How Rug Cleaning Is Done

Area rugs need to be cleaned periodically. They can trap germs and dirt that can lead to odor, allergies, and long-term health problems.

Different fiber materials and nap heights require unique rug cleaning techniques. Too much water can damage delicate silk area rugs or those with special dyes.

It’s also important to turn rugs every year and shake them frequently. This evens out wear and helps the rug look brighter and fresher. Learn more by clicking here.

Steam Cleaning

A steam cleaner heats up water to its boiling point, turning it into a vapor that is then pushed out through a nozzle or attachment. The vapor penetrates the microscopic pores of a variety of surfaces, loosening dirt and grime. It can then be wiped away with a cloth, leaving behind a surface that is sanitized, deodorized, and hypoallergenic.

Steam cleaning is especially helpful for eliminating common household allergens, such as dust mite waste, mold spores, pollen particles, and pet dander, that cause allergic reactions in some people. The hot steam kills these allergens on contact, helping to prevent them from recirculating in the air.

Before using a steam cleaner, consult the manufacturer’s guidelines for the specific surface you are trying to clean. Surfaces that are not safe for steam cleaning include unsealed wood floors, most vinyl or linoleum flooring, delicate fabrics (such as silk, velvet, or velour), and surfaces finished with a water-based paint or stain.

Tug Cleaning

Before the cleaning begins, the rug is inspected and any spots are pretreated with cleaner. Then the carpet is scrubbed by hand or with an industry machine that resembles a floor buffer and uses an absorbent pad.

This is a workhorse that quickly removes fresh and old stains and kills germs deep in carpet fibers. Its large tanks hold 64 ounces of cleaning solution so there’s less refilling and emptying. And its 4-foot stretch hose makes it easy to reach stairs and other high places.

Rugs are typically woven, tufted, or action-backed. The type of backing determines the most appropriate cleaning method. Woven rugs are the strongest and can withstand the most aggressive cleaning methods. Tufted and action-backed rugs require a more delicate approach. After the cleaning, a protector is applied to repel dirt, and deodorizers are used to eliminate lingering odors. Then the rug is dried, draped over drying poles, or rolled and tied for pickup or delivery.

Hot Water Extraction

Hot water extraction is a popular method of cleaning carpets. Professional cleaners have powerful truck-mounted machines that can spray a diluted cleaning solution into the fibers of your rug, lifting dirt and debris from the surface before being extracted with a strong vacuum.

When performed by professionals, this process leaves your carpet 100% clean and free of chemical residue. It is important to note that rented equipment often lacks the suction needed to fully rinse out the carpet, leaving a damp rug that will take days to dry and create unpleasant odors.

During this process, the carpet technician will use a pre-spray detergent which helps to place any ingrained dirt into suspension before the high-pressure water pump shoots it deep into the fibres of your rug. This is followed by a powerful twin vacuum that lifts the dissolved dirt and places it into the recovery tank of the machine. This is done systematically, and the carpet is left to dry afterward.

Dry Cleaning

Dry cleaning is the process of cleaning fabric using a non-aqueous solvent. The process was first used around 1892 when a clumsy maid spilled kerosene on a greasy tablecloth and found it cleaned the spot much better than water. This led to many experiments with different types of solvents, including turpentine spirits, kerosene, gasoline, and petroleum-based fluids. After World War I, cleaners began using chlorinated solvents like carbon tetrachloride and trichloroethylene (TCE) which were less flammable and worked well at eliminating tough stains. These were eventually phased out as their adverse health effects became known. Today most commercial cleaners use perchloroethylene (perc) which is a safe, effective, and fast-drying solvent.

The dry cleaning machine consists of a holding tank or base tank that holds the solvent, a pump that circulates the solvent, filters to trap solid impurities and soils, and a cylinder or wheel where the clothes are placed during the cleaning process. The solvent reaches the fabrics, dissolves, and removes soil, then returns to the holding tank to be reused. Continue reading the next article.