4 secrets to cleaning the rug at home

There are many methods for cleaning carpets. However, care must be taken when cleaning this item, because depending on its material, it can be permanently damaged.

“People tend to scrub the rugs vigorously and use brooms and brushes with hard bristles, with that, the threads of the rugs come apart.”, explains Walid Abdouni, owner of Kyowa Tapeçaria, in Santos, São Paulo.

Hiring a professional cleaning service is always a guarantee that nothing will go wrong with your rug, but it is possible to save money and get a little personal satisfaction by cleaning using methods and products that some experts keep as well-kept secrets.

Secret carpet cleaning procedures usually involve a few inexpensive household items that are already used to clean the house, and without expensive chemicals. Discover these four secrets below:

1 – Forget commercial cleaning products

There is no need to run to a store and buy expensive carpet cleaning products. Most people have a few simple elements that can clean the rug extremely efficiently. Baking soda, vinegar, and mild liquid soap are examples of carpet cleaners and disinfectants. Avoiding using chemicals to clean your carpet helps you so much – it will save you money; your family – who won’t smell strong odors; and the environment – ​​as it is more sustainable.

2 – Make your own stain remover

Over time, rugs often develop stains. Adults, children, and pets contribute to the carpet getting dirty. Fortunately, stains can be removed with a homemade solution that is made by mixing a quart of cold water with 1/4 cup of liquid dish soap. A mixer helps to mix the contents as it helps to create foam.

To clean with the homemade solution, use a soft brush and gently rub the suds into the fibers of the stained rug in a circular motion. After removing the stain, the area should be wiped with a damp cloth and dried with a hairdryer.

3 – Vinegar is your friend

Vinegar is a natural disinfectant and neutralizing agent. It can be used to clean a variety of surfaces, including carpet. Vinegar can kill germs that develop between carpet fibers, as well as neutralize the acidity of pet urine while eliminating unpleasant odors.

Keep a clean spray bottle filled with undiluted vinegar and use it whenever your pet goes “number one” on your rug. In these cases, try to absorb as much urine from the fibers as possible, pressing the mat with several paper towels, and when there is no more urine to be absorbed, spray vinegar and let it dry.

4 – Homemade dry cleaning

For homemade dry cleaning, mix equal parts cornstarch and baking soda. Add some spices or fragrant dried leaves such as cinnamon, cloves and lavender. Mix the contents thoroughly and sprinkle the powder all over the rug.

The cornstarch and baking soda will help pull dirt out of the fibers, while the spices and leaves will fill the rug with a pleasant scent. After 30 minutes, remove the dust with a vacuum.