Dusting and Cleaning
Vacuuming your rugs is the BEST thing that you can do to keep your rugs in great shape in between cleanings. Think of all the dust that daily settles on to your hard floors … that same dust settles on your rugs and needs to be removed also, otherwise it works its way into the fibers and causes damage you cannot correct.
However, you do not want to overly “brush” these fibers, so the best tool to use is a canister vacuum cleaner, or the upholstery attachment on your upright HEPA-filter vacuum cleaner, and just run it over the top of the rug fibers. Vacuum WITH, not against, the nap of the rug’s “fuzzy” side. (The rug’s fibers are similar to your pet’s fur – you know when you are petting with the nap, and when you are not. Going “with” it causes less friction.)
If a lot of dirt seems to be collecting on the rug – like on your entryway rugs – then turn these rugs fuzzy side down and run an upright beater bar vacuum along the back side (stay away from the fringe tassels or you’ll suck them up!). This “shakes” the dirt out of the base of the rug’s foundation, and then you can flip the rug over and vacuum away all of the dust, dirt, allergens, mold spores, bacteria, and other “unmentionables” that have been brought into your home by lots of shoes, feet and paws.
Entry rugs with high traffic should be “dusted” twice a week (or more) with your canister or upholstery attachment. Rugs with moderate traffic should be dusted weekly. Even rugs in areas with no traffic will still have dust settling on them daily, so attend to them bi-weekly. A consistent dusting routine will help keep your rugs cleaner and healthier longer. It will also (especially when using a HEPA-filter vacuum) help keep your indoor air cleaner.
DUST & WASH GUIDELINES
- Entry Rugs (High Traffic): Vacuum 2+ times per week / Wet wash every 1-2 years*
- Moderate Use Rugs (Medium Traffic): Vacuum weekly / Wet wash every 2-3 years*
- Low Use Rugs (Low or no Traffic): Vacuum bi-weekly / Wet wash every 3-4 years*
* if you are diligent with your vacuum routine you can be on the higher end of the timelines.
CHILDREN & PET ROOMS
Vacuum (# of kids + pets) times per week / Wet wash every year
Rugs collect allergens, bacteria, and chemicals in their fibers, so if you have kids or pets low to the ground, it’s healthier for them if you keep these areas as irritant-free as possible. This is also the guideline for rooms frequented by people with strong dust mite allergies. Having your rugs, carpeting, and bed linens treated with an all-natural Anti-Allergen Treatment is also recommended.
Don’t forget to include cleaning your wall-to-wall carpeting, upholstery, draperies, and hard floors in your “dusting and cleaning” routine.
