Cleaning Washable Rugs
It may seem strange to be talking about cleaning washable rugs. After all, can’t you just wash them? But it is not quite as straightforward as it seems as there are different types of washable rugs and different ways to deal with them when they get dirty.
1. Outdoor Rugs
Outdoor rugs are a particular type of washable rug, which are designed specifically for use on the patio or deck. The materials resist fading in the sun and they do not rot in the rain. To clean these, you simply get out your garden hose and hose them down then leave them to try.
2. Small Rugs
Most small washable rugs can be easily washed in the washing machine so you can wash them to your heart’s content. Some can be tumble dried and others must be hung up to dry naturally so check the label about that however.
3. Large Rugs
Large rugs are slightly more of a problem as many of them will be too big for the capacity of your washing machine (or so heavy when they are wet that they will wreck it during the spin cycle). With these, keep them as clean as possible without washing and treat them like normal, non-washable area rugs with regular vacuuming and spot cleaning to remove stains. Then, when they really do need washing, you have two options without resorting to professional cleaning (which defeats the purpose of having a washable rug, in the first place).
Firstly, you can clean them in the bathtub. Fill it with warm water and add a liquid washing agent designed for carpets and upholstery or a gentle clothes formula. Then add your rug and agitate it around to loosen any dirt, concentrating on stains if there are any and giving them extra attention with carpet steam cleaning solution, if necessary. Let the water out of the bathtub and then fill it with fresh water to rinse the rug. Wring as much water out of your rug as you can and then hang it outside over a line to dry.
The second option is to take your rug to a launderette which has higher capacity commercial washing machines. In this case either dry your rug there if it can be tumble dried or bring your damp rug home to be dried naturally.
Related posts:
- Care and Cleaning of Outdoor Rugs
- How to Clean and Maintain your Outdoor Rugs
- Using Purple Area Rugs Throughout the House
- Finding The Best Wool Area Rugs For Sale
- Difference Between Carpets and Rugs
Filed Under: Rugs & Rug Cleaning
