How to Maintain and Clean Your Bedroom Rug

A rug is a miniature world, a painted story. It reflects the soul of the house. And just like a story, our bedroom rugs deserve our loving care to keep them at their best.

This is a straightforward guide to help you keep your rug clean and fresh.  We'll cover everything from regular vacuuming routines to conquering those pesky stains, all the way to deep cleaning for a complete refresh. So, prepare your vacuum cleaner and your favourite cleaning solution, and let's get ready to banish those bedroom floor foes for good!

Cleaning Up Your Rug: Must-Have Supplies

Cleaning your rug doesn't require a whole lot, but having a few key things on hand will make the job easier. Here's what you will need:

• Rug shampoo:
  This is a special cleaning solution designed for area rugs. It'll leave your rug fresh and looking its best. Choose a shampoo based on your rug's material (wool rug shampoo, synthetic rug cleaner, etc.).
• Mild dish soap (in a pinch):
  If you don't have rug shampoo, a gentle dish soap diluted with water can work in a pinch.
• Bucket:
  You'll need a sturdy bucket to hold your cleaning solution and water for rinsing.
• Soft-bristled brush:
  This will help you gently scrub the cleaning solution into the rug fibres without damaging them. Avoid using anything too stiff that could scratch the surface.
• Garden hose (optional):
  A hose with a spray nozzle is handy for thoroughly rinsing the cleaning solution from the rug.
• Wet-dry vacuum (optional):
  This can be a big help, especially for thicker rugs, as it sucks up excess moisture after cleaning.
• Microfiber cloths or towels:
  These are great for wiping up spills, blotting excess cleaning solution, and drying the rug surface.

Regular Maintenance: Level Up Your Rug Care

A clean and fresh bedroom rug makes the whole space feel more inviting. The good news? Keeping your rug clean can be a breeze! Here are some simple steps you can take to keep your rug clean and fresh between deep cleanings:

Vacuuming is Your Weapon

Regular vacuuming is the key to keeping dust bunnies and dirt at bay. Aim for a weekly vacuuming session for low-traffic areas. High-traffic rugs, any rug placed in a hallway or living room where those energetic pets are prowling about might benefit from vacuuming twice a week. We are talking about a rug placed in the bedroom however, that might be considered as low traffic. 

Here's a pro tip: Don't forget to flip the rug over and vacuum the back as well! This helps remove dust and debris that can settle deep down in the fibres.

Dealing with Pet Hair

Let's face it, furry friends can leave their mark (literally). If you share your bedroom with a pet, a quick once-over with a stiff brush after vacuuming can help remove any lingering fur. Brushing in the direction of the rug's nap will prevent matting and keep those precious fibres looking smooth. Consider using a rubber pet hair removal tool for stubborn pet hair –  it's like a magnet for fur!

Dealing with Spills

Spills happen, but don't let them become permanent residents on your rug. The key is to act fast! Use a clean, absorbent cloth to soak up as much liquid as possible. Resist the urge to rub, as this can spread the stain further.  Depending on the culprit like coffee or juice, you might need a mild cleaning solution.

For tougher stains, consider a mix of dish soap and water to tackle the stain. We'll delve deeper into specific stain-cleaning techniques later, but for now, remember, a quick response is your best defence against permanent stains.

Deep Cleaning: Giving Your Rug a Spa Day

Regular maintenance keeps your bedroom rug looking its best. But over time, dirt can accumulate deep within the fibres. That’s why a deeper cleaning is necessary.

Think of it as a spa day for your rug – a chance to remove deep-down dirt, refresh the fibres, and make it brand new again.

How Often Should You Deep Clean?

The frequency of deep cleaning depends on a few factors:

Traffic: High-traffic rugs such as the landing zone in front of your bed, will need a deep clean more often than low-traffic ones. Aim for every 12-18 months for low-traffic rugs, and adjust the frequency based on how much wear and tear your rug experiences.

Material: Delicate rugs like wool or silk might require professional cleaning. Always check the care label on your rug for specific recommendations.

Lifestyle: Do you have pets? Do you eat or drink in your bedroom often? These factors can contribute to the need for more frequent deep cleaning.

Choosing Your Cleaning Method

The cleaning method depends on the type of rug you have:

Machine-Washable Rugs: Lucky you! For these low-maintenance rugs, simply check the care label and toss them in the washing machine with gentle detergent.

Hand-Washable Rugs: For some rugs, a gentle hand washing session might be needed. Use a mild dish soap solution in lukewarm water, and be sure to rinse thoroughly to avoid soapy residue. Remember, you don't want your rug to feel like it just stepped out of a bubble bath!

