Tufted rugs add a stylish, plush touch to any room. But keeping these rugs looking fresh requires regular cleaning and care.
In this complete guide, as a professional custom tufted rugs manufacturer, I’ll walk you through the dos and don’ts of cleaning tufted rugs. You’ll also discover professional tips for removing stains, plus when to call in the experts for a deeper clean.
Let’s get started!
Why Proper Cleaning Matters
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty details, it’s important to understand what makes tufted rug cleaning tricky business.
These rugs feature yarn tufts punched through a backing fabric. Instead of knots securing each tuft (like on a woven rug), latex glue holds everything in place.
So if you clean a tufted rug incorrectly, things can go sideways fast:
- The latex adhesive dissolves
- Tufts come loose
- Backing falls apart
- Shape gets distorted
Yikes!
To keep your rug looking fabulous for years, it’s critical to avoid anything that can destroy the rug’s structure.
On the flip side, consistent care preserves the rug by lifting away dirt that grinds away fibers over time. Let’s look at the best practices.
Regular Maintenance Tips
Think of preventative rug care as going to the dentist for cleanings. Regular maintenance keeps problems small and easier to fix.
Here are some habits for keeping tufted rugs fresh between deeper cleaning sessions:
1. Vacuum 1-2 Times Per Week
Frequent vacuuming clears away dirt and debris before it works down into the rug’s pile. Over time, ground-in grime can weaken and even break tufted fibers.
When choosing a vacuum, opt for suction-only models without beater bars or brushes. The spinning motion of a power brush head twists and pulls on tufted loops. Over time, this can cause sprouting and breakage.
Canister vacuums with suction-only hard floor heads are ideal. Make sure to use the low suction setting and go slowly. Too much vacuum power rips up fragile tufts.
2. Deal With Spills ASAP
Picture this. You’re carrying a full glass of red wine across the living room when you trip on a dog toy. Crimson liquid soaks into your light-colored tufted rug.
In scenarios like these, timing is everything. The quicker you can remove excess liquid, the less likely a stain will set. Grabbing a dry cloth or paper towels to blot right away should lift much of the staining substance.
Avoid excessive rubbing, which drives spill deeper into the rug. Gentle dabbing lifts it back out. Rinse the area with cool, clean water and repeat dabbing until no more liquid transfers onto the cloth.
3. Rotate Rugs Every Few Months
To distribute wear evenly across the entire surface, rotate rectangular rugs head-to-toe every season. For round rugs, move them to different high-traffic areas around your home.
This prevents distinct pathways from developing where the pile gets crushed down. It also avoids color unevenness from light exposure.
4. Deal With Sprouting Tufts ASAP
Sometimes tufted rugs sprout “whiskers” – single tufts poking out further than their neighbors. Resist the urge to pull them!
Instead, trim wayward tufts with sharp scissors down to the level of surrounding tufts. Pulling puts stress on glue surrounding that tuft. Snipping leaves glue intact to prevent bigger holes later.
Deep Cleaning Essentials
Even with excellent preventative care, tufted rugs eventually need a deeper cleaning. Warning: machine washing can destroy tufted rugs!
Here are smart guidelines to follow:
Annual Professional Cleaning
Once per year, have your rug professionally cleaned. Look for companies using specialized equipment that deep cleans withoutexcessive water.
Hot water extraction wets rug backing while powerful suction lifts dirty water back out. Ask whether they have experience with tufted rugs, specifically.
After professional cleaning, allow rugs to fully air dry before walking on them or placing furniture back. Never put damp tufted rugs back into service before they dry.
Treatment For Problem Stains
For stains that escape early detection, you’ll need to break out the big guns. Start by identifying the staining agent.
For water-based stains like wine, coffee, or juice, place several layers of white paper towels over the stain. Then use an iron on a medium setting to gently warm the area for 30 seconds at a time.
Check paper towels between heating intervals. As long as stain continues transferring onto towels, keep ironing. Switch out soggy towels for fresh ones as needed.
Oily stains from food or cosmetics also respond well to ironing. After heating, sprinkle a bit of talcum powder onto the spot to draw out remaining oil. Once powder stops absorbing, vacuum up.
Pet Accident Protocol
Urine stains on tufted rugs call for an enzymatic cleaner specifically designed to eliminate pet waste odors. Check ingredient lists for bacteria cultures that destroy lingering “notes.”
Spray or blot enzymatic cleaner liberally on soiled regions after lifting excess liquid. Allow the area to remain visibly damp for at least 10 minutes before dabbing with clean towels.
Rinse with clean water and check for odor. Repeat enzyme treatment until no smell remains. Allow rug to fully air dry before regular use. Consider adding rug pad beneath frequent accident areas.
Mistakes To Avoid
On the flip side, some cleaning methods can seriously harm tufted rugs. Steer clear of the following bad ideas:
- Machine washing – Dissolves latex adhesive
- Dry cleaning chemicals – Cause dye bleed
- Store steam cleaners – Heat and pressure damage backing plus adhesive
- Stain removal sprays – Often contain bleach to lighten stains but discolors dyed tufted rugs
- Rubbing aggressively at stains – Twists and pulls fragile tufted yarn
Trust me, learning the hard way isn’t fun! Now you know how to clean tufted rugs the right way.
Remember to vacuum regularly, treat spills ASAP, rotate periodically, and get an annual professional clean. Following these tips keeps tufted rugs looking fabulous for years of enjoyment.
Now I’d like to hear from you:
- What questions do you have about cleaning tufted rugs?
- Have you had any staining nightmares with your tufted rug?
- Are there any tips you’d add for keeping tufted rugs looking great?
Let me know in the comments!