Generally, carpets need cleaning at least once every 12 – 18 months, but several factors may make your rug require more frequent cleaning. The frequency of cleaning your rug will depend on your lifestyle, elements the carpet is exposed to and the rug type.
How does professional rug cleaning work?
Rugs are different, so their cleaning methods will also be different. For example, a sturdy rug will require a different cleaning and treatment method than a highly delicate rug with light soiling.
Rug cleaning has several steps, including the following.
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Pre-cleaning inspection
The professional carpet cleaner will closely examine the rug to identify heavy traffic areas, odours, stains, the rug’s fibre and specific dyes. The cleaning professional will also check if there are damaged areas that need repair or special attention before giving you an exact quote for your rug cleaning.
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Dust removal
Dust can settle into a rug, so you may not see it. Before the cleaning, the professional will remove dirt, dust and other sediments that regular cleaning products and vacuuming can’t remove.
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Washing
The cleaning professional will create a cleaning formula for your rug while taking precautions to protect the rug’s fibre, prevent dye transfer and dye bleeding. The customised cleaning formula is necessary because it can target specific stains, odours, microorganisms and soiling. Also, different rug fibres need different cleaning solutions to avoid damage.
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Pet urine removal
Pet accidents can happen at any time for people who have pets in their home, but it doesn’t have to damage your rug.
If the pet stain is badly saturated, the professional carpet cleaner will submerge the carpet in an enzyme pond to neutralise the odour and remove stains. Still, an enzyme spot treatment will be sufficient if the stain is small.
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Drying
With an environmentally controlled drying room, your rug will remain uncontaminated and safe as it dries. Controlled drying is necessary for rugs with odour issues or fast-moving dyes.
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Post-cleaning inspection
After the cleaning, they will conduct another inspection to ensure no stains or lingering odours are on the carpet.
Factors that increase the frequency of rug cleaning
Your rug may need more frequent professional cleaning under the following situations.
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The rug is in a high traffic area
Rugs in living rooms, hallways, entryways and other frequently used areas may need more cleaning. Dust and dirt can gradually accumulate and settle within the rug fibres. If the rug’s appearance changes or develops a smell, your rug is due for professional cleaning.
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You have young children or pets
Having young children and pets can give you so much joy, but they can make maintaining a rug difficult. Pets can bring pollen, mud, dirt and all kinds of things from outside into your home, and even a well-behaved pet can accidentally soil your rug. Young children may not also be concerned about cleanliness in the home.
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You have allergies
Rugs accumulate dust mites, pollen and other allergens. If you always have allergies, your rugs, carpets and even upholstery may be the culprit.
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You wear shoes inside the house
Your shoes can bring in debris from outside, making your rugs dirty faster, meaning more frequent cleaning.
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Your rug looks dirty
Your rug, particularly those with light colours, shows different dirtiness signs faster than other rugs. You may want to send your rug for professional cleaning if it has a noticeable odour, heavy staining or spotting, noticeable traffic lanes, shadowing or greying.
Factors that reduce the frequency of rug cleaning
Your rug may require less cleaning in these situations.
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The rug is in a rarely used room
Rugs in a dining room used only for special occasions or guest bedroom may need less cleaning, unlike rugs in your frequently used rooms.
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You are a meticulous cleaner
If you have a meticulous cleaning routine, you may remove most dirt and stains on your rug before they settle in, but you still need professional rug cleaning because at-home cleaning products and vacuums are not as effective as those used by professionals
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The carpet is not exposed to elements
If you do not wear shoes in the house, own pets or have children, your carpet may not need cleaning until the 12 or 18 months mark.
Benefits of regular rug cleaning
Deep cleaning your rug regularly can improve your health and peace of mind. The main benefits of frequent rug cleaning include:
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A longer-lasting rug
Regardless of the material used to make your rug, cleaning it regularly can make the rug last longer.
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A fresh-smelling home
A clean rug may not give off any smell, but the dirty one can make your house have a foul smell.
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A healthier environment
Allergens, bacteria, and other microorganisms reside in a dirty rug. Still, you can get rid of these organisms to keep your home clean and healthier with a professional rug cleaning.
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Less stress
If you always feel stressed in an unclean or cluttered environment, cleaning your rug will help set your mind at ease.
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A more beautiful rug
Many people do not know how beautiful their rug is until they have cleaned it. Cleaning your rug can make a huge difference in its appearance.
Having local rug cleaners near me will eliminate the stress of hauling your rug to a far location for professional cleaning.