Apartment F vintage or contemporary rugs can be a game changer when it comes to connecting spaces, changing focal points or entirely transforming the look and feel of a room. Accordingly, proper rug care is crucial to keep them looking beautiful and fresh while extending their lifespan. 

Here are effective ways to maintain your vintage or contemporary, natural fiber rug:

Follow a Cleaning Routine

Owning a rug requires building and sticking to a cleaning routine that ensures effective quality and shape maintenance. The process is easier than you think, all you need is the right strategies.

Vacuuming

Regular vacuuming improves the air quality of your space and protects the rug fibers by keeping away dirt, debris and soil.

Vacuum at least weekly and keep in mind that high-traffic areas like entrances request more frequent vacuuming.

How to vacuum properly: 

• Vacuum slowly and thoroughly to remove ground-in dirt.
• It is best to vacuum in the same direction to increase the longevity of the rug.
• Dust builds in the corners and crevices. Be mindful not to miss these areas.
• For efficiency, replace the vacuum filters every three months or change the vacuum bags when three-quarters full. 
• Don’t forget to vacuum both sides if the rug is reversible. 

P.S: If you have pets, clean lingering stray hairs by using an attachment on your vacuum. 

Deep Cleaning

A good way to know when a rug needs deep cleaning is to pay attention to the color. When it’s starting to look dull, it’s time to follow these steps:

1. Know your rug material

To preserve your rug from any deterioration, we recommend you know what materials it’s made from before cleaning.

2. Gather the tools and supplies    

List of things you need for this specific routine:

• Rug shampoo (or dishwashing detergent, preferably translucent)
• Bucket or garden hose
• Soft-bristle brush or sponge
• Water
• Optional: wet-dry vacuum 

* We always recommend a PH neutral soap.

3. Remove the furniture

 Make sure the carpeted area is empty before starting.

4. Vacuum the rug

 To remove allergens and dirt.

5. Prepare the rug cleaner

You can buy a rug shampoo and follow its specific mixing directions.

A good alternative is making your cleaning solution by mixing a translucent liquid dishwashing detergent with lukewarm water. Do not use hot water as it can cause fading or damage to the rug material. 

6. Do a Spot Test 

To ensure that the color doesn’t bleed and the fiber doesn’t damage, first test the solution mix in a small corner of the rug.

7. Wash, rinse the rug then extract the water

This step requires patience and attention.

• Use a sponge or soft-bristle brush to scrub your cleaner mix on the rug surface.
• Let it sit for five to 10 minutes for a better cleaning process. 
• Start rinsing to lift away dirt and soap using a garden hose or water bucket. Do not over-wet the rug.
• Make sure the rug is fully free from any product residue.
• Extract as much water as you can for faster drying. You can use a wet-dry vacuum for better results. 
• To easily step out once you’re done, don’t forget to start your cleaning from the furthest zone to the entry and clean backward.

The last thing you want is to have a proportionally wet rug in your home, the perfect condition for mold growth.

Let your rug completely dry before walking on it or replacing furniture by laying it flat on both sides until it completely dries. This process takes from six to 12 hours.

Keep the room well-ventilated by opening the windows, fans or using a dehumidifier to speed up the process. 

* Pro Tip: We recommend you naturally dry your rug in the sun. This method gives the rug that good sunlight airing and pulls out any bacteria (this is even a good way to clean without water as wool is naturally antimicrobial).

9. Vacuum the rug again

The rug threads and fibers can get squished during the cleaning. Vacuum well your rug to revive it and get rid of the soil that can form on the surface during the drying process.

You can now replace the furniture and enjoy your brightened refreshed rug.

Clean Spills Immediately 

Kids spilling a liquid over your gorgeous rug or your four-legged friend not being able to hold it longer are possible scenarios. You might be very careful doing the necessary to care for your rug, yet accidents can happen. 

Spills can permanently damage a rug. Thus, you have to address them quickly and properly.  

The cleaning procedure depends on the spill type. Here are common rug spills and how to treat each one of them: 

Coffee Spill

• Gently blot the coffee spill using a dry towel.
• Mix 1 tablespoon white vinegar, 1 tablespoon non-bleach detergent and 1 cup warm water. 
• Apply the mix to the spot working inwards. You can use a piece of cotton wool or a white cloth. 
• Spray the area with cold water (you don’t want to over-wet the rug). 
• Vacuum until dry.
  

Pet Stains

In this situation, you need an enzyme rug cleaner that also eliminates the odor-causing bacteria. This cleaning solution is a last resort and you may want to consult a professional cleaning company.

Apply the cleaner on the stain spot using a damp cloth. Gently rinse and vacuum the area.

Alcoholic Beverage Spill

If not treated quickly, alcoholic beverage stains can be very hard to remove. 

• Immediately dilute the spot with cold water or ice cubes. 
• Blot as much liquid as you can. 
• Mix 1 tablespoon mild detergent, ¼ cup warm water and 1 tablespoon white vinegar.
• Apply the solution on the spot and let sit for up to five minutes.
• Blot the area until the stain is gone. Rinse with minimum water then vacuum.
  

Soft Drinks

• Use a piece of cotton or a sponge to blot the liquid.
• Mix 1 tablespoon white vinegar, ¼ cup warm water and 1 tablespoon mild detergent. 
• Apply the solution to the edges of the stain working inwards. 
• Lightly rinse and blot with an absorbent tissue. 
• Vacuum until the spot dries completely.
  

Points to consider when cleaning rug spills

• You can use a hairdryer to dry the area, moving continuously over the spill zone to avoid watermarking. 
• The rug may darken during the process, but this should normally disappear once it’s completely dry. 
• If the stain is not entirely removed, repeat the process as needed. 
• Do not rub the spill as that can cause the stain to spread to a larger area. 
• If there is still a lot of moisture even after blotting and vacuuming, cover the stained area with six layers of paper towel, place a heavy object on the top and leave it to dry for a full day. 
• We do not recommend using coarse products like baking soda to clean, this will cause the natural rug fibers to break. 

You can find handmade natural fiber rugs in various sizes, colors and styles at Apartment F. BROWSE OUR RUG COLLECTION