Most area rugs are stain resistant, thus delaying the setting in of the stain, wherein you get time to act. However, you need to act quickly to treat the stain or spill to prevent it from getting absorbed by the rug and drying up. The first thing you need to do is scoop up as much of the spill as possible and blot the remainder liquid using a dry cloth or paper towel. Then blot again after applying some warm water to the stain. In case the stain is still visible, mix some warm water with mild, non-bleach laundry detergent and apply to the stain using a clean cloth. Let it soak for about 5 minutes, rinse the stain again with warm water, and blot to extract the residue. Repeat this procedure until there is no detergent residue on the rug and then vacuum the area once the rug is completely dry. Deep area rug cleaning: Area rugs are preferably deep cleaned every 12-18 months. Once you are done vacuuming and spot cleaning all stains on the area rug, you can start cleaning it. As usual, first time use of commercial cleaning products should be tested on a small area of the rug to ensure the rug is colorfast and doesn’t get damaged by the product. Place the rug on a vinyl or concrete surface and then rub in a carpet-cleaning solution to create a foam according to directions. Complete the task by rinsing or vacuuming the rug and make sure it is dry before replacing. Remember, all it takes is 24-48 hours for bacteria and mold to start breeding on damp and heavy area rugs! Make sure all excess detergent is removed while cleaning, and don’t use strong solutions for the cleaning job as it only spoils the rug. Avoid putting too much water on the rug while cleaning as it may damage the seams and lead to discoloration, stinky odors and shrinkage. If required, you can use a fan to dry the area rug quickly after cleaning it. Just make sure the area rug is completely dried before you place your furniture back in place and before anyone walks on it. Additional tips As foot traffic and sun may stress your area rugs, you need to turn them once or twice a year. This helps even out the wear and tear on the carpet and any deterioration due to foot traffic. Do put your area rug pad back in place after cleaning it as it helps protect your rug from wear and tear. Not only does the pad help while keeping furniture in place, it also prevents people from slipping on it.
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