How to wash a rug at home: a review of products and methods

There are different ways you can quickly and effectively clean your carpet at home. But this must be done correctly so as not to harm the floor covering. The choice of a suitable detergent composition is made taking into account the cost, degree of contamination and components. It could be some kind of folk remedy or purchased household chemicals, it all depends on personal preferences.

Preparing the rug for cleaning

Before you clean the rug, you need to prepare it. To achieve this, several activities are carried out:

• if possible, the product is hung on the street and carefully knocked out;
• in apartment conditions, cleaning with a vacuum cleaner or broom is allowed, but this is done from both sides;
• You can remove accumulated dust using a wet rag and stick; you need to spread the material on the surface and lightly beat it;
• Particularly dirty areas need to be soaked; to do this, apply a detergent composition in advance and rub it in.

Afterwards you can proceed directly to cleaning. If you plan to use chemicals, you should protect yourself by wearing a respiratory mask and rubber gloves.

Light and dark

Light carpets are cleaned more often than dark ones, as they get dirty faster. Not all detergents are suitable for light-colored floor coverings; some may leave stains.

It's best to use:

• soda;
• acetic acid;
• lemon juice;
• ammonia.

Dark carpets are not so picky; cleaning products are selected for them that do not have a bleaching effect and do not etch colors. Usually a gentle option is chosen in the form of a soap solution.

How to choose a brush?

At home, a simple brush with synthetic bristles will help remove dirt. It is better to wash light colored items with soft brushes or sponges. But short-haired carpets can be cleaned with brushes of increased rigidity.

How to clean if you don’t want to bother with a brush

For those who do not want to spoil their manicure or simply try not to come into contact with detergents, you can use the help of household appliances.

Dry cleaning with a regular vacuum cleaner

A household appliance is often used for surface cleaning of carpets from debris, crumbs and dust. You just need to vacuum the carpet, and then under it. But, unfortunately, it is not able to cope with stains, especially very deep ones.

Washing vacuum cleaner and shampoo

Modern vacuum cleaners with a wet cleaning function are a real assistant to housewives. They are a pleasure to use:

• the cleaning solution is poured into a special bowl;
• a suitable nozzle is selected;
• Use gentle and smooth movements to clean the surface of the floor covering.

The only negative is that the device cannot be used often, since washing has a negative effect on the carpet, causing the product to deteriorate.

Steam generator

A steam generator will help you quickly get rid of greasy stains, dirt and other contaminants on a pile carpet. Steam cleaning is carried out on already vacuumed carpet. The cleansing effect is achieved due to the effect of high temperature, which penetrates deep into the fibers, due to which stubborn stains, as well as various bacteria, disappear.

Household chemicals

Manufacturers of household chemicals have provided a wide range of various products for cleaning carpets. They are easy to use and work well against stains and foreign odors.

Carpet shampoo 5+

Perhaps the best product from the budget segment. It does not cause allergies, since the composition does not contain fragrances or chlorine. The advantages of shampoo include:

• antistatic effect;
• color restoration;
• elimination of unpleasant odor;
• removal of old and stubborn dirt.

The liquid is suitable for washing vacuum cleaners and manual cleaning. Can be used pure or diluted.

Drop of VOX

Inexpensive, domestically produced chemicals that fight dirt, stains, and eliminate odors. Clear advantages include:

• low price, the cost of a 500 ml container does not exceed 100 rubles;
• after use the pile becomes softer;
• removes the most difficult stains, including blood, wine, berry juice;
• There is no unpleasant odor, so there is no need to ventilate the room after cleaning.

Another plus is its ease of use; the liquid needs to be diluted with water, applied to dirty areas, and lightly rubbed to form foam. After the carpet has dried, you need to vacuum it.

Help

Another budget but effective liquid designed for cleaning carpets. Excellently fights stains, dirt, and unpleasant odors. The product can be used both for hand washing and for washing vacuum cleaners.

Vanish

A popular cleaning product from a Polish manufacturer. Used in diluted form, the liquid should be applied to the rug and lightly rubbed until foam forms. It does not need rinsing, just vacuuming is enough.

Note! The use of a new cleaning composition requires testing. You need to treat a corner or other place that is hidden under the furniture with the product. This will help prevent discoloration or staining.

Folk recipes

Most people, despite the wide range of purchased chemicals, still use folk remedies that have been tested by time. Do-it-yourself cleaning compositions are prepared from components that are always available.

Vinegar and soda

Both components, even when performed alone, are capable of cleaning stains on the floor covering, but in a duet they show a truly impressive result. To create an effective detergent, you need to mix them so that you end up with a mushy mass.

Rub this mixture onto the contaminated areas, then wipe the area with a clean damp cloth.

Salt

Small stains and fresh dirt can be easily cleaned with table salt. You need to proceed as follows:

• evenly distribute the salt crystals over the rug in a small layer;
• moisten the surface with a spray bottle;
• leave to dry.

