Entrance rugs and area rug cleaning

The rugs you keep at your entrance reflect on your home and business. It’s one of the key features visitors and customers will see. Therefore it is important that your entrance rug will give the best impression.

The best way to make a good impression is to have the entrance rug as clean as possible. Entrance rugs stop a lot of dirt and sand from entering the premise. They also guard against wet weather from snow and rain. They allow pets and people to wipe their feet.

The best entrance rugs to get are rugs made of synthetic material. Synthetic material is resistant to mechanical damage and dirt. A rubber base should prevent water from soaking into the rug fibers. Dark rug material will prevent stains and dirt from showing.

Your entrance rugs should be sent out to a professional rug cleaner once a year. There are reputable rug cleaners in Toronto and the GTA that can assist you. They can get out tough stains and assist you if you have a busy schedule. Toronto rug cleaners have scheduled pick up and drop off services.

Proper rug cleaning will remove all the dirt that has accumulated into your rugs. It will also freshen the air in the front entrance and prevent irritation from allergies. Rug cleaning will also renew the rug material to look brighter. Your rug will be able to absorb faster and prevent dirt from entering the rest of the dwelling. Clean your rugs today.

Reduce allergies symptoms caused by your rug

Allergies can be caused by different particles in your environment. Air borne particles will eventually settle on your floor and furniture. Furniture can be wiped easily to remove potential allergy particles. However, allergens that settle in your rug are a bit harder to remove.

Pollen, dust, pet fur, and dust mites are only a few of the possible allergens that you can have in your carpet. A weekly vacuuming schedule will help remove any particles that settle during the week. A vacuum with a brush roll setting is recommended to pick up additional hair and fur.

Having your rug professionally cleaned by reputable rug cleaning companies is the best maintenance in preventing allergy symptoms. There are professional rug cleaning Toronto and the GTA that can accommodate your busy schedule. In addition, many rug cleaning companies will offer eco-friendly cleaning and allergy treatment packages.

It is recommended that you clean your rugs once a year. Over-washing can damage to the rug material and cause thinning. Allergy symptoms can be caused by bacteria in your rug and from being improperly washed. Professional rug cleaners will thoroughly wash your rugs so that dirt is removed from the base.

If you are unsure about a rug cleaning company, take the time to drop by their rug cleaning plant. The best rug cleaning companies usually have an open facility so you can view their rug cleaning methods. You can also have all your rug cleaning questions answered in person.

Benefits of area rugs during winter

Rugs can bring you home comforts during the cold winter months. They primarily put a barrier between your feet and the cold floor. There are many rugs to choose from but there are rugs that are more suitable for freezing external environments.

Wool rugs are the rug of choice for winter. They provide a thick warm barrier between your feet and the cold flooring. It’s typical to place these rugs in front of your fireplace or in living rooms where you will be spending more time. These rugs are resilient foot traffic and mechanical stress because of their thick pile. They also dampen noise in small rooms that echo and echoing stairways and hallways.

Synthetic rugs are a great alternative to wool rugs especially when you have allergies. Synthetic rugs with textured pile are ideal. There are different textures to choose from such as long shag loops, frieze style or cable textures. Thick pile insulates against the cold and retains heat.

Your rugs need weekly maintenance to properly care for them. You should vacuum your rugs two to three times a week. This removes soil from your rug and prevents pests such as dust mites and silverfish from staying in your rug. Your rugs should be sent out annually to a professional rug cleaning company in Toronto and the GTA.

Annual rug cleaning renews your rug pile by thoroughly removing dirt that has accumulated at the base of your rug. Rug cleaning should be done only once a year as over washing will damage the rug fibers overtime. Choose a reputable rug cleaning company in Toronto that has an open rug cleaning facility. This way you can check the premises and have your rug cleaning questions answered right away.  

The benefits of rug under pads

Under pads can give you great benefits for your rugs. However, it can be overwhelming trying to find the correct one for your home because of the variety available. It comes down to rug material, the room where the rug will be placed and if you have pets or children.

Under pads are required to protect your rug and to extend its life time. It protects your rug from wearing, spills, and keeps it into place. They also reduced friction from between the floor and the bottom of the rug. Under pads can also off set mechanical pressure caused by furniture and foot traffic.

In living rooms and dining rooms there should be a plastic under pad to prevent liquid spills from soaking into the rug. With food involved, the under pad should be antimicrobial. This prevents bacteria from growing and causing unpleasant odors from happening.

Carpets in hallways, stairways and entrances will benefit from having an under pad to offset mechanical stress. It will also keep the rug into place and prevent it from slipping. This prevents friction between the rug and rough surfaces.

Under pads can help keep your rug cleaner. They can help especially while vacuuming. Specific under pads can create a vacuum space in order for the dirt and dust to be removed more efficiently. Your rugs should be cleaned annually to help maintain them. There are professional rug cleaning companies in Toronto. The can assist you in buying the right under pad for you rugs as well as providing professional rug cleaning.  

Protecting your rug when you have furniture

More often than not you will want to place furniture on your rug. However furniture can damage your rug without proper care. Most furniture is heavy or will press into the rug pile and flatten it when there is weight placed on it. Furniture may get shifted at different times and cause friction on your rug. There a simple steps to protect your rug from damage.

The easiest thing to do is to invest in a under pad that will off-set mechanical stress.  This will evenly distribute the weight of a furniture item instead of concentrating it in one spot. It will off-set the weight change when people sit on chairs or place items on a table or dresser. The under pad will prevent the rug from slipping out of place as well which reduces friction.

Another important step is to rotate your furniture. Furniture should be moved to different sections of the rug entirely. The flattened pile should be fluffed and reset to the original pile direction. Changing the placement of furniture will prevent the pile from permanently flattening on sections of the rug.  

It is also important to have your rugs cleaned annually. Proper rug cleaning will help maintain the integrity of your rug. It will help reset flattened pile to the original pile direction from which it was made. Having your rugs cleaned will also remove dirt that has settled under furniture.

There are professional rug cleaning services in Toronto. Many rug cleaners offer rug services beyond just rug cleaning. Other rug services available are rug repair, eco-friendly rug cleaning, pest treatment, allergy treatment and much more. Professional rug cleaning will benefit and protect your rug from furniture.

