Game-Changing Tips To Keep Your Rugs Pristine

Limiting odors is essential when keeping your space feeling pristine. However, eliminating pesky smells doesn't have to cost a fortune or fill your home with toxic chemicals or fragrances. One natural solution to tough odors that can settle into fabrics and rugs around your home is through the use of essential oils.

Essential oils have been used for centuries for various purposes, including aromatherapy, cleaning, and naturally fragrancing homes. You can easily brew up your own natural freshener spray by blending several drops of your favorite essential oil with baking soda and water in a spray bottle. Alternatively, you can mix your essential oils with vinegar and water which can also work as an all-purpose deodorizer. Don't worry, once the vinegar dries, the smell evaporates as well. Simply spritz a thin layer of either solution on your rug, and allow the tough odors to evaporate away as it dries.

Rugs in high-traffic areas and can amass a large amount of dirt and dust from the outside world. As we walk across rugs, wipe our shoes on them, and place items on top of them, we're transferring dirt, bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Although most germs and bacteria are microscopic organisms, over time they can discolor and stain our rugs, wear them down, and embed unpleasant odors. To counteract some of these contaminants, a simple antibacterial spray can help kill harmful germs and bacteria. While these aren't usually needed as often as vacuuming and deodorizing, they can be especially helpful after a sickness has made its way through your home. They are also a good way to keep rugs germ-free if you have little ones crawling around.

When selecting an antibacterial spray, make sure to choose one that suits the specific materials and fabrics used in your rugs. Check the spray bottle as well as the rug manufacturer's instructions. Lysol makes a fabric disinfectant spray that's designed to eliminate 99.9% of germs on rugs while adding a soft lavender scent. And, Clorox has a formula created without fragrances and dyes that they say can both kill germs and tackle dander and dust mites.

Vacuuming and spot cleaning can accomplish a lot. However, removing deep-rooted dirt can be difficult and it can build up quickly. A common household product, baking soda, can be another inexpensive way to freshen up your rugs. You might already know that it's a natural deodorizer that doesn't just hide odors but neutralizes them. The powder is also great at absorbing moisture, dirt, and oil making it a must-use cleaning tool for textiles. 

Plus, baking soda is inexpensive and non-toxic, already outranking other cleaning products. First, do a patch test on an inconspicuous area of your rug to ensure the color won't be damaged. Then, simply sprinkle the powder loosely over your carpet, making a slightly thicker layer over tough stains, and let it work its magic for a few minutes up to overnight. When it's time to vacuum it up, make sure you pass over the entire surface twice, lifting odors and debris as you go.

Vacuuming can certainly help reduce the amount of muck in your rug, but it can be next to impossible to remove all of the particles. Every once in a while, a deep clean is necessary. Shampooing your area rug is recommended about once a year. However, the method is just as important as the frequency. First, check the tag on the underside of the rug for cleaning instructions. Generally, if you have one made of natural fiber, like jute, a cool water rinsing process and gentle soap can help maintain the delicate form. However, with other materials, your standard carpet cleaner can do the trick. Scott Johnston, owner of Carpet Care of the Carolinas, tells Architectural Digest, "You can be much more aggressive when cleaning synthetic rugs, as they can handle hot water and stronger cleaning solutions." But it's still recommended to use a specialized rug cleaner, rather than basic carpet shampoo, in the machine. 

However, there are times when a deep clean is never something you should tackle at home. With delicate and specialty materials, it's best to take your rug to an expert to prevent ruining it. As Ali Hafezi Mashhadi, vice president of Babash Rug Services, tells Architectural Digest, "In general, Persian and Oriental rugs, as well as rugs made of silk or viscose, should only be professionally cleaned."

Another trick to keeping your rugs looking spic and span is to rotate them regularly. If you've ever rearranged your furniture, you've probably noticed that certain areas of your rug are in better condition than others. That's because some areas are practically untouched under furniture and close to walls, while others are routinely stepped on and walked over. If you rotate your area rugs periodically, you can effectively distribute the wear and tear over the entire rug. High-traffic areas, such as hallways and doorways, are prone to accumulating more dirt and debris than other rooms in your home, so pay special attention to those areas.

Shifting your rugs every six months is a good rule of thumb to ensure they wear evenly. In addition, pay particular attention to rugs that have been exposed to direct sunlight, as this can cause the colors to fade over time. 

A common and annoying problem with area rugs is the dents and dips that furniture and other heavy objects create. Constant pressure flattens the fibers enough that they won't bounce back into their original shape. Moving the furniture and vacuuming often aren't enough to bring life back to the fibers. However, there is a simple and effective solution that can restore your rug's flawless look — and it's a standard ice cube.

Simply place an ice cube in the dent and wait. As the fibers absorb the melted water, they will regain their shape. The ice-cube method is particularly helpful for wool and cotton rugs, which tend to retain dents for a long time. It's important to avoid going overboard. One ice cube can typically do the trick for dents created by table and chair legs. If the area is larger than that, you'll need to carefully dry the area after the process to avoid any mold and mildew.

Nothing makes a rug look older than a frayed, curled edge that refuses to lay flat. This can make your room look unpolished and can also be a tripping hazard. If you've tried stacking books, ironing, and other methods to flatten edges but are still struggling, it's time to try another ice cube method.

This trick will work by using either a plastic bag or cloth filled with cubes to make a small ice pack. Place the ice pack along the curled edge of the rug and allow it to rest for approximately fifteen minutes. The cold temperature and moisture will allow the fibers to relax and uncurl, and the weight of the ice will also hold the edges in place. Remove the ice and then stack some books or a heavy item on the corner to ensure the corners won't dry and curl again. Keep the weight in place for a few hours or even overnight and your rug should stay flat.