Do you feel stuck on where to start to clean your rug? Spot cleaning, vacuuming, and deep cleaning are common ways, however, sometimes you are a busy bee and can’t find time to do cleaning on your own. This is where professional services come in, and you may be wondering, “Do dry cleaners clean rugs?”
Rugs are an essential part of your home decor because they add warmth and give a traditional look to your room. However, over time, the fibers of rugs attract dirt and debris and make them look cringy. In that situation, deep cleaning is needed.
If you are thinking of getting your rugs cleaned by a dry cleaner but are confused about whether it would be a good decision or not, then in this article, we are going to address this problem. Stick around this article till the end.
Do dry cleaners clean rugs?
When somebody ask you to take your precious rug to dry clean, you got confused. Because you are a bit afraid whether my rug will be cleaned there or not, what if it got damaged and so on. In this blog your all confusion will be run away and you will jump up from your place by having a clear idea.
Without further ado, lets get started…..
What Is My Rug Made Of?
Be mindful! Dry cleaning is not suitable for all rugs. Some rugs are already tagged as “dry clean only,” for example, sisal and jute rugs and Bear Rugs. The fiber of these rugs absorbs moisturizer, which can damage them. However, some rugs react well to dry cleaning, even if they do not absorb moisturizer.
Highly prized heirloom rugs require high care while cleaning them. They are made up of natural dyes, which can be run while cleaning at home. So it’s recommended to get professional help while cleaning them.
In the case of oriental, wool, synthetic, and Persian rugs, people feel hesitation about dry cleaning them. In this case, read the instruction label on the rug’s tag carefully to determine whether you can dry clean them. Before cleaning any rug, look at its specific care instructions label to clarify whether you can deep clean or dry clean the rug at home or seek the help of professionals.
When to take your Rug to be Cleaned?
It is understandable that when you see that your rug is getting dirty and has stains on it, you should look for dry cleaning. Professional cleaners will make your rug bacteria and dirt free with their cleaning methods.
In case of any stain, you can do some DIYs on it if needed. But before doing any DIYs, check if these methods are safe to use on your area rug. You can also get good results from deep cleaning, and steam cleaning.
Also Read: How To Clean Moroccan Rugs at Home?
Services Offered by Dry Cleaners
Dry cleaning vs. wet cleaning:
wet cleaning is a process in which your clothes are soaked in water-based cleaner. Dry cleaning is a process that involves less or no water, and clothes are soaked in a solvent-based cleaner. Chemical solvents like perchloroethylene (PERC) are used in this process.
Services
Some services that dry cleaners provide are:
- Repairing and maintaining clothes
- Stitching the tearing part of the fabric
- Fluff-and-fold services
- Replacing zippers and buttons
- Clothing alteration
Now the question here arises: “Do dry cleaners clean the area rugs as well?” Umm, the answer is that not every dry cleaner offers the service of dry cleaning the rug. You should first inquire if they are offering this service or not.
Pros and Cons of Dry Cleaning Rugs
Pros: Dry cleaning removes any pet’s accidents odor or any smell from your rug. It makes stains run away by using some specific solvent-based methods. The bigger advantage is that you can just fold your rug, carry it in the car, and leave it at the dry cleaner’s door.
The rest of the work belongs to them. Sometimes dry cleaners send your rug to another professional cleaner if they are unable to clean it properly. This whole process makes you hassle-free.
Cons: All rugs don’t go well with dry cleaning. Sometimes, due to the lack of research, you can accidentally hand over your rug to someone who is not so professional, a kind of naive person. So your rug can be damaged during the process.
Its expenses can also affect you. Often, dry cleaners just have to remove stains, odors, etc. They are not specialized in repairing the rugs. Chemicals that are used in this process sit on your rug’s surface. When children and pets play on it, it might affect their health if they are sensitive to it.
Differences between Rug Cleaning and Rug Dry Cleaning
It is important to know the difference between rug wet cleaning and dry cleaning. It will help you determine what will go best with your rug.
Also read: How to Clean An Area Rug on A Hardwood Floor? 7 Easy Tips
Rug Dry Cleaning
Dry cleaners provide a variety of services, from T-shirts to bedding. Liquid chemicals are sprayed onto the rug, this helps in getting rid of stains, odors, and dirt. Then, using the extraction method, extra liquid is extracted from the carpet.
Dry cleaning is an ancient method; it has been modified from time to time. Make sure your dry cleaner has a proven record of dry cleaning the rug.
Cost of rug Dry Cleaning
The average cost of dry cleaning is $1.5 to $5 per square foot.
Equipment used for the Dry Cleaning Process
Lint brushes, sewing kits, dry cleaning machines, steam pressers, garment racks, laundry carts, etc. are some of the equipment used in dry cleaning the rug.
Professional Rug Cleaning
Professional rug cleaning is not just like normal carpet cleaning. It is generally done by hand. First, they inspect the stains. Once they have done the inspection, they try to remove the dirt by using some processes. Then they use water-based, biodegradable chemicals.
