We can't stress it enough - vacuum, vacuum, vacuum! Area rugs receive
a lot of abuse from dirt, sand, dust, oily cooking residue, various spills and
foot
traffic. Vacuuming an area rug with a good machine will go a long way towards
prolonging the appearance and life of your carpet. Vacuuming is the primary
defense against dry soils that can quickly build on area rugs.
The contemporary area rugs from TEMA Contemporary Furniture are well constructed
and durable. A vacuum with a rotating beater bar to agitate the area rug
pile and strong suction to remove loose particles is well tolerated by our
area rugs. If your vacuum does not have a beater bar, it may remove surface
dirt well but may leave imbedded soil that can damage area rugs through abrasion.
To avoid damaging the loops, vacuum regularly with suction and avoid using
the beater bar
Make sure that the beater bar is actually rotating when in contact with the
carpet. A worn belt will reduce rotation when the bar contacts the carpet.
Adjust the height of the beater bar so that it lightly vibrates the carpet,
but will not cause the motor to slow.
Check the vacuum bag regularly. A vacuum will become less efficient if the
soil bag becomes too full (over half full for most machines).
Vacuum across both directions of the traffic pattern to prevent matting.
Area Rug Cleaning
Vacuuming removes most dry soil, but street grime, oily soils,
and air pollution can build up eventually and your area rug may require cleaning.
The accumulation
of these particles can cause gradual dulling and some loss of color. Since
the area rugs at TEMA Contemporary
Furniture are manufactured with highly permanent
synthetic dyes, the colors are not fading; they are merely camouflaged by soil
and grime. If soil accumulation is not removed within a reasonable time it
can result in matted or packed fibers, which attract and hold additional soil
and other pollutants.
There are many oxygen cleaners on the market that are environmentally safe
and work well for spot cleaning various stains on synthetic fiber area rugs.
Most of these cleaners are biodegradable and form oxygen, hydrogen peroxide
and soda ash when mixed with water. Soda ash is sodium carbonate and has
alkaline properties, so do not use this cleaning method on wool or silk and
avoid prolonged skin contact. Carefully follow the usage and dilution guidelines
for all oxygen cleaning products, rinse the cleansed area well, and be sure
to test for colorfastness.
TEMA Contemporary Furniture does not recommend using dry powders with plush
or deep pile area rugs, as the cleaning residue may be difficult to remove.
For surface stains on low pile area rugs, use a dry powder to absorb dirt
particles and then remove by vacuum. This is a relatively simple method that
uses no water and is easy to perform without a professional. If the area
rug is heavily soiled, we recommend a different procedure or using a professional.
Another method that uses little water is light detergent foam that is worked
into the pile, then vacuumed out once dry. Use care on looped area rugs that
may not tolerate heavy beater bar use or other brushing.
This method is most effective when performed by a professional, although many
rug cleaning machines may be purchased or rented. The dangers of performing
this method on your own are using too much detergent or water. Some cleaning
agents available with rented units leave a heavier residue, so use care or
the advice of a professional when choosing a product. Test the product on
a small area to check for residue or a sticky feel. Do not use if a residue
exists, or if in doubt about a product. Finally, do not use laundry detergents
to clean your area rug to avoid possible optical brighteners.
Accidents happen. If an area rug becomes spotted or stained, work quickly.
When possible, scoop up solids and blot liquids immediately after a spill occurs.
Absorb as much liquid as possible with a white cloth or paper towel without
scrubbing the area to prevent matting or fuzzing.
Methods of Cleaning Various
Area Rug FibersThe type of fiber in your area rug should be the primary consideration
in selecting a cleaning method. The
majority of area rugs offered by TEMA Contemporary
Furniture are manufactured with synthetic fibers such as polypropylene, nylon
and acrylic and may be cleaned with most cleaning methods, but we have listed
three accepted methods for cleaning synthetic fiber area rugs.
1. Follow the
area rug manufacturer's recommendations. When choosing any cleaning method,
follow the directions for dilution and application.
