As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Area rugs add a touch of warmth and style to any room. So, Cleaning can help you maintain the quality of your rug for years! But how to clean an area rug on a hardwood floor?
One important aspect of these items is that they require regular attention. Especially if there are pets or children who may constantly spill something on them, as I did as an only child growing up.
Rug care is important to keep your rugs in good condition.
If you have hardwood or carpeting, use a damp cloth and mild soap solution (or dish detergent) on the rug surface without applying too much water pressure when cleaning because this can damage the floorboards underneath!
Contents
When to Clean Your Rugs?
Area rugs are often used in commercial settings and can get dirty quickly. If you don’t periodically vacuum your rug, dirt particles will slowly penetrate deeper into the fibers.
This may cause them to lose their elasticity over time as well as scratches on softer surface materials like hardwood floors. Thus, if they’re not cleaned frequently enough with an appropriate machine or brush attachment for this type of cleaning task (depending).
Mats should also be taken up regularly – depending on how much traffic there has been. Otherwise, mats become matted strands deep down underneath hardwood flooring where even brushing cannot reach.
To keep your rug in good shape, you should vacuum or sweep it at least twice per year. If there are heavy foot traffic areas on the carpeting like around furniture and doorways, this task needs to be done more often than not!
What Makes Them Unclean?
If you have any liquid spills or pet accidents on your floor, make sure to clean them up immediately. The moisture can seep through the rug eventually and lose its protective pad underneath.
It will lead to stains in certain areas if left unchecked due to their proximity to wood.
It also may be fermenting from alcohol consumption by micro-organisms like mold spores. These harmful fungi love nothing better than an environment of wet surfaces where they’re likely going to grow faster than anywhere else!
Tools for Cleaning
All the items you need for cleaning are just below.
- a soft brush,
- vacuum cleaner
- Small bowl among other things
- Fabric Cloth
- Loofa mop
- Old towels
- Cleaner (preferably steam)
Ways To Clean Them On A Hardwood Floor
Void the Dirt
Whether you’re preparing to do a thorough cleaning or just routine care, make sure the rug is vacuumed. It should be an upright machine that has carpet beater bars. If your space allows it and if possible take out one side of this mat not to damage any external walls by exerting too much force and then vacuum under them.
Vacuum thoroughly from top to bottom before flipping it over to the opposite end, where there may be residual debris hidden among fibers, as these types always seem to find their way back into places we don’t expect them to.
However, when you are cleaning an area rug, be sure to remove the protective pad underneath and clean it as well.
Be Extra Cautious
To protect your beautiful hardwood floor from damaging cleaning solutions, be extra cautious when you are using them. To prevent any stains or scratches on these surfaces take care not too deep- scratch it!
Keep your hardwood floors looking their best by giving them a quick once-over with an area rug before moving them around. Make sure you inspect the flooring underneath as well and clean any dirt from between those cracks!
Read a few tips on how to clean hardwood floors and it will help you maintain them.
Carefully Spot Clean It
When you need to spot clean an area rug, make sure that the barrier between your precious carpet and hardwood floors is as thick or thicker than possible. This will help prevent any moisture from seeping through and ruining both surfaces!
Vacuum While Rolling Both Sides
Your area rug is a great way to bring the luxurious feel of hardwood floors into your home. However, if you haven’t cleaned it in a while or have pets that dirty their paws on occasion then this task may need some extra attention.
So, before they can go back and make sure everything looks as good as new! Vacuum first by rolling up both sides carefully using floor cleaner approved for carpeted surfaces (not water!). Next, take out any dirt from under furniture where there’s no vacuuming option available.
Protect Hardwood With Plastic
The hardwood floors are vulnerable to damage when wet, so make sure you protect them with plastic sheeting. If possible use an upright steamer or carpet shampoo for clean up!
The rug should be left out until its thoroughly dry in order not to risk further damaging any part of your home’s layout that may already have been affected by water saturation during this unfortunate event
How to Remove Bad Odors?
Area rugs are often placed in high-traffic areas of the house, which means that they can easily take on a variety of odors. You may notice mustiness in your room due to a variety of factors such as cigarette odor or pet urine etc. In any case, there is a solution.
Simply sprinkle baking soda liberally over your rug and gently work it down into each fiber with either a sponge mop for long fibers like wool (which will also remove stains) or short plastic bristles found on less expensive varieties of soiled area rugs Cleaning Kit.
To get rid of stale, lingering odors in your home caused by pet urine or others that are difficult to remove with regular cleaning methods try using a natural ingredient. Baking soda works because it’s acidic!
So put some on carpets overnight followed by vacuuming up all those pesky aromas from beneath foot.
Final Takeaways
To get the most out of your rug, make sure to dry it completely flat. If there are any wrinkles or warps when done drying, they can become obvious with time as well!
Also cleaning your engineered hardwood or cleaning the garage floor can be challenging, so make sure to check some tips for cleaning it.
