Being made up of wool, synthetic fiber, or artificial grass there will be a need to clean these rugs after a passage of time. To maintain the look of these rugs, you need to do more than vacuum them regularly.
Over time, the fibers of rugs trap more and more dust which needs extensive cleaning. But this process of cleaning is never a simple task – and when a mat is laid on the hardwood floor, it becomes more complex.
In this blog post, we will discuss the best method, how to clean an area rug on a hardwood floor at home and avoid damaging the floor.
Method to Clean An Area Rug
In the process of cleaning a rug, you should follow these steps
1. Vacuum Away The Dirt Of Rug
In the process of cleaning a rug, the first step you should follow is to vacuum it. Do this by a good vacuum cleaner that sucks away all the dirt on your pad. If possible, turn the rug and vacuum its downside as well as mop the floor under the area rug.
If there is a protective pad under the rug, remove it and vacuum it as well.
2. Spot And Clean The Stains
After vacuuming the rug properly, now spot the stains on the surface of the mat. For small stains, place a plastic sheet under the stained area of the rug which protects the surface under it from wetness.
Use the solution of dishwashing soap and warm water to remove the stains caused by food or dirt. Apply this solution to the stained area, wait for 10-15 minutes, and then wipe out the stain and dirty water with the help of a clean piece of cloth.
Dip a clean cloth in clean water and wipe away all the soapy solution that remains on the surface of the rug or stuck in the fibers of the rug. In case the stain is still present, apply bleach and warm water solution to the stained area and leave for 2 hours, it will lighten the stain.
Note: Bleach can fade the color of the rug, so be careful. Apply bleach only when there is a stubborn stain, which is not going away by any method.
Also Read: How To Clean Fringe On Oriental Rug? 6 step easy method
3. In Case Of Odor from the rug, Use Baking Soda
If you feel any kind of bad smell from your rug, this smell can get out of it simply by sprinkling baking soda on it, letting it sit for at least 30-40 minutes on the mat, and then vacuuming it.
For best results, sprinkle baking soda, wait overnight, and vacuum it the next morning.
4. Prepare The Space For End to End Area Rug Cleaning
If there is a need for end-to-end cleaning and it cannot be moved to an area with tile floors, then carpet and hardwood need to be protected and these steps must be followed.
- Vacuum all the dirt from the area rug.
- Roll the rug and put it on one side.
- Roll the rug pad and also put it on one side.
- Dry mop the floor so dirt can be removed.
- Put down the plastic sheet on the floor that is larger in area than the size of the area rug.
- Unroll the area rug on the plastic sheet and start its thorough cleaning.
Also Read: Understanding Rug Sizes: How Big is a 8×10 Rug?
5. Clean Rugs With Carpet Shampoo
Read the instructions on the label of shampoo and ensure that it can be used directly from the bottle. The best way is that make a solution of shampoo in the bowl by adding some water to it.
Apply this shampoo on the rug with a soft brush or a mop. Use in such an amount that can completely wet the rugs but avoid over-saturation of the carpet by liquid. Now use the brush in heavily stained areas of the rug.
Dip the mop in fresh water and wash the fibers lightly to remove the soap residues. Change the water again and again until no dirt remains.
6. Dry The Cleaned Rug
Your rug is cleaned now, it’s time to dry out it. To increase airflow and speedy drying open all the windows, turn on the fans, and if possible add a circulating fan to the area as well. When the upper surface of the mat feels dry, turn it and allow the backside of it to be dried.
Drying time will depend upon the size of the rug, it can be between 24-48 hours you must be patient and ensure its dryness before putting it back on the floor.
Also Read: Do Dry Cleaners Clean Rugs? Is It Possible? 3 Easy Rug Care DIYs
7. Again Vacuuming
After putting back it on the floor, Vacuum it once again to smoothen its pile, level its fibers, and make it fluffy.
method for how to Clean An Area Rug on a Hardwood Floor
It’s always challenging to clean a rug but in the case of hardwood flooring, it becomes more complex to do so. But by coming up with the following tips you can do it easily.
Cleaning Area Rugs: Your Tools and Materials Checklist
Rugs with hardwood floorings give a classy and beautiful look to your rooms. These mats also need proper cleaning in time. Dirty rugs or not keeping up with mat cleaning routines make a room look dirtier and give it an awkward look.
- Baking Soda
- Vacuum
- Carpet Shampoo
- Carpet Stain Remover
- Sponge Mop
- Microfiber Cloths
- Dish Washing Liquid
- Small Bowl
- Old Bath Towels
- Steam Cleaner
After ensuring the availability of the above-mentioned material, you should follow the tips to clean a rug.
1. Take Extra Care
Hardwood floors are the most vulnerable to stains from washing liquid. To avoid this damage, you should remain extra careful during cleaning an area rug on a hardwood surface.
Also Read: Best Rugs with Brown Couches: Expert Tips for a Balanced Look
2. Vacuum The Rug
Vacuuming the upper surface of the rug to remove dust and other particles. If the rug is small and can be moved easily, flip the rug and vacuum its lower surface as well.
Also vacuum the hardwood floor under the rug, so no dirt remains in your cleaning area.
3. Clean Spots But Extra Protection Needed
Now your task is to clean the small spots, Before doing so ensure that your barrier between the rug and hardwood floor is thick enough that protect your floor from moisture.
4. In Case Of Thorough Cleaning, Be More Conscious
If your rug needs an end-to-end cleaning and cannot be moved to any other area, vacuum the rug and roll it. Then vacuum the hardwood floor so that all the dirt and grit that can cause scratches can be removed.
Now lay down a thick plastic sheet that ensures blockage of wetness and protects the hardwood floor when the rug is being washed. Wash the rug thoroughly by using carpet shampoo and do not remove the plastic sheet until the rug is dry totally.
Also Read: DIY Guide: How to Clean Lambskin Rug Like a Pro
FAQs
Conclusion
In a nutshell, it can be said that washing out the stains of pets, etc from the rug is not an easy task. But when there is a hardwood floor under the rug, This task becomes more complex, and more care is needed to do so.
You can easily clean any area rug by following the set of instructions discussed in the above blog post. By following these tips you can clean your rug mats by yourself at home and your question about how to clean an area rug on a hardwood floor without damaging the floor will be addressed.
