When it comes to area rug cleaning, there is no lack of practical tips that aim to facilitate this service on a daily basis. With so much information, it is important to know how to separate what really works from what is not recommended. Many people looking about how to clean rugs end up finding tricks that seem miraculous. But not everything is true!

Our mission today is to help you unravel the myths and truths about area rug cleaning. Proper sanitation is important not only for the aesthetics of the environment, but for the sake of health as well. Read on and discover the best recommendations on how to clean rugs.

* It is recommended to clean the rug once a week at home

Truth! Cleaning rugs frequently is the best option to prevent the accumulation of dirt, dust and stains. This maintenance is simple - the ideal is to use the vacuum cleaner. Avoid sweeping the carpet as much as possible, this will prevent the fraying of the fibers in case of more abrasive brooms.

* It is recommended to wash the rug and let it dry in the sun

Myth! Those who live at houses may have this habit of washing the rug on their own with a mop, broom, soap and water and letting it dry directly in the sun. This type of cleaning seems to work, but it has some downsides.

Carpet drying is one of the most important steps and, depending on how it is done, it can leave a bad odor. Also, putting a still-damp rug back in its place can make it easier to impregnate new dirt, mites, fungus, and mold.

In addition, direct sunlight can harden and weaken the fibers and make the rug look bad over time. That is, often trying to save money on professional cleaning can shorten the life of your rug. A weekly home maintenance with a vacuum and occasionally a damp cloth with a mild detergent to remove stains works well. Deeper cleanings should be done by specialists every six months or at most a year.

If you are in need of this service in the Vancouver area, please contact us. We at Angelo’s FabriClean are specialized in cleaning rugs, carpets and upholstery. To request a quote, just click here.

* I can have the carpet washed at any laundry.

Myth! Not all laundry facilities are equipped to properly clean rugs. Try to choose a company specialized in this type of service. A laundry with no experience in carpeting or without the proper equipment may use the wrong drying method.

* A vacuum cleaner is better than a broom for cleaning the carpet

Truth! And it's true for two reasons. The first is that the vacuum can reach dirt that the broom cannot. Second, the vacuum cleaner ends up being less aggressive than mops, brooms or hard bristle brushes. In order not to damage the carpet's fibers, the vacuum cleaner's nozzle is ideally smooth. If you don't have a vacuum cleaner, try using softer brushes or brooms and don't scrub hard.

* Alcohol and vinegar help in cleaning the carpet

It depends. Anyone looking for tips on how to clean rugs will easily find this one. Both can help with cleaning and removing stains, but alcohol can fade the fibers over time and vinegar changes their pH. They can even be used if a complete wash is done right away to remove the product, since if the products stay in the fibers, they can slowly damage them.

Our tip is: avoid these products and prefer a mix of neutral detergent with water. Neutral detergent has the power to bind and suspend dirt, which is why it is so efficient. In emergency cases, if the cloth dampened with neutral detergent does not work, contact a specialized service to carry out the correct cleaning.

* Home cleaning helps to remove stains from the carpet

It depends. Like alcohol and vinegar, other homemade cleanings can detract from the appearance of the rug and weaken the strands. Be suspicious of miraculous mixtures and assess whether you are opting for a solution that is too aggressive. You may not notice it at first, but if there are traces of products that have not been removed from the rug, they will continue to act. Whitish signs on the carpet may indicate an overuse of these products and a lack of rinsing in the area.