If there’s one thing that can complete the look of any space and anchor the furniture, it’s the rug. Other than their aesthetic function, rugs provide softness and warmth, especially during the winter season.
Unfortunately, due to their placement and nature, rugs tend to accumulate dust and debris. Spill accidents and naughty pets may also contribute to a dirty, foul-smelling rug. Whether it’s been long since you last washed your Parisian rug or you accidentally spilled some wine into your light-colored wool rug, this article shares four methods to clean and remove unwanted rug odor and stains.
1. Consider A Professional Rug Cleaning Service
Perhaps the best and easiest way to remove rug odors and stubborn stains is to call the experts. This is particularly suitable for homeowners who don’t have time or know how to properly clean and restore their rugs.
Professional services, for example, a company like Rug Wash Specialist, can help deep clean your rugs and ensure that even the most stubborn stains or odor are eliminated. They have the necessary equipment and proper training to quickly and efficiently clean your rugs. They can also help in repairing any damages and restoring your rugs to their former fluffiness and beauty.
2. Vacuum Regularly
The most common cause of rug odor and unwanted staining is dirt and dust accumulation. In this case, vacuuming regularly can help protect your rugs against unpleasant odors while keeping them clean.
That said, not just any vacuuming will do. Simply running your vacuum through the rugs doesn’t give your vacuum cleaner the chance to pull particles out of your rug’s clinging fibers. You’ll want to vacuum more thoroughly.
Consider vacuuming more slowly and use the right vacuum attachment for your rug. Make sure to vacuum often, at least three times a week, especially in high-traffic areas. Don’t forget to replace or empty your vacuum bags and filters regularly as dirty filters may actually contribute to more odor instead of eliminating it.
3. Use Common Household Supplies
Regular vacuuming is the first line of defense against unwanted rug odor and stains. However, if your rug looks dirtier than usual or you spot staining, several common household items can be used to clean and deodorize your rug. Most of these are already available in your kitchen. Take note that while you can use each ingredient individually, you may get more powerful results if you combine them.
- Baking Soda
A kitchen staple, baking soda is quite effective as a stain remover and helps absorb liquid and odor. If you notice a subtle smell from your rug, sprinkling it with a generous amount of baking soda can help deodorize its surface. Make sure to leave it there for several hours or even overnight if the odor is more potent. You can simply vacuum the rug to remove the powder.
- Vinegar
If there’s a musty odor or ugly stain on your rug, vinegar is an excellent cleaning ingredient. Like baking soda, vinegar has powerful deodorizing properties that can help eliminate foul smells and stains on fabric surfaces.
You can use a mixture of equal parts of warm water and vinegar in a spray bottle. Spritz the entire carpet and let it air dry. The strong acidic scent neutralizes as the mixture dries. If you want more cleaning and deodorizing power, spray the vinegar after sprinkling baking soda into the rug.
- Essential Oils
After eliminating the odor and stain with baking soda and vinegar, you can add a fresh scent using essential oils. Some even have deodorizing and sanitizing properties. You can use your preferred essential oil, but be careful when adding them to your rugs as some can cause staining. Also, some oils may be unpleasant or toxic for pets.
4. Try A Carpet Shampoo
If your rug has a persistently bad odor and stain, you need to deep clean it with a carpet shampoo. You can buy this cleaning supply at any home improvement store. A carpet cleaner is often used in conjunction with a carpet cleaning machine. If you don’t have one in your home, you may be able to rent it from your local hardware store.
If you have a smaller area rug to clean, you can simply use a hand soap. Don’t forget to check the ingredients to ensure that no harsh chemicals can damage your carpet. Testing the cleaner in an inconspicuous area before treating the whole carpet is advisable.
Takeaway
Some people are unwilling to use rugs in certain areas of their home because they don’t want to deal with maintenance. Cleaning rugs does not have to be hard though; there are several ways to get rid of rug odor and stains. With frequent cleaning, you can help keep stains and unwanted smells away from your rug, ultimately preventing premature damage and extending the lifespan of this flooring accessory.
