Summer is traditionally the golden era for rug washing. While imagery of washing rugs at a seaside pier is classically romantic, fewer and fewer homes are covered with simple rag rugs. Washing other types of rugs can be difficult and laborious, and many seem to require a trip to the professional cleaners.
Tough stains, such as wine or coffee, easily leave a mark—especially if you aren't able to clean them immediately. Grease stains are unpleasant and soak deep into the weave. Additionally, pet hair and dust can make a rug feel stuffy and unhygienic. If you have small children, it is particularly important to consider rug cleanliness and non-toxic cleaning methods.
With these tips, you can clean even difficult stains from your rug using non-toxic methods on your own, without a carpet cleaner.
Vinegar and baking soda to the rescue
Preparation: Start by vacuuming the rug thoroughly with a suitable nozzle. If you have pets, use a pet nozzle to effortlessly remove hair. You can also beat the rug to shake loose the most stubborn dust.
The Mixture: For the actual cleaning phase, you only need two familiar household staples to mix an effective cleaner: white vinegar and baking soda. The vinegar softens the material, allowing the baking soda to lift dirt to the surface while refreshing the rug.
Application: To work effectively, the mixture must be used in the correct order:
- Start by pouring a small amount of vinegar (e.g., three tablespoons) onto the stain.
- Sprinkle baking soda over the vinegar.
- The baking soda will activate and bubble with the vinegar. Let it sit for 30 minutes or until the area is dry.
- If the stain is very stubborn, you can rub it with a cotton cloth while the baking soda is reacting to ensure the mixture spreads deep into the rug.
- Finishing: Once the mixture has dried, vacuum the rug again.
Quick refresh tip: If you want to quickly freshen up a stuffy rug, sprinkle baking soda over it. Let it sit for 20 minutes and then vacuum it off. This leaves a clean and fresh scent without toxic detergents.
Removing gum with an ice cube
Chewing gum is an extremely difficult stain that easily sticks to textiles and furniture. Removing it can also leave marks on the rug. Use an ice cube to freeze and harden the gum. Once the gum is dry and cold, you can scrape it off the rug without leaving an unsightly mark. If the gum is still sticky, it will not come off in one piece and may tear the rug. Allow the ice cube to work for a bit before scraping the gum away.
Nail polish vs. cleaning alcohol
Nail polish is one of the most difficult stains, as it often leaves a color mark even after cleaning. Fortunately, it can usually be removed with alcohol.
Test the alcohol on an inconspicuous corner of the rug first to ensure it is compatible with the material. Do not leave the alcohol to sit for too long, or the rug's surface and color may be damaged. Dab the alcohol onto the nail polish stain with a soft sponge to dissolve and lift it from the rug's surface. Once the nail polish begins to flake, you can scrape it off with a spatula.
Note! If it becomes necessary to wash the entire rug, do not use boiling hot water. Extremely hot water can fade colors and, in the worst cases, cause them to bleed into one another. Always test for colorfastness at the edge of the rug first.
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