2. Never use laundry detergent,
automatic dishwasher detergent, or any strong household cleaning products intended
for use on woodwork, linoleum, laminate
or tile.
3. For dried or soil stains, thoroughly vacuum the area to be cleaned
before applying a cleaning method. In some cases, you may want to use a preconditioning
solution prior to cleaning to begin loosening soil.
Wool - Excessive agitation and heat should be avoided, but generally
wool fibers may be cleaned with most cleaning methods. Wool should be cleaned
with
neutral detergents and dried quickly. Use special care around household cleaning
products, as bleaches and other alkaline products such as bathroom cleaners
easily damage wool.
Cotton/Rayon - Cotton and rayon are cellulose fibers and
may be cleaned using all cleaning methods. To avoid shrinking and possible
browning, avoid excessive
drying and agitation. As with wool, take care with alkaline products.
Silk -
Silk should be cleaned using a dry cleaning process. These fibers may be damaged
by natural and synthetic acids (e.g. lemon juice), and sunlight.
Consult a rug cleaning specialist for additional information about cleaning
silk.
Sisal and Other Plant Fibers - Plant fibers such as sisal, jute, coconut
(coir), ramie, and hemp have characteristics similar to cotton. It is generally
safe
to clean these fibers with all cleaning methods. As with any fiber, dry the
area rug as quickly as possible.
A Cold Water
B One teaspoon of clear dishwashing liquid with a cup of warm water.
C One tablespoon of clear household ammonia (3% solution) with 1/2 cup of water.
D A dry-cleaning solvent from grocery or home improvement stores.
E Chill with ice cubes in a plastic bag. Break residue into small pieces, scrape
off and vacuum.
F 1/3 cup of white vinegar with 2/3 cup of water.
G Warm Water
H Clear nail polish remover without oil or nail conditioners (preferably acetone)
I Denatured alcohol or methylated spirits. Avoid oil-based mineral spirits.
J Rust Remover
K Absorbent Powder (salt, talc or commercial dry, absorbent powders)
Start with the first cleaning method in the far left column.
If the first method doesn't work, proceed to Step 2, etc. Be sure to reference
the Methods of Cleaning Various Area Rug Fibers to avoid a product that may
damage your area rug, and to improve your chances of stain removal. Solid Food, Other Organic Stains
| Step |
Butter |
Chewing Gum |
Chocolate |
Egg |
Ketchup |
Mustard |
Blood |
Urine (fresh) |
Urine (old) |
Vomit |
| 1 |
D |
E |
B |
B |
G |
B |
A |
A |
B |
B |
| 2 |
B |
D |
C |
- |
B |
- |
B |
B |
C |
- |
| 3 |
- |
- |
F |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
F |
- |
| Step |
Alcoholic Beverages |
Coffee |
Colas and soft drinks |
Cooking Oils |
Fruit Juice |
Milk |
Tea |
Wine |
| 1 |
A |
A |
G |
D |
A |
G |
A |
K |
| 2 |
B |
B |
B |
B |
B |
D |
B |
A |
| 3 |
- |
D |
- |
- |
- |
B |
D |
B |
| Step |
Bleach |
Candle Wax |
Floor wax |
Furniture polish |
Lipstick |
Oil and Grease |
Shoe Polish |
Soot |
Tar |
| 1 |
A |
E |
D |
D |
D |
D |
D |
D |
D |
| 2 |
C |
D |
- |
B |
B |
B |
B |
B |
- |
| 3 |
- |
- |
- |
C |
- |
- |
- |
C |
- |
| Step |
Ink (fountain pen) |
Ink (ball point) |
Felt tip pen |
Nail Polish |
Latex Paint |
Oil Paint |
Rust |
| 1 |
A |
D |
G |
H |
B |
I |
D |
| 2 |
B |
I |
B |
D |
C |
D |
B |
| 3 |
- |
B |
H |
- |
D |
B |
A |
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