If you haven't decided on a rug yet, it’s smart to check out our blog on washable rugs vs. traditional rugs: which is right for you?
In the mentioned blog we will go over the pros and cons of each, and depending on your lifestyle, which would be best suited to rest on your bedroom floor.

Drying Your Rug

Never put a wet rug in a dryer. This might shrink the rug and harm the fibres.

Instead, let's give your rug some fresh air. Lay the rug flat on a clean, well-ventilated surface outdoors. Be careful however, direct sunlight can fade the colours over time, so choose a shady area if possible.

Need to speed things up? You can use fans to circulate air around the rug.

General Deep Cleaning Tips

Here are some additional tips to ensure a successful deep clean:

•       Always test a small area of the rug with your cleaning solution before tackling the entire surface. This helps ensure the solution won't cause any discoloration.
•       For stubborn stains, address them before deep cleaning.
•       Avoid harsh chemicals or excessive scrubbing, as these can damage the fibres of your rug.
•       Once the rug is clean, allow it to dry completely before placing it back on the floor. Moisture can lead to mould and mildew growth.

Considering Professional Cleaning

For valuable or very delicate rugs, professional cleaning is the safest option.  Professionals have the expertise and equipment to handle these rugs with care, ensuring they stay beautiful for years to come.

Tidy-Up Time: Removing Common Rug Stains

Accidents happen, and sometimes those accidents land right on your precious rug. Here's a helpful guide to deal with some common household stains:

Coffee, Tea, or Wine

After using a clean, absorbent cloth to remove as much excess liquid as possible, tackle the stain with a white vinegar solution. Pre-treat the stained area by gently blotting with the solution. Give the area a good rinse with clean water to wash away any remaining vinegar. Finally, blot the area with a clean cloth to remove excess moisture and promote drying.

Juice spills

Similar to coffee and wine stains, a white vinegar solution comes to the rescue. Pre-treat the stain with the solution following the same blotting method.  However, for stubborn juice stains, you can also create a paste using baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the stain and let it rest for 30 minutes. The baking soda will help absorb the remaining juice residue. Once some time has passed, thoroughly vacuum the area to remove the baking soda powder.  As a final step, use a clean cloth to gently press down and absorb any remaining moisture.

Paint

Paint spill? wouldn't want to be in your shoes. Time is of the essence! The longer the paint sits, the harder it is to remove. Carefully scrape off any leftover globs with a dull knife (be gentle, we don't want to hurt the rug!).

If the paint is water-based such as acrylic or latex, blot the stain with a damp cloth and some mild dish soap while the paint is still fresh. If some colour lingers, carefully dab it with rubbing alcohol.

Oil-based paint? This one requires professional help. Strong solvents like odourless mineral spirits are involved, and using them incorrectly can damage the rug.

Gum

Sticky situation with gum? Here's how to handle it:

First things first, carefully peel off any large pieces of gum you can easily remove.

Next, it's time to unleash the power of cold! Grab some ice cubes, place them in a plastic bag, and press it firmly onto the remaining gum. Leave it for a few minutes for it to solidify completely. Once the gum is frozen, carefully scrape it off using a spoon or a dull knife. Finally, after removing the bulk of the gum, thoroughly vacuum the area. If any stubborn residue persists, you can consider using a dry-solvent spot cleaner specifically formulated for rugs.

Pet Accidents

Uh oh! Messy mishap? No worries, even the best-trained furry friends can have accidents.

Act quickly!  The faster you address a pet accident, the easier it will be to remove the stain and eliminate lingering odours.

First, grab a thick layer of paper towels and gently blot the affected area to absorb as much moisture as possible. Same as before, resist the urge to rub.

Next, mix equal parts of white vinegar and water to create a cleaning solution Then, carefully spray the solution onto the stain and allow it to sit for a few minutes to neutralise the enzymes that cause the odour. Afterward, blot up the area with a clean cloth. You might need to repeat these steps for stubborn stains.

To tackle lingering odours, baking soda comes in handy. Sprinkle a generous amount directly onto the affected area and let it sit for at least 15 minutes, or even overnight for deeply set-in odours.

Finally, once the area is completely dry, thoroughly vacuum the rug to remove any baking soda powder. Inspect the treated area to ensure the stain and odour are completely gone. If faint traces remain, repeat the process as needed.

Final Words

Your bedroom rug is a soft haven for your feet and a touch of beauty in your space. But keeping it looking that way requires some love! Regular vacuuming is key, and don't forget to address spills quickly with the right cleaning solutions.

For a deeper cleaning every 12-18 months, choose the method that suits your rug: machine-washing for the lucky ones, hand-washing for some, and professional cleaning for the delicate. Remember to always test any cleaning solution before applying it fully.

By following these simple steps, your rug will stay fresh and beautiful for years to come. Here at HomeLooks we care about how your home looks. Happy rug care!