Rug maintenance at home

Rugs eventually take on dirt, dust and dander over the course of a year. For this reason they should be sent out to a professional rug cleaner annually. There are professional rug cleaning services in Toronto to assist with that. Aside from this annual cleaning for you rug weekly maintenance should be done as well. Properly maintaining your rug can be done with a few simple steps.

A weekly vacuuming routine should be done for your rug. This gets rid of dirt that has accumulated during the week. This also prevents dust mites from settling into your rug and causing allergy symptoms. Rugs should be cleaned slowly with a vacuum at least twice over each section of your rug. Vacuums should come with a brush roll feature in order pick of more dust and pick up hair and fur from the rug fibers.

In addition to this the area under the rug should be cleaned as well. Dust gets stamped out on the underside of the rug due to foot traffic. Your rug should be vacuumed first then rolled up. The floor underneath should be swept and then washed. Once the floor is dry the rug can be rolled back into place.

These simple cleaning steps can improve the lifetime of your rug. Sending out your rug to a professional rug cleaner in Toronto is also a necessity. Rental machines don’t get out all the dirt from your and can over soak the rug fibers. With a professional rug cleaner your rug will come back clean and vibrant.

You want to clean your rugs with a professional service

Doing a job yourself sometimes doesn’t give you the best benefits. When cleaning your rugs you need professional service to have your rugs thoroughly cleaned. Rental machines may seem appealing but they can end up damaging your rugs. There are other benefits such as allergy treatment available.

There are many professional rug cleaning services in Toronto. Finding the right rug cleaner will give you great benefits. There are key factors to keep in mind. Professional rug cleaners will be able to answer all your rug cleaning questions. The best companies have an open facility and you can drop by the location to see the cleaning process yourself.

Professional rug cleaners are experienced with rug fabrication and different rug materials. First they will assess your rug material and will notify you if there are possible problems with cleaning it. Some rugs require extra care to prevent damage such as warping, bleeding, fading or unraveling. They are experts with dealing with stains and can remove the difficult ones without damaging your rug.

Additional benefits of professional rug cleaners are that they can assess the patterns and materials of your rug. With that they can tell which materials it is made from, quality of rug material and which area the rug comes from.

Your rugs should be cleaned annually with a reputable rug cleaning in Toronto. Over cleaning can damage rug pile causing thinning or the fibers to become brittle. Annual cleaning will preserve your rug and extend it’s lifetime.

Selecting a rug for your family home

Rugs can give comfort and style to your home. Specific areas depend on room use and the amount of foot traffic the location gets. You should also factor in if you have kids and pets as well. It will determine how much cleaning your rug will need.

Synthetic rugs with short pile are easier to clean when you have pets and children. Stains won’t readily soak into the rug pile and it won’t retain pet odors. Short pile will allow hair and fur to be removed quickly.

Wool rugs are great for living rooms settings or dens. Young children will spend more time playing on the rugs and plush wool will feet great on hands and feet. Wool rugs are also great for dampening the sound in rooms that echo.

Hallways, entrances and stairways will receive a lot of foot traffic. Synthetic rugs are good for these reasons because of easier cleaning. Your rug will benefit from a shock absorbing under pad to offset mechanical stress. It will also reduce friction between the rug and the floor and keep the rug into place.

Rugs in dining room areas should be synthetic. This will prevent food stains from soaking into your rug and leaving unsightly stains. This area will also benefit from a rug with dark colours. Rugs should be cleaned annually with a professional rug cleaning Toronto. This will prevent rugs from acquiring an odor and will get rid of potential allergy particles and pests that are common to rugs.

The damage of over cleaning your rug

Cleaning your rugs is an important part of your seasonal cleaning. Your environment and your rug will benefit greatly from having it cleaned properly. Your area rugs should be cleaned once a year. Over cleaning a rug can have lasting damages.

The worst damage happens to the rug pile. In the cleaning process, rug pile can break off. As a result there will be areas where the rug has noticeably thinned out. The base of the rug will be exposed as well. Rug fibers can continue to break off overtime.

Dye bleeding or fading is another issue. Over washing your rug can cause uneven colouration in your area rug. The reason is because dyes have been washed out or have bleed onto another section. As a result your rug is changed from its original style.

Over washing can also cause warping in your area rug. The foundation of your rug can lose fibers and become susceptible to mechanical stress. The rug can easily be warped and stretched out of its original shape. It can also ruin your enjoyment of it.

If you need to clean your rug there are alternative rug cleaning methods available. It depends of the number of stains and their severity. You should seek out a reputable rug cleaning company in Toronto when you clean your rugs. Professional rug cleaners have effective cleaning methods that will preserve your rug. If you have a busy schedule there are many Toronto area rug cleaning drop off  and pick up locations for your rugs.

Getting your rugs cleaned when you have a busy schedule

It’s stressful having to add rug cleaning to our long to do lists. With professional rug cleaning in Toronto the task doesn’t have to interfere with everything else you have going on. There are area rug pick-up and delivery services that can be scheduled with a fast phone call or quick email.

Toronto rug cleaning services can also provide flexible hours for delivery. Professional companies will never leave your rug unattended and will make sure to drop off your clean rug when you are available at home. In addition, the rug cleaners will allow you to inspect your rug to make sure that you are completely satisfied with the service.

If you have a bit more time, it is possible to save on expenses by dropping your area rug at a cleaning warehouse facility. Professional rug cleaners will have an open area facility so you can see the cleaning process. Staff members are available to answer any questions or concerns about your rugs or their cleaning methods. You can have the option of picking up the rug yourself or having it delivered afterwards.

Rug cleaning should be done annually. It will greatly benefit your health and the enjoyment of your home. It also helps in maintain your rug so that it will last for many years to come. Your rugs will look and feel vibrant after a professional rug cleaning. For that it is important to seek out professional rug cleaners in Toronto.

Pets and area rugs and rug cleaning

Your area rugs need more care when you own a pet. Accidents and spills do happen and you don’t want it to affect the quality of your rug. There a full simple steps to take care of your rug so that it doesn’t sustain lasting damage. The first thing to look at is material.

