When we want to enrich our interior, both from an aesthetic and practical point of view, we often choose to add rugs.
There are those who use them in the kitchen to avoid staining the floor , others prefer them on the threshold of the balcony , especially in case of rain or outside the entrance.
In short, it is difficult to enter a house and not see a rug adorning the room.
However, as beautiful as they are, these objects accumulate a lot of dust , as well as germs and bacteria. That is why it is essential to clean them from time to time. So let’s take a look at the most effective methods for cleaning carpets !
dust
The first thing to do is necessarily remove the dust that is trapped in the carpet.
I advise you to vacuum it well or help it with a hard-bristled broom . Sometimes you prefer to shake the carpet well, but you have to be careful not to dirty the balconies below or not let the dust fall on possible passers-by.
If you shake the carpet, remove excess dust from the floor. We can now proceed to washing!
in the washing machine
When the rugs are small and thin, they can also be washed in the washing machine .
This method is mainly indicated for fabric rugs , such as those you put in the bathroom, since those that are very large, hard and loose could be damaged and, above all, damage the washing machine.
So be very careful with the type of carpet you have.
Washing should not exceed a temperature of 40 degrees and I recommend a light spin at 800 rpm.
If there are stains, pre-treat them with a baking soda paste and rinse with water . When the mat mixture has dried, remove the excess and then put it in the washing machine.
Handwashing
Larger rugs made of sturdier materials cannot be washed in the washing machine, so they must be washed by hand . Let’s see how!
The vinegar
In the case of especially dirty carpets, vinegar is the best solution because it will eliminate germs , bacteria and degrease thoroughly .
I advise you to use apple cider vinegar or turpentine vinegar because they do not give off a strong smell that could be annoying.
You can wash the mat directly on the floor, where it is placed, or if you have space outside on the balcony.
Attention! I remind you that if you wash it directly on the floor, you cannot use this method if you have marble or natural stone tiles.
Then proceed by filling a bucket with hot water, pour a glass of vinegar and start washing the carpet using a brush or broom with hard bristles.
You will see that the water will be black, so you will have to change the bucket several times , otherwise it will stink and will not be completely clean.
Then let the mat dry in the sun.
Marseille soap
For a more delicate wash you can choose Marseille soap. The latter will degrease deeply, but will also give off an excellent smell and you can also use it if the carpet is on delicate floors such as marble or natural stone.
Simply fill a bucket with hot water and pour two tablespoons of liquid product or flakes into it, previously dissolved in a water bath.
Again, always use a brush and change the bucket if necessary.
dry cleaning
Many people prefer dry cleaning to avoid treating the carpet fabric, especially when dealing with very large and colorful rugs .
For dry cleaning, nothing better than baking soda .
By using this ingredient, you ensure that you do not harm or damage the carpet fabric . In addition, any unpleasant odor that settles on the fabric will also be eliminated.
All you have to do is spread the baking soda all over the carpet , maybe help it with a clean broom, and let it sit for a day.
Then vacuum up the baking soda or carefully remove it with a stiff bristle brush or broom.
NB For greater effectiveness, you can create a paste with 300 grams of baking soda and 30 drops of tea tree oil, mix well and pour the mixture directly on the carpet to be cleaned.