Bob Vila’s Tips on How to Clean an Area Rug

Here are tips from Bob Vila himself on how to pick an area rug for your home in Los Angeles, CA. Bob Vila’s Tips on Picking the right Area Rug

1. Think of the Space you have in your Home or Room

It’s wise to keep in mind that you want two legs from the furniture on the area rug or not at all. Always measure the area first and then determine the size needed. Smaller area rugs should be centered in the room. If you want to cover old carpet then go for a larger run so it goes past the couch legs.

2. What kind of foot traffic does the room get?

Rugs are made from wool to bamboo so you need the right type of rug depending on dogs and family size. Do your kids bring in a lot of mud? Think of your lifestyle. More decorative ones are better in areas that aren’t used a lot. Rugs like a flat-weave rug are really good for areas with a lot of foot traffic that is used all the time.

3. If you don’t know choose the more durable rug.

If it’s your first rug and you are ready to make that big investment go for a more durable rug so you can figure out what you like and need. A durable rug will last longer and can handle a beating.

4. Should I Buy a hallway runner rug?

Hallways taking a beating from foot traffic so it is recommended to protect floors. The right runner will add color and life to your hallway too. Choose a durable hallway runner that can with stand dirt.

5. Should I buy an entry way rug?

Entry way rugs will actually pick up that initial dirt and will help cut down more dirt being traced into the house. Experts agree that an entry rug is needed.

6. Vacuum and Spot Clean Regularly

After you have chosen your area rug it is important to take care of your investment. Vacuum your area rug on a routine basis and clean up spills when they happen.

If you need your homes area rug cleaned by a professional call Mark It Clean in Los Angeles, CA at 562-726-2929.

Bob Vila’s Tips on How to Clean an Area Rug

1. Remove dirt with a vacuum and a broom

Thoroughly vacuum the area rug on both sides and do this on a routine basis. You can also use a broom to get out more dirt as well.

2. Test the cleaner on your area rug before cleaning

You can buy store bought rug cleaner and they will have instructions on the bottle. I recommend Bissell. They are a great cleaner that has safe non-toxic cleaning agents. You can mix dish soap with warm water. Don not use extremely hot water because if will fade the rugs color and shrink the rug fibers as well. You always want to test the cleaning agents on the rug before using it. Put the cleaning agent on the corner of the area rug and let it sit for a while then rinse out and wait for a few hours then check to see if it did anything to the color of the area rug or if it damaged the area rug at all.

3. Once you have a safe cleaning agent it is time to clean your area rug 

Put the cleaning agent on the rug then scrub the cleaning agent deep into the area rug. Let the cleaning agent sit on the area rug for several minutes.

4. Hose off the rug

Thoroughly rinse the rug with a garden hose.

5. Use a squeegee to remove excess water

Get out as much excess water as possible. Getting out all the water that you can will make your area rug dry faster to prevent mildew growth.

6. Allow both sides of the rug to dry out completely.

Hang the rug up somewhere that is not in the direct sunlight. Open windows or put a fan on it. You want to circulate the air as much as possible to help it dry.

7. Vacuum the Rug

When you lay the rug back down you want to vacuum the rug thoroughly to bring the rug fibers back up.

If you don’t want to do this just give Mark It Clean a call for area rug cleaning in Los Angeles, CA. Call 562-726-2929