It’s best to have regular synthetic carpets for your pet. These rugs are resilient to stain and spills and most have built in protection. Less fur, dirt and pet dander will be embedded in your rug. Wool or silk rugs are more prone to taking in stains into their rug fiber. In addition, thick pile rugs will tend to trap more dirt into their fibers.

It’s important to get your area cleaned once a year. There are numerous area rug cleaning services in Toronto. A professional rug cleaning service will give your rug a deep clean without damaging it in the process. Rugs should be cleaned annually to maintain their quality. Over cleaning can damage rug material and cause your carpet to thing.

In addition to sending your rug to a professional rug cleaner, weekly maintenance is needed. Your area rug should be cleaned by vacuuming it once or twice a week. This takes up the unwanted dirt and prevents pests such as dust mites from staying in your rug.

Any spills that happen on your rug should be cleaned immediately. Blot the area with a paper towel. If the stain is bad consider sending it out to a professional rug cleaner. Experienced professionals know how to deal with the satin without causing damage to your rug.

Check if your rug is dirty

Life happens to your rug and it picks up dirt from unwanted sources. Before sending your rug out to a professional rug cleaning service in Toronto test to see if it’s clean. You may not remember if the last time you’ve had it cleaned. Also over washing your rug can damage the pile. Keep in mind that it is recommended to have your rug cleaned annually.

The simplest way to check the cleanliness of your rug is to see if there are any stains. Darker stains are more visible than lighter stains but both affect how clean the rug is. Also check for discolouration or shading on your rug. This indicates dust and dirt build up that has happened overtime.

Another way to test your rug is to rub an area section with your hand or a white paper towel. If your hand feels greasy or filmy after doing this it indicates dirt is trapped there. Also if the paper towel because dirty this is also a sign that your rug is dirty.

The last thing to do is to check if your rug has an odor. This can be from dirt, dust, moulds or other spills. Clean rugs don’t have odors. Sending your rug out to a professional rug cleaner in Toronto will remove any smells. Additionally, rugs come back clean and often the colours of the rug are more vibrant. This is because the layer of dirt if no longer there to mask the original colours.    

Finding the right rug cleaner

Getting your rugs cleaned is a great idea. However choosing the right rug cleaner can be a bit difficult. Especially when Toronto has many rug cleaning companies. You shouldn’t take chances with your rugs because you can end up damaging them. This can occur with improper cleaning techniques and harsh cleaning solutions.

Good prices don’t mean good cleaning. It’s best to look at reviews or get recommendations from friends. Great professional rug cleaning companies have been around for quite some time. However, don’t disregard newer companies either.

Other things to look for are location. Professional rug cleaners in Toronto have open facilities where you can drop by and see the cleaning process. They can also answer any questions you might have. When you drop off a rug they can inform you of any immediate problems or can tell you information about the origins and fabrication of your rug.

Professional rug cleaners maintain methods that will maintain your rug overtime. These methods ensure that your rug isn’t damaged with excess mechanical stress. Your rug won’t be exposed to excessive soaking of fibers. This can cause bleeding and fading of colours. This is a common mistake for inexperienced rug cleaning companies. They often soak the rug and used heavy machinery on you rug.

One common mistake is using centrifuge technology to remove water after a rug has been cleaned. It only works for synthetic rugs. For other rugs it causes damage to rug material. This includes friction damage and dye bleeding. The best method is to hang dry a rug with supports so that no warping occurs.  

Placing rugs in stairways and hallways

Having a rug placed in hallways and stairways can have many practical benefits. It can dampen sound and prevent echoing. It feels nice on the feet especially if the steps hard, cold stone. Overall it decorates the stairway and adds style to your house. There are a few considerations to think about when installing your rug.

It’s important that the space where the rug will be place is measured. Exact measurements can ensure that the rug fits right so that there are no raised areas. The rug should fit the length of the steps. It’s useful to invest in a proper underpad. This will protect your rug from mechanical stress cause by foot traffic.

The rug should be made to stay securely in place on your steps. This can be done in several ways. Stair rods are the best option for securing the rug in place. Other methods include gluing the rug into place or stapling. The point is to keep the rug safely in place to prevent accidents and injuries. It’s also dependent on how much foot traffic the stairway receives.

Cleaning your stairway rug doesn’t have to be difficult. Thin synthetic pile rugs are easy to clean. Short pile hinders dust and dirt from getting trapped in your rug. Vacuuming should be done weekly using a vacuum extension piece to corners. Rugs should be sent out annually to a professional rug cleaning service in order to get a thorough cleaning.

Dark coloured rugs are suggested for stairways as they keep dirt from showing. Dirt will accumulate overtime and light coloured rugs will readily show shading and other stains.

Rug damage you don’t want during cleaning

When it comes to getting your rug cleaned you want experienced experts. Inexperienced workers can cause damage to your rugs during the cleaning process. Rugs need proper handling and attention to detail to maintain them. Improper handling can cause a myriad of unwanted damage to your rug.

Mechanical stress is the most common damage rugs undergo. Heavy portable machinery will stress rug pile and loosen it. It can set the pile in the wrong direction and flatten it. The rug will take longer to dry and the pile will need additional brushing to set it the right way.

The next common damage is cause by carpets dyes. Many amateur rug cleaners will end up soaking it during the rug cleaning process. Rugs should not be left soaking for extended periods of time as the dyes will come out of the pile. The dye will bleed onto the rest of the rug and the rug will fade because it is loosing colour.

Additionally, the wrong water temperature is often used. Water that is too hot or cold for the rug type will cause dye to bleed and unwanted warping. Due to ineffective machinery water is often undiluted and dyes as well as dirt will return into your carpet. This causes shading and improper cleaning.

Lastly, centrifuge drying methods can damage pile in your rug. The centrifuge machinery is best used only for synthetic rugs. The method causes friction damage between rug fiber which will cause thinning. It can also cause dye bleeding to spread to entire rug.

Proper rug maintenance

Maintaining your rug will preserve its integrity and increase its lifespan. This in turn will allow you to enjoy it better. There are simple steps to caring for your rug.

Regular vacuuming is important for your rug because it will extend the time period between washes. It will reduce wearing of your rug as well. Vacuuming should be done on a weekly basis. If there is heavy foot traffic consider vacuuming twice a week.

