How To Clean An Area Rug On Hardwood Floor?: Area rugs have the amazing potential to improve a room’s atmosphere overall by adding color, warmth, and a sense of coherence. However, without a consistent rug cleaning routine, they can also contribute to a room looking unkempt and soiled. With regular foot traffic and the unavoidable messiness that comes with having kids around, your once-pristine rugs can accumulate an alarming amount of dirt, dust, and debris.
It’s time to take matters into your own hands and give your rug a thorough cleaning if you notice that the stains on it seem to be increasing. Fear not if you’ve never cleaned a rug before or if it’s been a while since your previous effort! Best Carpet Clean Services, LLC has got you covered with a simple guide on how to clean an area rug on hardwood floor beautifully.
The Right Way to Place a Rug on Hardwood Floor
Though optional, this step can significantly prolong the life of both your rug and your hardwood floors: always use a rug pad when placing your rug. Rug pads offer your rug a more forgiving backing, enhancing its durability, while also safeguarding your hardwood floors against abrasive dirt and grit from seeping through the rug and causing damage.
Not all rugs are compatible with rug pads, and not all rug pads are equally effective at preventing dirt from reaching your floors. However, investing in a high-quality rug pad can significantly extend the lifespan of both your rug and your beautiful hardwoods.
How To Clean An Area Rug On Hardwood Floor?
Are you wondering ‘how to clean an area rug on hardwood floor’, It is easy! First, use a vacuum on both sides of the rug to get rid of dirt and dust. For stains, gently blot them with a clean cloth and use the right cleaner. If it’s a big stain, you might need a pro. Shampoo your rug, let it dry, and then give it a good vacuum. Be careful with steamers – they’re great for rugs but not for hardwood. You can even use dry carpet cleaners! Remember, regular cleaning keeps your rug and floor happy. We have shared all the steps following:
Start with a Vacuum
To begin the cleaning process for your area rug, your first step should be a thorough vacuuming on both sides. On the side with visible fibers, this step will effectively eliminate any accumulated debris like crumbs and pet hair. Simultaneously, on the underside, you’ll be able to remove any dust that might have gathered.
After the thorough vacuuming, consider taking the rug outside, weather permitting, and giving it a good beating with a broom handle or a tennis racket. This additional step will help dislodge even more dust and dirt from the rug, leaving it fresh and clean.
Spot Clean Stains
Stains are an inevitable part of life and can arise from various sources such as food spills, drink mishaps, or pet accidents. Swiftly addressing these stains is crucial as delaying the cleaning process may lead to the stain setting deeply into the carpet fibers, making it harder to remove.
To spot clean stains effectively, start by blotting the affected area (never rub!) using clean, dry, and absorbent cloths. Gently press the cloth on the stain until it no longer absorbs any more liquid.
Next, choose an appropriate carpet cleaner based on the type of stain. For pet urine stains, an enzymatic cleaner works best to combat odors, while regular carpet cleaning agents are suitable for food stains. If using store-bought cleaners, carefully follow the instructions provided.
For those feeling resourceful, DIY carpet cleaner recipes can yield great results. Here’s a how-to for one of our preferred at-home rug-cleaning recipes:
Ingredients:
- White vinegar, one part
- One part hot water
- Several sprays of dishwashing soap
- Sodium bicarbonate (not baking powder) or baking soda
Instructions:
- In a spray bottle, mix dish soap, warm water, and white vinegar. Shake the ingredients together gently, taking care not to produce too much foam.
- Use just enough baking soda to completely cover the stain as you apply a thin coating over it.
- Spray the stain with the cleaning solution, being sure to get it past the stain’s margins. When the foaming stops in a minute or two, blot the stain dry with a fresh, colorfast cloth.
- Gently blot the discoloration once more with a slightly dampened cloth. After letting everything totally dry, use a Hoover to get rid of any remaining baking soda.
Following the above-given steps will help you effectively tackle stains on your area rug, restoring its pristine condition and maintaining its beauty for years to come.
How to clean large stains on hardwood floors?
