Rusty Rugs: How to Make Your Rugs Last Longer

Rugs have the ability to pull together a room like no other. They add colour and warmth to the space and provide cushion to our bare feet. But, despite their beauty, dirt and stains can easily creep in and ruin their look.

In spite of regular cleaning, you are sometimes surprised to discover stains such as rust spots on them – and more often than not, your furniture is to blame. If you’ve placed new rugs in your home, you have to work to make it last for years.

A word to the wise, if you’re trying to remove rust stains, you have to be careful how you do it otherwise, you risk worsening the damage or making it permanent. Besides sending it out to a rug cleaning service in Singapore, we list some of the carpet cleaning rules to live by to ensure that your rugs will last longer.

How to Remove Rust Stains

A rust spot is a typical stain on rugs that often result from leaky windows, wet toys, and furniture to name a few. Besides patience, you need a little know-how to effectively remove the stain. If you’re dealing with rust stain, your first line of defence is to allow the rust to dry completely.

Once the surface is dry, use a dull butter knife to scrape off any visible rust from the fibres. It will help remove excess rust before cleaning the stained spot with a stain removal solution. Be careful not to pull the threads while scraping otherwise, you risk permanently damaging your rugs.

The second step can be done in many ways. One of them is to squirt a small amount of dish soap onto a damp cloth and press it on the rust stain. Blot the are several times then allow the soap to sit for at least 5 minutes. Continue dabbing until the stain is almost, if not completely gone.

In case the rust stain is still there, mix 2 cups of warm water with a tablespoon of ammonia. Pour the mixture directly onto the rust stain and let it sit for about 5 minutes. Blot the stain with a damp cloth. If the rust stain still won’t budge, mix equal parts of lemon juice with white vinegar and a pinch of salt. Apply the mixture directly on the stain and let it sit for a few hours. Pat dry the area.

By following these steps, you will not have to worry about getting the rust out of your carpet in the future. Now, read further for the tips on how to maintain your rugs as dirt-free as possible:

Vacuum your rugs regularly

Vacuuming at least once a week can remove up to 75% of dirt and debris on your rugs that would otherwise make it look dingy and dull. If left for a long period of time, these elements can also erode the backing of your rugs, causing permanent damage.

Clean up spills immediately

We can never avoid spills, but the way we react to them can make all the difference. As a rule of thumb, clean up spills and stains as they happen. Dab a cleaning solution on the spot and blot with a clean cloth to put a gentle amount of pressure on the liquid and keep the stain from spreading.

Trim Snags

Rugs are bound to snag eventually – particularly when they are placed in high foot traffic areas in the home. Never pull a snag unless you want to risk tearing the fibres away from the backing. Instead, trim the snag at the base using a pair of scissors.

Avoid using carpet powder products

Carpet and rug powders are marketed as a way to eliminate odour in your rugs. However, these products can leave residues that may not be pleasing to the sight. Furthermore, these can form a sticky film on top of your rugs after steam cleaning or shampooing.

Hire a professional cleaner

Nothing compares to the professional rug and carpet cleaning in terms of protecting your rugs and keeping them as clean as possible. Instead of waiting until your rugs look dirty and dull, give them a deep clean at least twice a year.

A bi-annual rug and carpet cleaning will not only protect them from damage but will also help maintain a clean and healthy environment in your home and in the office, too. Taking these proactive steps can help your rugs last longer and stay looking like new. Give your rugs some TLC and you’re guaranteed to be rewarded with comfort and style for many years to come!