When vacuuming it is important not to use a rotating brush near the ends of your rug. The brush will damage the fringes, wefts and knot ends of the rug. Delicate rugs shouldn’t use a brush roll setting. In addition be careful with older rugs. These rugs may have loose pile that will come out with brush roll vacuuming. Be careful to note if rugs sections are thinning and if pile is seen when emptying the dust from the vacuum.

Have yours and rugs cleaned annually by professional rug cleaners. More frequent washing can weaken the structure of your rug. Before sending out your rugs consider the last time your rugs have been cleaned. Test your rug by vacuuming it then rubbing your hand on a section. If dirt comes off it should be cleaned.

In addition, assess if your rug had different shading in different areas. Check if there are any stains or smells. Also consider the amount of foot traffic your rug receives. To prevent pile being damaged, rotate your furniture at least once a year. 

Rug repair overview

There are many reasons to repair rugs. Your rug could be a family heirloom, the rug is valuable and made with quality or it could just be your favorite rug. There are different degrees of damage that can happen to your rug. The damage comes mostly from wear and tear or it could be from pests, rips, stains, warping, bleeding, flood damage, fading, holes or from age. There are a number of ways your rug could be damaged.

The first thing to do is assess if it is worth repairing your rug. Rug repair is costly because of the time and effort it takes. Find a reputable company to do the job and look for reviews before taking your rug to them. Many professional area rug cleaning companies will have this service available.

Some companies can assess your rug repair from pictures. However, it is best to bring them in for assessment so they can be a better look of the damage and quality of your rug. Once your rug is assessed they will give you the possible repair methods and an estimate of the cost. This is based on the material, quality, age and the damage of the rug.

There are a few main methods of rug repair. In general the rug can have the pile reknotted; damaged pile can be replaced with matching fiber of the same colour; the edges can be refinished; fringes can be reknotted; missing sections can be plugged and patched; ripped sections can be darned and the wrap or weft can be reconstructed.

To prevent rug damage clean your rugs with a professional rug cleaning company annually. Invest in the right under pad to prevent wearing of the pile. Properly store your rugs with rug covering to prevent pests from damaging your rug.     

Navajo Rugs

Navajo rugs are traditional made rugs from the Navajo Indian tribe. These wool rugs have been a heritage tradition that has been passed down through the ages. These rugs are made with a loom and hand weaving techniques. Many people don’t know that the tradition started off as clothing and blankets. The theme changed with the demand for items to decorate homes.

The rugs material is thin and moderately heavy. The wool material is wear resistant and has been found well in tact in archaeological digs. Many of these rugs gets passed down over the generations as well. The reason for this is the high lanolin concentration found in the wool material.

Lanolin occurs naturally in sheep wool and acts as a shock absorber to mechanical pressure. It also acts as a natural lubricant. However, the downside of this is that it makes it difficult to clean. Harsh cleaning solutions will remove the lanolin oil from the material. For regular cleaning the rug needs to be hand washed.

Professional rug cleaning services can provide lanolin oil restoration and moth prevention. It is recommended that professional rug be done once a year. This will give your rug a gentle deep cleaning and preserve its quality.

Other caring methods are to invest in a shock absorbing under pad for your rug. Your rug should be vacuumed once a week on a low suction setting. The rug shouldn’t have furniture on it to prevent wearing. The rug shouldn’t be in direct sunlight or near air ducts. Turn the rug over twice a year to stretch the rug fibers.

Caring for Hook Rugs

Many of us have heard of hook rugs but aren’t very familiar with them. This is a more recent invention that started in the 1800’s. They surfaced mostly in New England and Eastern Canada. They typically belonged to the middle class of that time and were made with the most common fabrics and material available. The underlying base material is burlap or a heavy sturdy fabric.

A design is sketched or stenciled into the burlap material. Hooking tools are then used to hook small strips of wool material into the base. Hook Rugs are either placed on walls or the floor. They can be made into a variety of shapes, designs and colours.

Caring for this type of rugs requires extra time. For weekly care vacuum the rug with low suction. Do not use a brush roll setting as it can create pulls and unravel sections of the rug. Dab stains with a damp cloth and mild soap solution. Dry the rug flat in a well vented area to prevent mold or bacterial growth.

A traditional method for hook rug cleaning is to use snow. Bring the rug outside in the winter and add lose snow to the rug. Brush away the snow on the rug. Repeat on the other side. For areas that don’t see winter or if you want the rug cleaned during the rest of the year bring your rug to a professional rug cleaner.

The reputable rug cleaning companies can provide a gentle deep cleaning for your hook rug. Hook rugs tend to be delicate because they are hand-made and can be very old. Professional rug cleaners are able to assess the fabric of your rug. This is especially handy when hook rugs are made from several materials. The rug cleaner will prevent bleeding and warping and extend the life of your rug.

Rugs for your dorm room

Rugs can add comfort to your dorm room. College and university dorms rooms are made to be functional for student living. However, the rooms tend to simple and not necessarily pleasant. Many only consist of solid flooring which can be a drag. This shouldn’t keep you from decorating your living space.

The first thing to consider is where to place your rugs. Ideal places are by your bedside and desk area. This way you won’t have to feel the cold floor when your first get up in the morning. The desk area you want to be the most comfortable to optimize study time. Other areas of interest are near tv’s, screens and where you place your gamer chair.

Measure the spaces when you intend to place your rugs and make a note of how many you will need. Then note what type of qualities you want in your rugs. Ideally you want them to be soft and maybe plushy. However, that will be a hindrance at desk space and you won’t be able to move your chair easily. For study areas it will be best to get a rug with shorter pile.

Colour is also an important factor. You won’t want anything too distracting and if possible you want to match the furniture. Another thing to consider is if you want your rugs to be the same colour and pattern. You can also be creative and get unique rugs for each area.

Lastly, you have to consider that these rugs will need to be cleaned. Weekly vacuuming or shaking the rugs outside is the best option to prevent dirt accumulation. At the end of the semester rugs should be sent out to professional rugs cleaners to be thoroughly cleaned. This way you will get the most out of having rugs you’re your dorm room.  

Preserving the colours of your rug

Rugs can lose their vibrant colours over time. But this doesn’t have to be the case. With proper care and regular maintenance this problem won’t occur. The first step of maintenance is proper cleaning.