While spot-treating stains are suitable for minor incidents, dealing with larger stains requires extra caution. Excess water from cleaning may discolor or even warp hardwood floors. Ideally, for large area rugs, it is advisable to remove them from the hardwood floors and clean them in a water-safe environment. In such cases, professional cleaning may be the best option.
Alternatively, for in situ cleaning, you can use a waterproof barrier. To protect the hardwood floors from the rug, place a sizable, waterproof sheet underneath the rug, such as a plastic sheet. Carefully tuck the sheet under the rug, ensuring the underside is covered. This will help protect your hardwood floors from any excess moisture during the cleaning process.
Note: This is also an excellent opportunity to vacuum the floor beneath the rug, ensuring a clean surface.
The elegance and comfort of your home will be enhanced by maintaining the quality of your area rug and hardwood floors by following these instructions and taking the essential precautions.
Clean with Carpet Shampoo
Once you’ve placed the waterproof barrier as mentioned earlier, you can proceed with using the stain remover solution or opt for a commercial carpet shampoo. Feel free to clean the rug as required without worrying about moisture damaging your hardwood floors.
Allow Drying Time
Make sure your rug is entirely dry before bringing it back inside to sit on your hardwood floors after shampooing it. There are a few techniques you may use to speed up the drying process as you wait for it to finish. The drying process can be sped up by using a wet-dry vacuum or a squeegee to remove extra water from the rug.
However, laying your rug entirely flat to dry is the most crucial step. Avoid hanging it up or draping it over things because doing so could cause unsightly kinks or warping.
One Final Vacuuming
With the rug now cleaned and dry, give it a thorough once-over with your vacuum cleaner to restore its fibers’ loftiness and ensure it looks its best. This final step will leave your rug refreshed and ready to adorn your beautiful hardwood floors once more.
Can We Use a Carpet Steamer on Rugs?
Carpet steamers can be a viable option for deep cleaning rugs and are often available for rent at local hardware stores. While steam cleaning is generally safe for cleaning an area rug, the same cannot be said for hardwood floors. Even if your wood floors are sealed, they can still be vulnerable to bulging or warping when exposed to the high temperatures involved in steam cleaning.
If you are going to use a steam cleaner on your rug, please try to keep precautionary measures. Place your rug on a heat-resistant surface like tile or concrete flooring, before starting the carpet cleaning process. This will help you to prevent your hardwood floors. This technique ensures hardwood floors are safe and you can achieve a thoroughly cleaned area rug.
Can we Use Pressure Washing an Area Rug?
You may have seen videos on social media that Some people use pressure washers to clean their rugs and you’re also thinking if you can use pressure washing on your area rugs. So here is the answer, Pressure washing on rugs should only be used outdoors. Additionally, area rugs made from delicate, expensive, antique, or precious materials, especially natural fibers like wool, should not be subjected to the intense cleaning of a pressure washer.
On the other side, area rugs made from durable synthetic materials, such as polypropylene, can generally withstand the pressure washing process, providing thorough cleaning results.
Here’s how to proceed with pressure washing to clean rug on hardwood Floor:
Start with the pressure washer on its lowest setting and gradually increase the power until you achieve the desired cleaning results. Using the lowest pressure setting necessary will help protect the fibers from potential damage.
Once the cleaning is complete, allow the rug to dry completely before bringing it back indoors. Hanging or elevating the rug can significantly speed up the drying process.
After the rug is dry, give it a final vacuuming to fluff up the fibers, and your refreshed rug will be ready to return to its designated spot.
By following these steps and using caution, pressure washing can be a viable option for cleaning durable synthetic area rugs effectively. However, always avoid pressure washing delicate or valuable rugs to preserve their quality and appearance.
A Dry Replacement
There are efficient choices available that offer improved deodorization and deeper cleaning compared to basic vacuuming if you choose a waterless method to clean your area rugs.
You can sprinkle dry carpet cleaners over the surface of your rug in the form of powders. You may easily hoover up the powder after a little period of letting it settle. These powders are mostly composed of sodium bicarbonate, or baking soda, which is extremely fine. To provide a more comprehensive cleaning experience, certain formulations could incorporate proprietary mixtures of chemicals that are intended to release more dirt and neutralize odors.
