The Dos and Don'ts of Shampooing an Area Rug

Many homeowners choose to rent carpet shampooers as a means of getting the matted and soiled carpeting in their homes restored to a more appealing condition. Some homeowners even own carpet shampooers designed for residential use. What many people don't realize, however, is that these shampooers generally aren't just designed for use on permanent carpets; in many cases, they can also be used to clean area rugs. There are just a few things homeowners should know before using a carpet shampooer to clean an area rug.

DO Test Before Starting

No matter what kind of carpet shampoo is being used on the area rug, it's important to test a small amount on an inconspicuous area of the rug before getting started. After all, certain carpet fibers can have bad reactions with different chemicals found in carpet shampoo. By testing a small area first, it's possible to identify a potential issue before ruining the entire rug.

DO Spot-Treat Heavy Stains 

Furthermore, homeowners should be aware that carpet shampooers are great at restoring carpeting and rugs, but they aren't miracle workers. Homeowners will still need to spot-treat heavy stains, such as those from red wine, blood, or grease, before using the carpet shampooer. This will help to loosen up stains as much as possible before the final cleaning is done, which will leave homeowners with better results.

DON'T Set Rugs on Wet Carpet 

Finally, homeowners who are planning on shampooing their carpeting and area rugs San Diego homes at the same time should be careful not to set a wet area rug on top of wet carpet. This will prevent both the carpet and the rug from being able to dry in a timely manner. Instead, the rug should be hung or set on a flat, dry surface where there is plenty of ventilation. This will help to speed up the drying process until the rug can be placed back on the carpeting. Just be sure to lay the rug out flat so it doesn't dry with any creases, which can be difficult to get out. Shampooing an area rug can be a great way to remove stains and get the rug looking like new again. By keeping these important dos and don'ts in mind, homeowners can ensure that they complete the process correctly and yield the best results as well.