Weekly vacuuming takes dirt and other dust fiber out of your rug. As a result, the original colours of the rug will not be masked. However, overtime dirt will accumulate and it is good to have your rug professionally cleaned by rug experts once a year. As a result your rug will be returned to you looking new with its vibrancy restored.

Another step is proper stain care. Trying to clean out a stain yourself is a bad idea. Most solutions and commercial cleaning products will damage the colour of your rug. Either they will cause rug dye to bleed or will extract it and cause the colouring to fade.

The best solution for stains is to bring your rug to a reputable rug cleaner. Mention what type of stain is on your rug and which area. They will be able to treat it effectively without damaging your rug. For even better results find a rug cleaning plant that uses eco-cleaning. This cleaning will be gentle on your rug but tough on dirt. Your rugs will look vibrant and new.

Stain care

The last thing you want to do when your favorite rug gets a stain it to make the stain worse.   The first thing we do is look online for a home remedy. Most of these are misleading and leave out very important details. There are small simple steps to maintain the integrity of your rug.

Firstly, it is important to know what “cleaners” will do to your rug. If you use soap it will cause the carpet to bleed. If you next try vinegar to manage the bleeding it will make that and the stain permanent. Just using vinegar on its own will cause the stain to stick. Other natural remedies will cause discolouration and further stains.

Commercial cleaning solutions are a bad idea as well. Most don’t take into account the rug fiber types. Many as too powerful and can discolour your rug permanently. It is also difficult to keep then in one section of your rug. The cleaning solution will spread to other sections. So what should you do?

The first step is to contain the stain by blotting out the area with a dry paper towel or white towel. Once you’ve blotted out what you can, you have to let the rug dry properly. This way the stain won’t discolour any other sections when it’s rolled up. From there the rug needs to be rolled up and taken to a rug cleaning facility. Mention to a professional experienced rug cleaning service about the stain. They will ask you about the nature of the satin so they can properly get it out.

Professional rug cleaning will preserve you rug and make sure to get out the stain. This way you won’t have to deal with any damages and repairs. Your rug will be cleaned and look good as new.    

Deciding The Best Rug Thickness

How thick or thin your rug should be is best determined by the environment it is placed in. It is also best to assess different factors such as foot traffic, rug fibers and what the room will be used for.
Thick pile rugs are usually in areas where people will walk barefoot or in socks.

Generally it feels nice on the feet especially if the pile is plush and wool. However, it is better to place a thick pile rug in an area with less foot traffic. These rugs tend to trap dust and dirt because there is more rug fiber. To get a deep area rug cleaning it is best to have these types of rugs professionally cleaned. Having your rugs cleaned annually will increase their lifespan.

In addition to nice texture on the feet, thicker rugs dampen sound from echoes or traffic noise. So it is good to place them in office or study areas. In addition, they also resist mechanical pressure from furniture or foot traffic.

Thin rugs have good qualities as well. Thin rug fibers will trap less dirt and will be easier to clean. They are generally stain resistant as well. Synthetic rugs will take less water and will dry faster. Therefore they are ideal in hallways and entrances. They are generally better in places with a lot of foot traffic. However, rugs from thin pile can’t resist mechanical pressure as well as thicker rugs. Banana silk in particular is a good natural fiber source but is better to place in an area with less foot traffic.

Rug cleaning without your vacuum

Need to clean your rug but your vacuum broke? These are some simple but effective solutions that you can try. Just keep in mind these are temporary solutions and shouldn’t be used for the long term. The following items may help you if you’re in a bind.

If you have a broom or brush at hand you can sweep your rug. Natural straw bristles are better to use than plastic. The plastics fibers may stick to your rug fiber. Using barroom will also help collect hair and fur strands.

The first step is to wet the broom bristles to prevent too much dust from becoming airborne. Also a bit of dampness may pick up more dust particles. Start at one end of the rug in the direction of the rug pile. Sweep the dirt and hair into a small pile. Repeat if necessary just be mindful of how much fibers you may be removing.

Another alternative is to use a damp cloth. Have a bucket handy with warm soapy water. Wet the cloth and wring it. Use a sweeping motion to gently go over the rug area. Start in one corner and sweep in the direction of the pile. Keep in mind that the goal is to dampen your rug and not to use excess water. Using too much water will prevent the rug for drying properly. You could end up with other problems such as mold.

Lastly, you may want to consider sending your rug out to be cleaned. When was the last time your rug was cleaned? If it’s more than a rug you should consider sending your rug out to be cleaned by a professional rug cleaning company. It may be worth your while.

Finding the best rug for your workspace

Rugs are great to have in your office space or study area. For these environments it may be nice to have a wall to wall carpet. It can reduce noise distraction and echoes. Thin or medium thick rugs are ideal for places with heavy foot traffic. Less dirt will get trapped in the rug and plush may be hard to walk on.

Furniture will be in place and it will be necessary to protect your rug with an underpad that will reduce mechanical pressure. Antibacterial pads are available to hinder any bacterial activity. It is also a good idea to get chair mats to protect the rug from furniture or chair movements. These items are long plastic sheets that are placed where the chairs will be. Additionally, they will allow easier movement for chairs with wheels.

Synthetic material rugs are idea for an office or study space. They take in less dirt and stains and are essentially easier to clean. Additionally, less rug fibers will be airborne and it won’t allow allergy irritations.

It is good to get the office or study rug professionally cleaned once a year. This will take out allergens such as dust mites out of your rug. This cleaning is more thorough then just cleaning with a portable machine. Also if there are stains such as coffee the rug cleaning experts will get it out without damaging your rug in the process. It also makes for a nicer office or study space while work is being done.

The best rug to have when you have allergies

Allergies are a hindrance but are manageable. Having the right rug can help you manage your symptoms. They key is to get a rug with the right features and take care with keeping it clean.

Short pile won’t retain as much dirt or as many dust mites. In addition, pet hair and dander won’t be deeply embedded into your rug. Synthetic material is good as it produces less airborne rug fibers into the air and it can be easily washed. Wool rugs can cause allergy irritation because of its pile. It’s also good to keep in mind that some people are allergic to wool.

