How to Find the Best "Area Rug Cleaning Near Me"?
Area rugs are subject to more dirt, dust, and debris than wall-to-wall carpeting. Their placement on high-traffic floors means they trap everything that comes in contact with shoes and feet. Unlike carpets, area rugs don’t have padding underneath to help filter out some of the dirt. Everything that lands on an area rug works its way deep into the fibers.
Area rugs are also more prone to spills and stains from food, drinks, and pets. These can permanently damage the fibers and dyes used to construct ornate area rugs if not properly cleaned by professionals. Using the wrong DIY cleaning methods risks setting stains, distorting fibers, and causing colors to bleed or fade.
Rental carpet cleaning machines that work decently on wall-to-wall carpets are often ineffective on area rug fibers and construction. Their powerful suction can destroy fringes and warp backing. Area rugs need specialized cleaning methods based on the materials, dyes, and weave used. Keep reading on this blog post by Rug Cleaning Orlando to find out more.
Common Area Rug Fabrics and Cleaning Methods
Area rugs come in a variety of fabrics, each requiring specialized cleaning methods:
Wool
Wool area rugs are common and durable. Avoid using bleach or harsh chemicals on wool rugs, as these can damage the fibers. After cleaning, allow wool rugs to air dry thoroughly.
Silk
Silk area rugs are delicate and require gentle cleaning. Use only specialized rug shampoo made for silks. Avoid excessive water, and never use bleach on silk. Always allow silk rugs to air dry naturally after cleaning. Do not machine-dry silk rugs.
Cotton
Cotton area rugs are colorfast and can handle most household carpet cleaners. Check the label first, but cotton rugs can usually be cleaned with bleach-safe cleaners. Rinse thoroughly after cleaning cotton rugs. Air or machine drying is safe for most cotton area rugs.
Synthetic Fibers
In area rugs, synthetic fibers like polyester, nylon, acrylic, and olefin are common. These artificial fabrics can be cleaned with solvent-based rug shampoos. Avoid using water or steam cleaning methods, which can damage synthetic fibers. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions first when cleaning these types of rugs.
What to Look for in an Area Rug Cleaning Near Me
To guarantee that your rugs receive the greatest treatment possible, there are a few important considerations to make when looking for a professional area rug cleaning service.
Experience Cleaning All Types of Rugs
An established rug cleaning company will have experience cleaning all area rugs, from delicate silk and wool to sturdier synthetic fibers. They should be familiar with handling antique, handmade, and machine-made rugs. An experienced cleaner can properly clean rugs of varying sizes, from small door mats to large living room carpets. They can identify your rug’s fiber content and construction to determine the ideal cleaning method.
Gentle Cleaning Methods
Reputable rug cleaners use only safe, gentle cleaning products and methods to maintain the beauty and integrity of your carpets. Harsh chemicals and abrasive scrubbing can damage fibers. Look for a company that offers specialized cleaning based on fiber content, such as pre-treating, controlled immersion, and gentle extraction. Their methods should thoroughly clean without risking color loss, shrinkage, or other damage.
Knowledge of Proper Drying and Storage
The drying process is critical to ensuring rugs do not mildew or deteriorate. Professional rug cleaners have advanced drying facilities and procedures to completely dry rugs of any size. They also know how to store freshly cleaned rugs to avoid mold, creases, or other problems. Improper drying or storage can ruin an otherwise successful cleaning.
Competitive Pricing and Quick Turnaround
Reputable rug cleaning services offer affordable pricing scaled to the size and complexity of the cleaning job. They can provide same-day or next-day cleaning for most rugs rather than keeping them for weeks. Fair prices, prompt service, and exceptional results make professional rug cleaning worth the investment.
When searching for an Orlando area rug cleaning near me, look for a company that meets all the above criteria. Their expertise will restore the beauty of your rugs while protecting their value and integrity. Trusting your rugs to professionals ensures they receive the specialized care they deserve.
When to Professionally Clean Area Rugs
Knowing when to clean your area rugs professionally is important to prolonging their life and appearance.
Visible Stains or Spills
Spot cleaning can only do so much, especially for food, drink, or pet stains. If you have noticeable stains or spills on your rug, it’s best to have it professionally cleaned to remove all traces of the spill and prevent permanent damage.
Traffic Patterns Visible
Over time, dirt and grime carried in on shoes will settle into traffic patterns on the rug. If you can see walking paths in the rug’s pile, it needs a deep clean to revive the fibers.
Rugs Feel Stiff or Crunchy
Dirt and residue buildup in rugs’ fibers can make them stiff and crunchy. This signifies that a deeper cleaning is needed to soften the rug again.
Strong Odors
Suppose your rug has developed a strong, unpleasant odor that won’t air out. In that case, professional cleaning is required to fully remove the odor-causing bacteria or residue deep in the fibers.
Annually as Preventative Maintenance
Even if your rugs don’t show obvious signs of needing cleaning, it’s recommended to have them professionally cleaned once a year. This will prevent dirt, allergens, and residue buildup and keep them looking their best.
FAQs
You asked, we answered:
How Often Should I Have My Area Rug Professionally Cleaned?
The frequency at which you should have your area rug professionally cleaned depends on several factors, including the amount of foot traffic it receives, whether you have pets or children, and if anyone in your home has allergies. Generally, it’s recommended to have your area rug cleaned every 12 to 18 months. Rugs in high-traffic areas or homes with pets may require more frequent cleaning.
What Techniques Are Used In Professional Area Rug Cleaning?
Professional area rug cleaning services may employ a variety of techniques depending on the material of the rug and the type of stain or dirt that needs to be removed. Common methods include steam cleaning (hot water extraction), dry cleaning, hand washing for delicate rugs, and immersion cleaning for thorough cleaning. The technique chosen will ensure the best possible results while preserving the integrity of the rug.
Can All Types Of Stains Be Removed From Area Rugs?
While professional cleaning can remove most stains from area rugs, the success rate depends on the type of stain, how long it has been set in, and the rug’s material. Stains like wine, pet urine, and coffee can be challenging, but an experienced cleaner has methods and products that can significantly reduce or eliminate these stains. Immediate treatment increases the likelihood of complete stain removal.
Is Professional Rug Cleaning Safe For All Types Of Area Rugs?
Professional rug cleaners are knowledgeable about different types of area rugs and will choose the safest and most effective cleaning method for each rug. However, it’s important to communicate with your cleaner about your rug’s material, age, and any specific care instructions from the manufacturer. For very delicate, antique, or handwoven rugs, specialized cleaning processes are used to avoid damage.
In Conclusion
Following these signs for when your area rugs need cleaning and having them professionally cleaned annually will help extend their life and keep them looking great. Make sure to contact a reputable rug cleaning business like Orlando Rug Cleaning when you see any of these problems developing.