How to Clean Flat Weave Rug in 4 Easy Steps
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Flat weave rugs are available in a wide selection of colors and designs. They bring a splash of color and warmth into any space. Luckily, they are also easy to care for. Here’s how to clean flat weave rug:
Start by vacuuming or beating out the dust as much as possible. If the rug is small enough, toss it in the washer and use a cold and gentle wash cycle. For a medium to large flat weave rug, scrub them with dye-free detergent. Afterward, lay the rug flat and air-dry it in a well-ventilated area.
That being said, there are several things you need to look after before you toss your flat weave rug into the washer. In this article, you will learn how to clean a flat weave rug and how to keep it in good shape.
How to clean a flat weave rug
The flat texture of flat weave rugs can help prevent dirt and dust from becoming trapped inside their fibers. However, you need to take the time to clean flat weave rugs. Here’s how to do it in 4 easy steps:
1. Vacuum or beat out as much dust as possible
Before washing your flat weave rug, vacuum or beat out as much dust as possible. It does not matter whether your flat weave rug is small or large, you’ll need to remove as much of the surface dirt as possible.
A vacuum cleaner with rotating soft brushes is recommended as they are far more effective than suction only. This is the only way of removing deep-down dirt and the carpet pile will recover quicker. If you don’t have a vacuum cleaner, take the flat weave rug outside and beat it over a balcony or rail.
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2. Toss small flat weave rugs in the washing machine
If your flat weave rug is small and fits in the washing machine, you can simply toss it in there. However, check the care label just to be sure. Use a cold and gentle wash cycle to avoid damage to the fabric. Once the washing machine has finished its wash cycle, you can move on to step number 4.
3. Scrub medium or large flat weave rugs
If your flat weave rug does not fit the washing machine, you can scrub it manually. First, you’ll need to check if the colors bleed too much or if the cleaner leaves a mark. Test a small inconspicuous area by applying mild dish soap. If the colors run, you’ll likely need to take the rug to a professional cleaner.
If your cleaned test area looks fine, you can continue. Use a soft-bristled brush to scrub dye-free detergent into the rug’s surface. However, if the thought of scrubbing an entire rug by hand sounds like a nightmare, you can use your feet to do most of the heavy lifting for you. Here’s how:
Lay the flat weave rug out on a smooth, clean surface, preferably outdoors. Soak the entire rug with water using a hose and some mild soap or dye-free detergent. Use your feet to scrub the entire surface of the rug, massaging each area firmly and thoroughly. Once finished, rinse the rug with a hose.
4. Lay the rug flat and air-dry completely
Once the flat weave rug has been thoroughly cleaned, lay it flat in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Depending on your climate, the entire drying process can take up to several days.
Don’t forget to flip the flat weave rug over after a few hours to let both sides dry. You can also use several fans around the rug to help speed up the drying process and deter color bleeding.
Removing stains from flat weave rug
To remove a stain from a flat weave rug, try dabbing on a small amount of mild soap or dye-free detergent and cold water. Blot up any spills with a paper towel, rather than trying to wipe or scrub.
Next, dry by blotting up excess liquid with a clean cloth or paper towel. Be careful to remove as much of the soap as possible, because soap residue can work as a magnet for more dirt in the future.
If the flat weave rug becomes excessively damp while washing, it is important to dry it by laying it out flat, not by hanging it. Make sure the rug is laid completely flat so that no distortions happen during drying.
Make sure to flip the flat weave rug often until it is completely dry. Keep it in a well-ventilated area but away from direct sunlight. You can also use a fan (or several fans) to speed up the drying process.
Tips to keep your flat weave rug in good shape
Flat weave rugs are typically very durable, but there are a few things you can do to keep them in great shape for many years to come. Do these simple tips to maintain the overall look of your flat weave rug:
1. Flip the rug on a regular basis
One way to reduce the wear and tear of traffic patterns on your flat weave rug is to rotate or even flip the rug on a regular basis. Flipping the rug once per week is a good number to aim for.
2. Use a non-slip rug pad underneath
It’s also a good idea to use a non-slip rug pad underneath a flat weave rug. Not only will a non-slip rug pad make the flat weave rug feel thicker and more luscious, it will also keep it from sliding.
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Additionally, a non-slip rug pad will also lessen the wear and tear on the flat weave rug. It helps prevent dirt from being grounded into the fibers of the rug. A non-slip rug pad is cheap and definitely worth it.
3. Vacuum flat weave rugs twice a week
To preserve your carpets beauty and appearance for a long time, we recommend that you vacuum the whole flat weave rug area at least twice a week. Doing so extends the life of a flat weave rug.
Key takeaways
Now you know how to clean a flat weave rug. If you choose to, you can also have your flat weave rug professionally dry-cleaned, but this is not a necessity. You can easily do it yourself at home.
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