After two hours, you just need to go over the flooring with a vacuum cleaner. As a rule, after cleaning there is no trace left of stains.

Washing powder

The only drawback to using washing powder is that it is quite difficult to wash off. In some cases, the product will have to be washed in the bath to remove any residue.

Wet cleaning is simple; dirty areas are treated with a soap solution until the stains completely disappear. Afterwards the surface is wiped with a clean sponge or rag.

Cleaning with soda

Sodium bicarbonate has long been recognized as a universal remedy that effectively gets rid of various types of contaminants.

Cleaning is carried out in stages:

• dissolve 2 tbsp. spoons of soda in a liter of water;
• apply the solution to the coating using a sponge or brush, rub the surface thoroughly;
• wait two hours, during this period of time the carpet should dry.

After wet cleaning you need to vacuum it. The changes will be visible to the naked eye, the pile will become cleaner, and dirt will disappear. Baking soda tackles the toughest stains.

Starch

Most often, starch is used if you need to clean stains on a light-colored floor covering. There are no difficulties in this method; food powder is poured onto dirty areas for 30 minutes. After a given period of time, this place is rubbed with a damp brush, and then the entire surface is passed over with a vacuum cleaner.

Ammonia

To remove old dirt and deeply ingrained stains, ammonia is used; as a rule, it is always available. The detergent composition is prepared as follows:

• dissolve ammonia in a liter of warm water, you will need 2 teaspoons;
• Using a soft brush, distribute the liquid throughout the rug, rubbing problem areas especially thoroughly;
• Upon completion of work, wipe the surface with a dry cloth.

This option should not be used on carpets of dark shades, as ammonia can discolor the pile.

Snow help

In the winter season, it is easiest to clean carpets and rugs; the product can be taken outside, the snow will quickly remove dust and get rid of odors. You just need to spread it on the crust and also throw a layer of snow on top. Leave the coating in this state for half an hour. Then beat it out in the traditional way, using a beater or a simple stick.

Unfortunately, you won't be able to get rid of stains in this case.

Using sauerkraut

Sauerkraut provides an excellent cleansing effect. The workpiece must first be thoroughly squeezed, removing all the brine. Then spread it on the stains in a layer and rub it with a brush. As a result, the cabbage should turn gray. Leave it in this form so that the pile dries, and then remove the vegetable residues with a vacuum cleaner. The advantage of this method is that it not only cleans the surface, but also restores color.

Rules for caring for the rug without removing it

If cleaning is carried out on the floor, that is, without removing it from its main place, then the product should not be allowed to get too wet. This is due to the fact that it will not be possible to create normal conditions for complete drying in these conditions, and this can lead to its deterioration, the appearance of a damp smell, and moldiness on the reverse side.

It is better to use wet brushes and a small amount of foam, and carry out the cleaning itself late in the evening, so that everything has time to dry overnight.In the summer, leave the windows open, and in the winter season, install a heater next to the palace.

Can it be washed and how?

Not every carpet can withstand washing; it all depends on the composition of the material, the presence of dye and its quality, as well as the manufacturing method: factory or handmade. If the second option, then it will not be possible to wash them; such products cannot be washed. Factory-made carpets can be machine washed only if they are not made with adhesive.

Washing large carpets is carried out on the floor, which is previously covered with polyethylene. You can also do this in the bathroom, if the size of the rug allows. It is pre-rolled, washed in pieces, and unrolled to a certain length. If possible, it is better to take the product outside and wash it with a Karcher or hose.

How to remove fur and hair

Even the most powerful vacuum cleaner does not always cope with animal hair and hair; they are intertwined with lint, which is why they cannot be pulled in by the device. You can get rid of them manually using a clothes roller, tape or other devices with a sticky surface. It is enough to clean it once a week so that the carpet always remains in perfect condition.

How to remove stains from carpet

Lemon juice removes stains well; you need to drop a drop in the stained area and rub thoroughly. After two hours, walk with a clean cloth and fresh water. This component copes with all types of contaminants, including ink, berries, drops of brilliant green and iodine.

Hydrogen peroxide provides the same effect; dirt is also rubbed with the liquid until it completely disappears.

Preventing carpet stains

Standard preventive measures will help keep your flooring clean.All you have to do is stick to the following plan:

• Dry carpets on special dryers; clotheslines and other devices cannot be used;
• Once every six months, thoroughly wash the product using detergents;
• remove stains immediately, do not leave cleaning until tomorrow, during which time the dirt will be absorbed deep into the pile and it will be more difficult to remove them.

As you can see, there are a lot of tools that will help restore the palace to its original appearance. You can choose a detergent composition that will meet all requirements, including financial ones. The main thing is to strictly follow the instructions for use and do not forget about prevention.