Properly maintaining your rug can eliminate allergy symptoms all together. It is important to vacuum rugs weekly. Vacuuming more often is effective when there’s foot traffic where the rug is located. It is also good to use a hose extension or nozzle to vacuum hard to reach areas such as under furniture. Using the brush roll setting on your machine can eliminate hair and dander. Take care that the brush height is adjusted so that you don’t damage the rug pile.

Rugs should be cleaned at least once a year. Choose a facility that does deep rug cleaning Toronto and uses eco-friendly detergents. Harsh products can cause allergies to act up. If your rug is in a high foot traffic area it you may be required to wash your rugs twice a year.    

Properly Maintaining Your Rug

Rug maintenance is easy when you know the basic details. The primary tools are vacuuming and stain care. Although it is good to keep in mind that rugs should be professionally cleaned annually.
When vacuuming, it is good to consider the materials and thickness of your rug. Many vacuums come with adjustable height brush roll.

Generally the thicker the smaller the brush roll height.  This will prevent pulling of the rug fibers and damaging the pile. With shorter pile, it is better to use a brush roll with a larger height. There is less mechanical damage on the rug fibers and it will clean out dirt. In addition, it is good to start in one area and slowly go over the rug several times. This will help clean out more dirt.  Then it will be fine to move on to another section.

The other thing to consider is rug material. With natural or delicate rug pile, a medium brush roll height should be used or no brush roll at all. Primarily, vacuum the rug slowly in sections. If possible find a vacuum that has softer less stiff bristles. This will prevent mechanical damage and stop the rug fibers from thinning. For especially fine delicate rugs a third option is to have the rug shaken outside and not vacuumed at all. It depends on the quality and age of the rug.

Vacuuming should be done weekly and it is important to use a wand component to reach under furniture.

Overview of Rug dyes

Dyes used in making rugs fall into two general categories: natural or synthetic. “Organic” is a misleading term that often comes up and merely indicates that the dye is carbon based. It doesn’t necessarily mean that the dye is natural. To keep your rugs from fading it is best to have your rugs cleaned by a professional rug cleaning service.

Natural dyes come from a variety of sources found in nature. These include: tea, flowers, madder root, cochineal (insect) and coffee just to name a few.  These ingredients have been used in traditional methods and practices over time. The methods have been tried and true and are still present with rug making.

If you get a rug made with natural dye, it may be more expensive. Using natural dyes is a time consuming process. Ingredients must be gathered, dried and ground. The solutions must be steeped at the right temperature and dyeing the carpet fibers sometimes requires a few repetitions. Additionally, it is necessary to fix the dye to prevent bleeding, fading and discoloration.

It is possible to tell if a rug is naturally dyed by analyzing the carpet fibers. Natural dyes are less absorbed into the fibers and allow some transparency. On a positive note the fibers resist fading and bleeding. Overall you get a beautiful coloration

in your rug.

Synthetic dyes have come more into the rug making practice in the last century. Most dyes are chemically made not harmful. They are able to penetrate deep into rug fibers and generally wear well overtime. However, there is variation in the quality of the rug. If cheaply made, the dyes may bleed or fade. Some poorly made rugs even have dyes that were “painted” on to the rug fibers. This is why it is best to find a reputable rug dealer when buying a rug.

The rug appraisal process

Rug appraisal is where the value of your rug is determined. It also includes assessing carpets, tapestries and swags. Each rug tells a story whether it was handmade or made by machine. The materials it’s made up of are the starting point in determining its value.

Common materials used in rug making are: wool, banana silk, synthetics, cotton and bamboo silk. Silk is usually a more expensive material.

Patterns in the rug can determine how much time was put into the rug and which area it most likely originated from. Additionally, the number of colours used and dyeing method is taken into consideration. The motifs and complexity of the design is taken into account. There is a variety of motifs such as floral or nature themes. Design aspects such as symmetry also play a role.

After this assessment the condition of the rug is assessed. The rug is looked at for wearing, warping, fading and other defects. Age is also taken into account. The better the condition the rug is in the higher its value.

There are many reasons to get a rug appraisal. The most common is for insurance purposes. The insurance company needs to know its value in case of damage or as a general assessment. Some rugs are damaged by flooding and the insurance company needs to know the value of it before they can proceed with coverage.

Another main reason rug owners get appraisals is out of curiosity. Many own rugs that have been inherited or passed down in the family. They’ve owned it for years yet don’t know how much it is worth. Professional experienced rug experts can help determine rug values.     

How to avoid unprofessional rug cleaners

Many of us have had horror stories when it comes to rugs sent out for cleaning. Problems can relate to smell, stains that are still present, hidden costs, the rug comes back not clean, the rug is now warped, there’s a fragrance to mask the fact that the rug isn’t clean or the rug pile is damaged. The damage actually stared when we chose a rug cleaning service without thinking. Now that we know better it’s time to never repeat the mistake.

Good rug cleaners are usually recommended by word of mouth. A friend had a great cleaning job and you consider using the same service. There are also reviews online but those can be misleading. Another great source is getting a recommendation from a cleaning company that has already given great service.

What distinguishes a professional carpet cleaning company? As side from doing a good cleaning job on your rugs they care about the details. For example they don’t skip wash the fringes on the rug and they have them brushed out. The company would also inspect your rug before any cleaning happens. 

This way they can inform you of any problems immediately. Furthermore they can instantly recognize dye and materials and will clean it according that that. The main thing is that they demonstrate quality and care in their work.

Another helpful thing would be to visit the cleaning plant yourself to get a first hand view of the premises. Any questions you have can be answered at the site and you can see part of the cleaning process.   

Best rugs for your kids

Rugs can bring comfort and enjoyment to any family living space. When you have young children there are particular thing to consider.

The age of your child will determine which activities will happen the most. Babies and toddlers will get the most out of soft carpeting. It feels good on the hands and feet and while sitting. If your rug is thin, it may be necessary to create plushness by having the right underpad.

Life always happens to good rugs. Therefore you want to protect them in any way you can. Drink spills may happen when you have young children. To prevent staining it would be a good option to scotch-guard your rug. This will prevent carpet fiber from absorbing into the rug. This service is available at most professional rug cleaning services. Having a darker coloured rug may also be an option. Rugs made of synthetic material are easier to wash and will retain less dirt.

