Does your area rug need some love? While there’s no replacement for professional cleaning, there are ways to clean your rug on your own. While this may sound intimidating, it’s easier than you might imagine to bring your floor coverings back to life.
In this post, we’ll discuss the ins and outs of cleaning your own rugs, what you need to know to do it safely, and when to call in our professional rug cleaners in Evanston, IL.
Let’s dive in.
10 Straightforward Steps to Clean Your Evanston Rug
Your rug is looking a little dingy, and you want to give it some much-needed love.
Here’s our 10-step guide cleaning your Evanston rug:
1. Get Your Tools
First things first, gather everything you’ll need to get the job done. We recommend collecting the following items:
- A mild rug shampoo (in a pinch, you can use mild dish soap)
- A bucket
- A sponge or brush with soft bristles
- Water
Depending on the extent of the job, you might also want to gather rubber gloves, a garden hose, and a wet/dry vacuum.
2. Clean the Surface
Before you start cleaning your rug, you’ll want to prepare it. Give the rug a thorough vacuum to remove surface dirt and debris and lift the pile.
For best results, we recommend vacuuming the rug on both sides. This loosens dirt, dander, and other buildup, and removes stray pet hair. Vacuuming is a simple step, but it makes the eventual cleaning process much more effective.
3. Mix Your Cleaning Solution
Now it’s time to mix your cleaning solution. To do this, simply follow the directions on the bottle of shampoo you’re using. If you’re not using a carpet cleaning solution and have elected to use dish soap, instead, we recommend mixing a bit of the dish detergent into a bucket of warm water. Don’t use hot water, since it can cause the carpet to shrink.
4. Color Test the Rug
Before you begin washing your rug, do a quick test to make sure the detergent won’t cause your rug’s colors to run. We recommend testing the solution on a small, hidden patch of carpet. If the color doesn’t bleed, you can continue the cleaning process.
5. Wash the rug
Next, use a sponge or soft-bristle brush to clean the rug. Work the cleaning solution into a gentle lather on the carpet and let it sit for a few minutes before you start rinsing. Don’t rush through this step – anything less than 5 minutes will impact the efficacy of the cleaning process.
6. Rinse the Solution off the Rug
Next, you’ll need to rinse the soap out of the rug. We recommend using a garden hose or buckets of clean water. As you rinse the rug, watch the color of the runoff. You want to keep rinsing until the water runs clear, since this is an indicator that all the residue is gone.
7. Remove all Excess Water
Once you’ve rinsed your rug, get rid of as much leftover water as you can. If you have a wet/dry vacuum, use it to pull water from the fibers of the rug. Alternatively, you can squeegee the rug in the direction of the nap.
8. Allow the rug to dry
Finally, it’s time to let the rug dry. Lay the rug flat and allow the top to air-dry completely. Depending on the size and density of your rug, this could take several hours to a day or more. If you want to speed up the process, use a fan to circulate air.
9. Vacuum the Rug
Once the rug is dry, run a vacuum over it to fluff the fibers and ensure the rug feels soft and new underfoot. Alternately, you can brush it with a soft-bristled brush.
10. Enjoy Your Clean Rug!
Now that your rug is clean and beautiful, it’s time to enjoy it. This process can be repeated as often as the rug needs it at your Evanston home.
How Much Does Rug Cleaning Cost in Evanston, IL?
The exact price of rug cleaning in Evanston, IL depends on the size of the rug, the type of cleaning you invests in, and the company you choose.
As a general rule, though the price to clean the area rug will be between $1.25-$8.00 per square foot. Some companies charge additional fees for stairs (since they generally have to be cleaned by hand), or hard-to-reach areas.
Where Should I take My Area Rug for Cleaning in Evanston?
If you’re interested in having your rugs professionally cleaned, instead of DIYing them, ServiceMaster of Lake Shore can help. We provide professional rug cleaning in our high-quality cleaning facility. We also provide rug repair and restoration services for rugs that have been damaged.
To make the process as easy as possible for you, we offer complimentary pick-up and drop-off and guarantee our complete odor and spot removal.
This option is excellent for households with delicate, vintage, or antique rugs, or who want to enjoy the ease of having a professional clean and maintain their rugs.
What to Know About Rug Cleaning Services in Evanston
If you’re interested in finding professional rug cleaning services, it can be tough to know where to start. As you shop for companies, we recommend looking for these things:
- A company that has been in business for a long time and has a history of satisfied customers.
- A company that offers a variety of cleaning services and can work with rugs like yours.
- A company with skilled, certified technicians who make you feel welcome.
- A company that offers a satisfaction guarantee.
- A company that provides free quotes or consultations.
As you shop for the perfect company, don’t be afraid to ask questions. The right team will be happy to work with you to help you understand their services and how they can help you.
Rug Maintenance Tips for Evanston Residents
Now that your rug is clean and beautiful, how do you maintain it? Here are a few DIY rug maintenance tips for your home or business:
- Vacuum the rug regularly. Vacuuming between professional cleaning helps remove surface debris and prevent dirt and dust from getting ground into the carpet and damaging the fibers.
- Rotate the rug. When you rotate the rug regularly, you ensure it wears evenly. This is critical for vintage and high-quality rugs, which will show the signs of wear more rapidly.
- Repair rug damage. If you have a Turkish or hand-woven rug, make sure you have it repaired when it starts to wear. We can re-fringe your rug or rebind frayed edges, among other repair services.
- Have it cleaned regularly. The most important thing you can do for your rug is have it cleaned regularly. We recommend professional cleaning at least once a year, and more frequently for high-traffic or pet-friendly households or businesses.
ServiceMaster of Lake Shore: Your Source for Professional Evanston Rug Cleaning
When you need professional rug cleaning services in Evanston, IL, ServiceMaster of Lake Shore is here for you.
Offering professional, certified rug cleaning services for families in and around the Evanston area, we’re proud to help you maintain your residential and commercial rugs for years to come.
Contact us today to learn more or to book your rug cleaning service: 312-707-8597