These chemicals are closer to ph-neutral. They dried under the sun. This way, all bacteria get killed, making your rug shiny and full of life. Lastly, they vacuum it and deliver it back to your home.
Most carpet cleaners claim that they can clean your rug. But actually, they are naive and try to clean it with the usual methods they do on common carpets. This thing can damage your rug.
Equipment used for Rug Cleaning
There is some equipment usually used for rug cleaning, like vacuum cleaners, carpet cleaners, defoamers, air scrubbers, carpet rakes, stain removers, etc.
Cost of Professional Rug Cleaning
If the cleaning is done by hand, then its cost is $3 to $8 per square foot. If it’s a steam cleaning, then its cost is usually $1 to $4 per square foot.
Key Questions to Ask Your Dry Cleaner
There are a few important questions to ask your dry cleaner to prevent any kind of damage.
Where will my rug actually be cleaned?
Some dry cleaners do deal with you to clean your rug, but actually, they send your rug to any other rug cleaning shop. They have collaborated with many dry-cleaning shops. So it is important to ask if they clean on their site or send it to be cleaned at any other location.
Do you offer Free Pickup and Delivery?
It is so far the most important query because it will save you time, energy, and the cost of riding your rug back home. Some dry cleaners provide free shipping service. Ask about their schedule so you can set your schedule accordingly, or let them know your schedule.
Is your service a Fixed Price or does it vary based on Fabric and Stain Level?
Ask about the pricing they are offering. It’s important to ask before to prevent any kind of surprise when you let us know the cost later, LOL! Surely, the price would be different for cleaning a cotton shirt than for cleaning a stained rug.
Ask about the Process and Chemicals used for Cleaning
Are the chemicals that are going to be used to clean your rug eco-friendly? Wouldn’t they affect the health of your kids and pets? These questions must be addressed first. If they are using carbon dioxide or silicone-based solvents, then it is good to go. Because they are less harsh and echo-friendly and protect our planet.
What Methods do they use for Stain Removal?
For the long-lasting of your rug, it’s important to know which products are going to treat stains. Ask about methods, then search on Google to see if they work well, what their drawbacks are, etc. Get some knowledge; don’t merely rely on dry cleaners.
Do you offer Insurance for my Items?
During the cleaning of rugs, sometimes they get damaged due to the use of the wrong product or naive cleaner. To avoid any loss, it is important to ask your cleaner if they will refund you or take responsibility for your rug. It will give your mind a feeling of relaxation.
What is their process for Handling Complaints or Issues?
A good dry cleaner company always keeps their customers first and makes a specific portal to address any kind of issue or mishap. They respond to you quickly and provide solutions to your problems as soon as possible to maintain their reputation in the market.
It is important to inquire about how I can handle any issue in case of any problem.
Can they handle Delicate or Antique Rugs?
All rug dry cleaners are not specialized in all rug categories. For example, Persian rugs need extra care when being cleaned. So ask first if they can clean your rug and handle it properly without damaging it.
Also Read: How To Clean Braided Rugs: Step-by-step Guide
Do your Research on Local Dry Cleaners
Before going to any dry cleaner, get out of your comfort zone a bit and do some research on local dry cleaners. Check out their services and their customer reviews. Don’t just rely on their sugar-coated talk. Some dry cleaners work as a third party.
They take the rug from you and send it to a professional rug cleaner. In this case, check all procedures carefully to avoid any future regret.
Alternatives to Dry Cleaners for Rug Cleaning
Here are some DIYs you can use as alternatives to dry cleaning.
1: Vinegar solution
Take an equal amount of water and vinegar to make a solution. Spray this solution onto the rug. Then clean it with a clean, wet cloth. It will clean your rug as well as take its smell away. It is a proven DIY.
2: Baking Soda
Sprinkle baking soda on your rug, it will remove its odor and give it a fine and clean look. After a few minutes, vacuum it.
3: Don’t use Dishwash Soap
Yeah, don’t ever try to use dish soap on your rug because it will leave marks and make it look worse and more uncomfortable.
Tips for Maintaining Clean Rugs
To keep your rug clean and enriched with life, clean it daily. Vacuum and spot clean it daily, and then keep it lying straight on the floor. Whenever you see any stain or spilled liquid on the floor, immediately treat it. That’s how you can maintain and care for your rug.
Also Read: How to Make A Rug Fluffy Again at Home?
Conclusion
We are assured that your question about Do dry cleaners clean the rug might no longer be unanswered. It is important to know the material of your rug and to check the instruction card before taking it to the dry cleaning shop.
Dry cleaning can be a good option if your cleaner is not naive and is very professional in his work. Otherwise, you will end up losing your rug. Ask the key question to your dry cleaner that we have discussed above. These questions will help you to know the efficiency of your cleaner.