Proper cleaning is important in maintaining your rug and good health. Weekly vacuuming will remove dirt, allergens and dust mites. It will also prevent any possible mold growth. For a deep cleaning it is recommended that you have area rugs professionally cleaned once a year. It is also advised to have it done with a company that uses eco-friendly detergents. This way no harmful toxins will be airborne and you can enjoy using your rug.

Good cleaning and proper maintenance will also extend the life of your rug and allow you to enjoy more family moments. 

The benefits of centrifuge vs. wringer in carpet cleaning

Centrifuge and wringer machines are used to extract water from carpets with a few key differences.

Centrifuge

A rug centrifuge is for rinsing and drying rugs that have just been cleaned. It allows for water extraction from the rugs that isn’t normally possible. As a result rugs get a better rinse after cleaning and dry faster than with a hanging method. However, the rug centrifuge is mostly limited to synthetic material and simple rugs. It is most commonly use for door mats.

There are limitations to using the centrifuge. Namely it can’t be used for all rug types. Delicate handmade rugs would be destroyed by the centrifuge force. It can destroy rug pile as well and create thinning patches especially on old antique rugs. It can also damage rug fringes in this way.

 In addition, if dye bleeding occurs, the effects will be amplified if the rug is in a centrifuge. The dye will penetrate all the layers of the rug and cause unwanted damage. Overtime, dyes from previous rugs can accumulate and cause discoloration on light coloured rugs.

Overall, it a centrifuge is best for simple synthetic rugs.

Wringer

A wringer is used to wring water out of rugs after they have been washed and rinsed. Since its invention there isn’t a professional rug cleaning company who can do without it. It can wring out water from most types of rugs except really delicate ones. Its rollers can be adjusted to fit with the rug thickness which prevents damage to the quality of the rug.

The only draw backs are that it can’t get out as much water as a centrifuge. Therefore, the rug may take a bit longer to dry. It can’t be used to rinse the rug.

It’s still the most necessary commodity for professional carpet cleaning. 

Allergies and your rug

Living with allergies doesn’t mean getting rid of your rug. It just means choosing the right type of rug and taking preventative measures. It can even extend the life of your rug.

Material

Natural rug material such as silk is the best material to prevent allergy irritations. The composition of synthetic material must be looked at for potential allergens. Short pile and tightly woven strands also prevent dirt and dust mites from getting trapped into the rug.  Thin rugs are also ideal for this and can have added thickness with the use of the right underpad.

Cleaning

Vacuuming on a weekly basis should be effective in removing most allergens such as dust mites, pollen and fur. For more detailed rug cleaning both sides of the rug should be vacuumed when it’s possible. Rugs should be sent out once a year to be cleaned professionally. This ensures a deep cleaning and will prevent other unwanted allergens such as mould. It is recommended to have your rugs cleaned more often if your rug is in a high traffic area or you have pets.

Carpet solutions

It is best to use eco-friendly detergents when your rug is being washed. This way there are no harmful airborne toxins or irritating perfumes present when you are trying to enjoy your space after cleaning. Additionally, these detergents won’t harm the environment.

Air Filtration

Having a good air filter will remove many airborne allergens and improve the quality of the air. It will also prevent these allergens from being embedded into your rug. 

Pest control for rugs

No one wants to see the rugs they love damaged by pests. There are simple preventative methods to ensure that pests like moths, mice and other insects won’t be a problem.

Regular detailed cleaning

Pests like to target rugs that have food crumbs or dusty areas. Weekly vacuuming should help take out unwanted food crumbs and dirt. It is also important to get under furniture or use a nozzle to get hard to reach places.

Rugs should be cleaned by professional carpet cleaners once a year to get a deep clean. The methods they use get a better cleaning that rental machines or just vacuuming. They also extend the life of your rug.

Repellent solutions

Many rug cleaning companies have services to treat rugs with moth repellent solutions. This treatment should be done once every five years for frequently used rugs. For rugs in storage, the treatment should be done every year. If a pest situation is bad ask a professional how often the treatment should be applied.

Storage

It is important that rugs be cleaned in a clean temperature controlled closed area. The isolated area is key to preventing pest entry at the start.  Additionally, it is important to have the carpet covered.  Plastic isn’t the best material for the job. It prevents dust but it doesn’t allow the carpet material to breathe. Fabric covers are good because they are breathable but they can be expensive. However, high thread counts are good to prevent dust mites and other small pests from accessing the rug.  

The best material to use is paper. It’s inexpensive, breathable and prevents pest from getting to your rug. It’s also eco-friendly and doesn’t leech any toxins into your rug.

Getting the wrong under-pad can do more than just damage your carpet

Under-pads come in handy for protection against spills, staining and wearing. However, a poorly made or even the wrong type of under-pad can have damaging effects. This happens when certain considerations like foot traffic isn’t kept in mind.

Hardwood floors

Rugs that are on hardwood floor and near a source of UV lighting such as a window are a bad combination. Waffle design under-pad will absorb UV rays but the UV light will reach the porous areas. Over time this will damage the wood flooring and cause discolouration. The floor will have to sanded and revarnished. Therefore it is best not to place this type of under-pad by a direct sunlight source.   

Traffic

Heavy foot traffic can damage a rug. Having the wrong under-pad furthers this damage. Ideal under-padding is shock absorbing and thick. If the under-pad is too thin or made of foam material, it will flatten and disintegrate under pressure. Overall, it won’t protect the rug. 

Quality

Cheaply made or fragile under-pad will have undesired affects on your rug. Fragile under-pad with waffle pattern is only meant for rugs with low foot traffic. If it’s put in a high traffic location it won’t last long and will break. Cheaply made foam under-pad will disintegrate over time and could have effects on your health.

Choosing the right under-pad for your rugs is important. There is more than one factor to keep in mind in order to choose the right one. When in doubt it is easy to ask a carpet cleaning professional. They can aid you in making the right decision and will mostly likely have quality samples and products at hand. 

Buying The Right Rug

Getting the right carpet for your living space will help you enjoy it. There are a few simple things to keep in mind.

Physical aspects

Measure the space you intend to put the rug to get the right size. Also take in to consideration the floor it will be placed on. Slippery surfaces like tiles will allow the rug to slip out of place. Hard surfaces will allow rugs to be susceptible to wear and pressure. Matching the rug to the right under-pad can improve the enjoyment of the living space.

