bristle brush if necessary to remove stains. Be careful not to damage the fibers of the rug. After leaving the solution for the indicated time, remove the product with another damp microfiber cloth.
Step Five: Dry the Rug
You’ll need to set up a drying station outside in an area that does not receive direct sunlight. Sunlight may “bleach” or discolor your rug when left out for an extended period of time. The wet rug will likely be too heavy for a thin clothesline. Some alternatives are spreading the rug across patio furniture or using a rope between trees. If you have a well ventilated porch, this is a great option to protect the rug from rain as it dries. It will like take a few days for the rug to dry completely. Once it is completely dry to the touch, you can bring the rug back inside. If you cannot dry the rug outside, use ceiling fans and box fans to provide as much air circulation as possible. Pat the rug down with a dry towel every few hours to remove excess water.
Step Six: Lightly Vacuum the Rug
Now that your rug is clean and dry, it will likely be stiff to the touch and the fibers may look flattened. Lightly vacuum the rug to lift the fibers and restore it to its original shape.
Area Rug Cleaning FAQ’s
Can you wash a large area rug?
Depending on the fabric, you can wash an area rug on gentle cycle in the washing machine. Cotton and synthetic rugs are more likely machine washable. However, it’s always safest to clean area rugs by hand with a carpet shampoo or a dry cleaning powder for rugs. Always test a small inconspicuous piece of the rug for discoloration according to the product instructions before applying the shampoo to the whole rug. If the rug is too large to fit comfortably in your washing machine, wash it by hand or hire a professional rug cleaning service. Wool rugs, oriental rugs, and jute and sissal rugs should always be cleaned by hand.
How do you dry a large area rug?
It may take a few days for the rug to dry. Depending on the size of the rug, here are a few options:
- Pat the rug dryer every 6 hours with dry towels.
- Place box fans around the rug to help it dry more quickly.
- If possible, hang the rug over a sturdy clothesline, but be sure to avoid letting it get rained on. Alternatively, hang the rug in a covered garage or porch.
Can you put a rug in the dryer?
While throwing an area rug in the dryer may be tempting, the rug can overload your dryer causing a potential fire hazard. You can dry some rugs in the dryer on low if they are small and do not have wool fibers or a rubber backing. Keep in mind that to preserve the lifespan of the rug, the best method is air drying.
How do you clean a polyester shag rug?
You can use a liquid rug shampoo and water to clean a polyester shag rug by following the directions above. If the rug instructions allow it, a small shag rug can be washed in a washing machine by 1) thoroughly vacuuming it first, 2) placing it in a mesh laundry bag, and 3) washing it on the most delicate cycle. You should air dry your shag rug to prevent the dryer vent from becoming clogged.