Choosing the Right Rug Cleaning Method

Rug Cleaning: The Best Way to Keep Your Rugs Looking New

Rugs are an important part of any home, adding style, comfort, and warmth to any room. However, rugs also collect dirt, dust, and spills, which can lead to accelerated deterioration of the fibres and an unsightly appearance with an unpleasant odour. To keep your rugs looking their best, it’s important to clean them on a regular basis, especially if it is placed in an area with heavy traffic use.

There are several methods used for rug cleaning, including steam cleaning, dry cleaning, and spot cleaning. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, and it’s important to choose the one that’s best suited for what the rug is made of. These methods can be applied at a customer’s place of residence or business onsite or taken away and cleaned through a machine that it is passed through.

Here at Waratah Carpet Cleaning, we clean the rugs onsite, which tends to cost less than having them collected and done offsite.

Rug Steam Cleaning

Steam cleaning is a popular method for cleaning rugs and carpets. This method uses high-pressure steam to remove dirt, dust, and spills from the fibres of the rug. When performing the service on site, the pressure is reduced compared to Steam cleaning carpets and it is effective because the heat from the steam helps to dissolve and loosen dirt and stains, making it easier to remove them.

The pressure and heat from the steam can reach deep into the fibres of the rug, removing dirt and grime that may have accumulated over time. Professional rug cleaners performing the service on site should be aware that over-wetting the rug could lead to longer drying time and can result in creating a lasting odour problem.

Steam cleaning is best for rugs that are heavily soiled or stained and delivers great results. It’s also a good choice for rugs that are made of wool but in some cases, with negligence, this method can have a negative impact on other natural fibres such as sisal, jute or silk if you don’t consult an experienced professional.

Photo taken showing steam cleaning of this thick woollen rug. Shows the difference in brightness when the dirt is extracted from the rug

Dry Cleaning For Rugs

Dry cleaning is another popular method of rug cleaning. This method uses special chemicals to clean the rug without or low the use of water. The chemicals are applied to the rug, and then a rotary machine is used to agitate the fibres, helping to loosen and remove dirt, dust, and spills through the pad located under the machine. The residue formed from encapsulating the stains in the rug and then vacuumed to remove the chemicals and the dirt.

Dry cleaning is best for straight pile and shagpile rugs that can withstand the rotary brush of the machine. This means any delicate fibres, especially if there looped pile, should not be attempted with this method. The low moisture content used with this method makes it ideal for drying incredibly fast. Dry cleaning is also a good choice for rugs that are too large or heavy to be taken outside for steam cleaning.

Spot Cleaning For Rugs

Spot cleaning is a localised cleaning method for individual stains or spills from a rug. This method involves applying a cleaning solution directly to the stain, allowing it to sit for a short time, and then removing the stain with a clean cloth. Spot cleaning is best for small, isolated stains and is a good choice for rugs that are otherwise clean but have a few stubborn spots.

​There are several methods of rug cleaning, including steam cleaning, dry cleaning, and spot cleaning. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, and it’s important to choose a professional that can identify which method of cleaning is suitable for your rug. With the right cleaning method, you can keep your rugs looking their best and extend their lifespan.

Want to know more? Check out our Central Coast rug cleaning services.

Get your obligation FREE quote now!

Scroll to Top