Without the use of water or lengthy drying times, dry carpet cleaners can be a practical and effective solution to renew your area rugs. They are a great way to preserve clean, fresh rugs, giving your living areas a revitalized, inviting feel.
How often should an area rug be cleaned?
Regular cleaning of your area rug is essential to maintain its beauty and prolong its lifespan. Vacuuming at least once a week is recommended to prevent the accumulation of dust, dirt, pet hair, and other grime from embedding deeply into the rug. Even the most powerful vacuums may struggle to remove deeply set dirt, so frequent vacuuming helps to keep your rug looking fresh and clean.
Another advantage of regular cleaning is that it helps control the population of dust mites. Because dust mites feed on it, you may prevent their growth and reproduction by keeping your rugs clean. This is a crucial step to guarantee a better living environment because dust mites are a typical source of indoor allergens.
For optimum maintenance, it is advised to deep clean your area rug every 12 to 18 months. The exact frequency may vary depending on factors such as the level of foot traffic the rug receives and whether you have children or pets in your household.
Clean is Beautiful
Area rugs play a significant role in tying together the aesthetics of a living room, providing a splash of color and a plush, comfortable surface underfoot. Generally, weekly vacuuming and spot cleaning for stains should suffice for regular upkeep. However, it is highly recommended to have your rug professionally cleaned once every year for a year and a half. This will help to increase its longevity and ensure it continues to look its best, maintaining its charm and appeal for years to come.
Consider contacting Best Carpet Clean Services, a reputable rug cleaning company, if you desire a more polished touch. For the highest level of safety and effective outcomes, entrust your rug to their care. Set up a service appointment right now for professional care and upkeep of your priceless rug.
Conclusion
So there you have it: straightforward advice on How To Clean An Area Rug On Hardwood Floor. Rugs make rooms cozier and more colorful, but they may also hide filth. To keep them happy, hoover frequently and mop up accidents quickly. If your rug becomes extremely soiled, you may want the assistance of a professional. Simply follow these procedures, and your room will look amazing with clean, gorgeous carpets on your gleaming hardwood floor. Have fun cleaning!
FAQ
Can you clean an area rug on a wood floor?
Yes, you can clean an area rug on a wood floor, but you need to be careful to protect your hardwood floors. Always use a rug pad under your rug to prevent dirt from seeping through and causing damage.
How do you clean an area rug without moving it?
To clean an area rug without moving it, start by vacuuming both sides of the rug to get rid of dirt and dust. For stains, gently blot them with a clean cloth and the right cleaner. For large stains, it’s best to take the rug off the hardwood floor and clean it elsewhere or get professional help.
How do you clean a large area rug?
For large-area rugs, it’s best to remove them from the hardwood floor if possible and clean them in a safe place. You can use a waterproof barrier like a plastic sheet to protect the floor. Otherwise, use a stain remover or commercial carpet shampoo while protecting your hardwood.
How do you get backing off a rug on a wood floor?
To protect your wood floor from rug backing, use a rug pad. If you need to remove a rug with stuck backing, do it gently to avoid damage. It’s best to prevent this by using a rug pad from the start.
What are the basic steps to clean an area rug on a hardwood floor?
Here are the simple steps to clean an area rug on a hardwood floor:
Start with a Vacuum: Vacuum both sides of the rug to remove dirt and dust.
Spot Clean Stains: Blot stains with a clean cloth and use the right cleaner for the stain type.
Treating Large Stains: For big stains, consider removing the rug or using a waterproof barrier.
Clean with Carpet Shampoo: Shampoo the rug if needed, using a waterproof barrier to protect your hardwood.
Allow Drying Time: Ensure the rug is completely dry before putting it back on the hardwood floor.
One Final Vacuuming: Give the rug a final vacuum to restore its look.
Remember to avoid using a carpet steamer on hardwood floors, and pressure washing is best for outdoor use. Dry carpet cleaners can also be a waterless option. Clean your rug regularly to keep it looking great.
