As professional carpet cleaners, at Aero Carpet Services we understand the importance of keeping your area rug clean and well-maintained. One of the most important steps in caring for your rug is regular vacuuming. Not only does vacuuming help remove dirt and dust from the surface of your rug, but it can also help extend its lifespan and keep it looking like new.
In this blog post, we’ll share some tips on how to properly vacuum your area rug to keep it in top condition.
How to properly vacuum an area rug?
1. Choose the right vacuum
Before you start vacuuming, make sure you have the right vacuum for the job. Look for a vacuum with adjustable suction settings, as well as a beater bar that can be turned on and off. This will allow you to adjust the vacuum’s power based on the thickness of your rug, and turn off the beater bar when vacuuming delicate fibers.
2. Start with a clean filter and bag
A clean filter and bag will ensure that your vacuum is running at optimal performance. Be sure to check and replace these components as needed.
3. Move furniture
Before you begin vacuuming, move any furniture off of the rug to ensure you can reach all areas.
4. Check what is the fabric of your area rug
Vacuuming your carpet correctly is crucial for maintaining its appearance and prolonging its lifespan. This involves using the appropriate technique based on the material and characteristics of your carpet. Factors such as thickness, texture, and fiber type can influence the optimal way to vacuum.
To avoid any potential damage, it’s essential to check the manufacturer’s specifications or care instructions to identify the specific material your carpet is made of and the best way to clean it. By following the provided guidelines, you can maintain the quality and appearance of your carpet for an extended period while avoiding unnecessary wear and tear.
How to vacuum wool rugs?
Wool rugs are durable and can withstand heavy foot traffic. Use a vacuum with a suction-only setting or turn off the beater bar to avoid damaging the fibers. Vacuum in the direction of the nap (the direction the fibers lay) to avoid damaging the fibers.
How to vacuum silk rugs?
Silk rugs are delicate and require gentle care. Use a vacuum with a low suction setting and turn off the beater bar to avoid damaging the fibers. Vacuum in the direction of the nap.
How to vacuum synthetic rugs?
Synthetic rugs, such as nylon or polyester, are durable and can withstand heavy foot traffic. Use a vacuum with a beater bar to help remove dirt and debris. Vacuum in the direction of the nap.
In the case of shaggy rugs, it’s important to turn off the beater bar to prevent damage to the rug’s fibers. The beater bar can make the fibers easily sucked up, which can leave your rug looking worn and damaged. Instead, it’s recommended to use the crevice tool as it’s gentler on the rug’s surface and can help prevent any damage.
How to vacuum jute or sisal rugs?
Jute or sisal rugs are made from natural fibers and can be delicate. Use a vacuum with a suction-only setting or turn off the beater bar to avoid damaging the fibers. Vacuum in the direction of the nap.
How to vacuum, antique or delicate rugs?
Antique or delicate rugs require special care. Use a vacuum with a low suction setting or a handheld vacuum to avoid damaging the fibers. Consider having these rugs professionally cleaned to avoid any potential damage.
Please note that to avoid damaging your rug while vacuuming, it’s important to be careful when using the beater bar as it can easily suck up the piles and cause other damages. If you notice any damages, such as fibers coming loose, it may be necessary to change your vacuum or turn off the beater bar.
Additionally, if you notice that the piles are coming out easily, note that this could be a sign of a moth infestation in your rug. In these cases, it is recommended to seek professional help as soon as possible.
5. Vacuum both sides
Flip your rug over and vacuum the back side first to remove any dirt and debris that may have settled on the underside of the rug. Then, flip it back over and vacuum the top side as you normally would.
⚠️ When it comes to rug vacuuming, being mindful of the edges is crucial. Edges that are fragile, old, or delicate can be easily damaged if too much pressure is applied during vacuuming. To avoid causing harm to these areas, it’s best to either avoid vacuuming them altogether or use a gentler vacuuming technique. This may include adjusting the vacuum’s suction power or using an attachment that is designed for more delicate surfaces.
6. Vacuum with care
When vacuuming, use gentle back-and-forth strokes to avoid damaging the fibers of your rug. Pay extra attention to high-traffic areas, as these may require more frequent vacuuming.
7. Don’t forget the edges
Use the vacuum’s crevice tool to clean the edges of your rug and remove any dirt or dust that may have accumulated there.
8. Schedule professional area rug cleaning
While regular vacuuming is important, it’s also essential to have your area rug professionally cleaned at least once a year. Professional cleaning can help remove dirt, stains, and allergens that may not be visible to the naked eye. Additionally, a professional cleaning can help extend the life of your rug and keep it looking like new for years to come.
In conclusion, regular vacuuming is an essential part of caring for your area rug. By following these tips, you can help keep your rug clean, well-maintained, and looking like new. However, remember that professional cleaning is also important and should be scheduled at least once a year. Do not hesitate to contact us if you would like to schedule your next rug cleaning (we serve all over Greater Vancouver!) appointment or if you have any questions regarding the care of your carpets and rugs.