Care and Cleaning of area rugs
Vacuuming
We can't stress it enough - vacuum, vacuum, vacuum!
Area rugs receive a lot of abuse from dirt, sand, dust, oily cooking
residue, various spills and foot traffic. Vacuuming an area rug with
a good machine will go a long way towards prolonging the appearance
and life of your carpet. Vacuuming is the primary defense against dry
soils that can quickly build on area rugs.
Cut pile area rugs:
The cut pile area rugs are well constructed and durable.
A vacuum with a rotating beater bar to agitate the area rug pile and
strong suction to remove loose particles is well tolerated by our area
rugs. If your vacuum does not have a beater bar, it may remove surface
dirt well but may leave imbedded soil that can damage area rugs through
abrasion.
Area rugs with looped textures:
To avoid damaging the loops, vacuum regularly with
suction and avoid using the beater bar
Vacuum Tips:
• Make sure that the beater bar is actually rotating
when in contact with the carpet. A worn belt
will reduce rotation when the bar contacts the carpet.
• Adjust the height of the beater bar so that it
lightly vibrates the carpet, but will not cause the
motor to slow.
• Check the vacuum bag regularly. A vacuum will
become less efficient if the soil bag becomes too
full (over half full for most machines).
• Vacuum across both directions of the traffic
pattern to prevent matting.
Area Rug Cleaning
• Vacuuming removes most dry soil, but street grime,
oily soils, and air pollution can build up eventually
and your area rug may require cleaning. The accumulation
of these particles can cause gradual dulling and some loss of color.
Since the area rugs at TEMA Contemporary Furniture are manufactured
with highly permanent synthetic dyes, the colors are not fading; they
are merely camouflaged by soil and grime. If soil accumulation is not
removed within a reasonable time it can result in matted or packed fibers,
which attract and hold additional soil and other pollutants.
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Cleaning Methods
" Oxy" Cleaners
There are many oxygen cleaners on the market that are environmentally safe
and work well for spot cleaning various stains on synthetic fiber area rugs.
Most of these cleaners are biodegradable and form oxygen, hydrogen peroxide
and soda ash when mixed with water. Soda ash is sodium carbonate and has alkaline
properties, so do not use this cleaning method on wool or silk and avoid prolonged
skin contact. Carefully follow the usage and dilution guidelines for all oxygen
cleaning products, rinse the cleansed area well, and be sure to test for colorfastness.
Dry Powder
We do not recommend using dry powders with plush or deep pile area rugs, as
the cleaning residue may be difficult to remove. For surface stains on low
pile area rugs, use a dry powder to absorb dirt particles and then remove by
vacuum. This is a relatively simple method that uses no water and is easy to
perform without a professional. If the area rug is heavily soiled, we recommend
a different procedure or using a professional.
Dry Foam and Absorbent Pad
Another method that uses little water is light detergent foam that is worked
into the pile, then vacuumed out once dry. Use care on looped area rugs that
may not tolerate heavy beater bar use or other brushing.
Steam Cleaning
This method is most effective when performed by a professional, although many
rug cleaning machines may be purchased or rented. The dangers of performing
this method on your own are using too much detergent or water. Some cleaning
agents available with rented units leave a heavier residue, so use care or
the advice of a professional when choosing a product. Test the product on a
small area to check for residue or a sticky feel. Do not use if a residue exists,
or if in doubt about a product. Finally, do not use laundry detergents to clean
your area rug to avoid possible optical brighteners.
Area Rug Stain Removal
Accidents happen. If an area rug becomes spotted or stained, work quickly.
When possible, scoop up solids and blot liquids immediately after a spill occurs.
Absorb as much liquid as possible with a white cloth or paper towel without
scrubbing the area to prevent matting or fuzzing.
Methods of Cleaning Various Area Rug Fibers.The type of fiber
in your area rug should be the primary consideration in selecting
a cleaning method. The majority of area rugs manufactured with
synthetic fibers such as polypropylene, nylon and acrylic and
may be cleaned with most cleaning methods, but we have listed
three accepted methods for cleaning synthetic fiber area rugs.
1. Follow the area rug manufacturer's recommendations. When
choosing any cleaning method, follow the directions for dilution
and application.
2. Never use laundry detergent, automatic dishwasher detergent,
or any strong household cleaning products intended for use on
woodwork, linoleum, laminate or tile.
3. For dried or soil stains, thoroughly vacuum the area to be
cleaned before applying a cleaning method. In some cases, you
may want to use a preconditioning solution prior to cleaning to
begin loosening soil.
Natural fibers may require additional consideration
before cleaning. Do not use oxygen cleaners on wool or silk.
Wool - Excessive agitation and heat should
be avoided, but generally wool fibers may be cleaned with most
cleaning methods. Wool should be cleaned with neutral detergents
and dried quickly. Use special care around household cleaning
products, as bleaches and other alkaline products such as bathroom
cleaners easily damage wool.
Cotton/Rayon - Cotton and rayon are cellulose
fibers and may be cleaned using all cleaning methods. To avoid
shrinking and possible browning, avoid excessive drying and agitation.
As with wool, take care with alkaline products.
Silk - Silk should be cleaned using a dry cleaning
process. These fibers may be damaged by natural and synthetic
acids (e.g. lemon juice), and sunlight. Consult a rug cleaning
specialist for additional information about cleaning silk.
Sisal and Other Plant Fibers - Plant fibers
such as sisal, jute, coconut (coir), ramie, and hemp have characteristics
similar to cotton. It is generally safe to clean these fibers
with all cleaning methods. As with any fiber, dry the area rug
as quickly as possible.
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