Location

Rug location determines what key features to look for when buying a rug.  It is better to have synthetic rugs when food is involved such as in living room and dining room areas. Synthetic materials hinder possible stains. It is also ideal if you have pets and young children. Soft or plush rugs are nice in space where people spend a lot of time such as the living room. A plush under-pad can contribute to this if a rug is too thin or the flooring is hard.

Cleaning

Again, synthetic rugs make for easier clean up of spills and stains. However, natural materials rugs like silk or wool rugs are more difficult to clean but not impossible to. To get the full benefits of cleaning it is recommended that all your rugs be sent out to professional carpet cleaning company once a year.

Design

Interior designers know that a nicely designed rug can really brighten and bring a room together. It is useful to keep in mind the colour of furniture in place and what colour the room is painted.  It depends of what mood you are trying to create. Calm? Peaceful? Or bright and creative? Choose possible rug designs based on this. The right choices will allow you to enjoy your living space.

The Many Uses of Carpet Under-pads

Under-pads are foam or plastic material set under carpets. Different under-pads are needed for area rug and wall to wall carpets. Under-pads have many uses based on the rug location and type of rug.

Protection

The main use of an under-pad is to protect your rug from stains and wearing. Plastic under-pads prevent spills from being absorbed into the rugs. This ideal if you have pets, children or your rug is located in a dining room area. Plush under-pads absorb the pressure on rug pile exerted in heavy traffic areas. This prevents wearing.  

Rug shifting
When your rug is located on a slippery surface such as tiles or even hard wood it may shift out place.  Heavy foot traffic my also contribute to this. Over time your rug could stretch in an unwanted fashion. Having an under-pad to prevent slips will keep your rug into place and absorb foot traffic pressure.

Quality of space

The right under-pad can contribute nicely to the quality of a living space. If the rug is located on a hard surface, it can create an enjoyable plush feel on the feet. Young children may enjoy this as well particularly if the rug is located in a living room. It can provide sound insulation from surroundings. If you have a thin rug an under-pad can create a sense of rug thickness. Anti-microbial under-pads prevent bacteria from growing and guard against unwanted odors.    

Life of your rug

Under-pads can extend the life of your rug considerably. They protect the rug fiber from wearing out and keep stains from absorbing into the carpet. However, to further enjoy your rugs it is advised to have professional carpet cleaners clean them once a year.

Love Your Pets, Love Your Rugs

Owning a pet can mean more maintenance for your rug, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. Having pets means more dirt, hair, dander and possible stains. There are key features to keep your rugs and environment clean.

It comes down to material

Ideally a pet owner would want a synthetic rug and not wool or silk. It’s easier to manage pet stains when they happen to a synthetic rug. Additionally, synthetic rugs usually come with a built in protector that guards against stains. Brands such as Stain Master provide this feature specifically. Wool and silk rugs are prone to absorb pet stains. Therefore they’re not readily recommended.

Under-pads


Having the right under-pad can prevent stains from being absorbed into the carpet. Ideally you would be looking for a pad that has a plastic top layer to stop spills. Regular or solid plush under-pads are ideal for pet owners. Antimicrobial under-pads prevent bacteria and odors from occurring.  Having an under-pad also prevents wearing of the rug fabric and maintains the quality of the rug.

Regular carpet and rug cleaning

It is advised to get your rugs cleaned professionally once a year for synthetic, wool and thin silk rugs. If your rug is made of thick silk, you have many pets or your rug is located in a high traffic area, it should be cleaned twice a year. Having the rug professionally cleaned will allow a deep cleaning that is not obtainable with rental machines. Additionally, it will extend that life of your rug with proper maintenance.

Benefits of Professional Rug Cleaning

Choosing the right rug cleaning company will make carpet cleaning a breeze. So why choose one over doing the job yourself? There are several great reasons:

Experience
The right cleaning companies can assess and prepare your rug according to the material it’s made of, details such as fringes,  the types of dye used in the carpet and specific stains. This prevents wearing of materials, bleeding, fading and attention to stained areas. It helps maintain the integrity of the rug.

Cleaning solutions
Store bought carpet cleaning solutions can put you in a bind. Many are too harsh and affect dye colouring. Often the end result is the stain is still there and the rug is damaged. Cleaning companies assess the types of stains on your rugs and apply the appropriate cleaning solutions. There is a difference in food and drink stains, pet stains and overall dirt. The cleaning company will apply tried and true methods with the focus on getting the rug cleaned.

Rental Machines
These machines may seem like a good solution but they don’t do a deep clean. Other concerns are that it may damage and rip out carpet fiber. Additionally, the machines aren’t as powerful and only take away some of the dirt at the surface of the rug. They cannot be used on hand woven and silk rugs. These need to be sent to professional cleaners in order not to damage them. The machines also tend to soak the rugs and may produce mold if they can’t dry properly.

Professional steam cleaning is recommended for synthetic wall to wall carpets. This service provides a deeper cleaning with high water pressure and controlled water temperature. Additionally, water is extracted from the rug with a powerful vacuum hose. This allows the rug to dry faster and allows the customer to enjoy the clean space sooner.

Owning a silk area rug

Rugs made of bamboo or banana silk are considered a luxury item to own. This is due to the unique care and method of fabrication that goes into making them. The natural fibers are ideal for people with allergies. They typically don’t retain dirt and prevent dust mites from gathering. These rugs are very fine and pleasant to the touch. The fineness of the threads allows intricate designs to be woven into the rug.
The pile on silk rugs tends to be short and as a consequence the rugs are thin. The downside if that this allows the rugs to be more susceptible to mechanical stress. Having the right underpad can remove most mechanical stress exerted on the rug. In addition, it can also add thickness to the rug.
A downside to buying one of these rugs is that they tend to be expensive. With that it is important to buy from a certified dealer. This ensures quality in your investment and care went into the fabrication of the rug.
Another thing to note is that silk rugs require special cleaning to preserve the integrity of the rug. They require specific washing and drying requirements. This preserves color and the shape of the rug. Make sure to send your rug to a professional carpet cleaning service that specializes in cleaning these types of rugs.