Cleaning a rug might seem like a hassle, and understandably so. You have to reach between the fibers, remove the dirt and grime that collects in those crevices, and dry it off completely. That’s why people opt to have it dry cleaned instead.
But do dry cleaners clean rugs in the first place? Well, let’s take a closer look and answer all of your questions!
Why Can’t Area Rugs Be Dry Cleaned
Dry cleaning has been a lifesaver for homeowners all around the world. But did you know that it could severely affect the quality of some rugs?
Dry cleaners use massive amounts of harsh chemicals that could degrade or greatly impact it’s color and quality. Taking your rug to your dry cleaner might seem convenient, but is not ideal for it’s longevity.
The Process Can Damage Ornate Rugs
Oriental rugs are intricately woven and beautifully designed. The complexity of it’s patterns and construction and type of materials used make dry cleaning the rug a bad idea.
To clean these, you’ll have to do it as diligently as possible on your own. The key is to avoid exposing it to the harsh abrasive chemicals dry cleaners normally use. Getting your rug steam cleaned is fine, too, as it only involves the use of water.
If you can’t tackle it yourself, ask your local dry cleaner if they know of any oriental rug specialist.
Your Local Dry Cleaner Is Inexperienced
A dry cleaner’s inability to effectively clean a rug might lie in the fact that they aren’t particularly prolific at it.
Newer dry cleaners usually lack the knowledge and expertise to meticulously clean your rugs and ensure that they are handled as carefully as possible.
They Don’t Normally Repair Rugs
It’s of paramount importance to remember that dry cleaners aren’t generally good at repairing rugs. That simply isn’t their specialty. Sure, they’re able to inspect them and identify frayed or torn areas, but they can’t actually do anything to fix them.
They can only give you some indispensable advice regarding the upkeep of your rugs and provide the contact info of a rug repair service they know. So, keep this in mind the next time you visit your dry cleaner!
But hey, don’t rule out the notion of dry cleaning a rug just yet! The process is not inherently harmful to synthetic fibers like nylon or polyester with minimum design.
What’s The Difference Between a Dry Cleaner and A Rug Cleaner
Did you know that there’s a plethora of rug cleaning services out there that predominantly specialize in carpet maintenance? Yep, that’s right!
Rug dry cleaning is certainly quite a grueling and risky task, but if you leave it in the hands of these professionals, you won’t have to worry at all.
In essence, the primary difference is that the dry cleaning process uses liquid chemicals and nothing else while rug cleaners wash rugs manually using water & soap.
The entire procedure involves fastidiously scrutinizing the material of the rug, picking the ideal way to clean it, and executing it to perfection. Moreover, these services are also proficient in repairing rugs, and dealing with any other problems you may have.
Things You Should Consider & Tell Your Professional Rug Cleaner
Determining the right cleaning method for your rug is of paramount importance if you intend to use it for a long time. However, to have your rugs cleaned as safely as possible, you must inform your cleaner about a few things.
Here’s a list of factors you should keep in mind before you start deep cleaning your rug.
What Is It Made Of?
The materials used to produce rugs and carpets is the primary determinant of the cleaning method you should use for it. Rugs come in a wide array of materials, so it’s crucial to remember this too.
Is it a natural material like jute, wool, cotton, or silk or a synthetic material like nylon, polyester, or acrylic? To check this out, look for a label on any side of the rug and see if it’s been mentioned.
How’s It Constructed?
Another pivotal point to remember is the way it’s been constructed. Generally, rugs and carpets can be woven, tufted, or action backed. To surmise it’s nature, flip it over and inspect the bottom side of the rug.
If you notice knotted or entwined patterns, the rug is probably woven. On the contrary, if it has a solid pattern, it’s tufted. Finally, a waffle like pattern means it’s action backed.
Normally, woven rugs are most resilient to aggressive handling. The other two, however, are relatively delicate. So, make sure to inform your carpet cleaning services about this so that they’re more gentle with them.
How Old Is Your Rug?
Ideally, the older the rug, the more fragile it’ll be. Over time, rug fibers tend to loosen up, making them more susceptible to collecting grime, dust, and dirt. This causes it to take on stagnant odors that people find difficult to get rid of.
What Is Its Current Physical State?
Rugs are prone to fraying, pet accidents, stubborn stains, chemical damage and sun exposure. These can make the cleaning process so much more difficult.
If you believe your rug isn’t salvageable, replace it with a new one.
Should You Clean Rugs At Home?
Aside from seeking help, you might consider tackling the problem yourself. But keep in mind that this is so much more challenging than you might initially anticipate, not to mention risky.
If you clean your rugs at home, you may have to focus on multiple processes including dusting, flushing, and drying all of which can be so made so much easier with the use of appropriate tools and machinery.
Professional cleaners have the equipment and knowledge to clean your rugs and perform every single process as efficiently as possible.
Let’s Wrap Up This Rug Maintenance Guide
So, that’s all there is to know about dry cleaning rugs and whether it’s an acceptable thing to do. At the end of the day, rug care is absolutely essential to keep it clean and ensure it’s longevity. Remember to consider the material of the rug, how long you’ve used it for, and the way it’s been constructed.
If you try to clean it at home, it’s likely that you’ll discolor the dye, weaken the fibers, and use the wrong equipment. Therefore, it’s best to take the rug to a professional and let them handle it the right way. Once it’s all cleaned up, you’ll have a rug that adds ample texture to your area, rejuvenating it with it’s freshness.
