A high-quality rug is a long term investment, but you still need to properly clean it to ensure it will retain its lustre.
When living in a home with pets, there are certain considerations to keep in mind when purchasing furniture or decor. Rugs inject colour, warmth and comfort into a space, but when you have pets, stains can be hard to avoid.
You want pieces that will last and still look good even with pets laying and running around. It’s important to know how to clean your rug to increase its lifespan and remove any stains or odours.
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Clean up messes as soon as they happen
Whether mud from paws or little accidents, mess can happen when you live with pets.
If your furry friend does happen to make a mess on your rug the best thing to do is clean it up straight away. The sooner you attend to any dirt or marks, the easier they will be to clean, otherwise, the stain can set and may require professional care to properly remove.
Hair and dirt can build up and become deeply embedded in your rug. This can cause your rug fibres to break down and may result in an odour that is hard to remove the longer it is left.
Vacuum regularly
Regular vacuuming can make a big difference in the longevity and appearance of your rug, and if you have pets, ideally, you should vacuum at least twice a week.
Vacuuming regularly will remove hair and debris and prevent it from getting pushed deep into the fibres, as well as prevent it from spreading throughout the rest of your home. Even if you have a pet that doesn’t shed, dander is still created and this can build up and result in odour. Vacuuming also removes allergens, which your pet may carry in from outside.
A vacuum may not always be enough to lift off pet hair, you may need to use a brush to fully remove pet hair. If your rug is small enough you may also want to take it outside and give it a shake before vacuuming to help remove some of the surface debris and dirt.
Use carpet cleaner
There are some rug and carpet cleaning products specifically for homes with pets that will help keep your rugs looking and smelling fresh.
Always check the care instructions for your rug first to see if the cleaning product is suitable to use for your rug. Make sure not to use harsh chemicals that may damage the rug, but could also be harmful to pets.
If you need to spot clean any messes or stains, you can also use baking soda. Sprinkle it over the section, let it sit for a few hours (make sure to keep pets away), and then vacuum it up.
Carefully consider colour and pattern
If you have pets, you don’t want to constantly be worried about them dirtying up the rug. There are numerous colours and patterns to choose from, whether you prefer traditional Persian rugs or contemporary designs.
Choose colours and patterns that won’t show up dirt and stains as easily. Darker colours or patterns with various colours are good for homes with pets. If you prefer the aesthetic style of lighter colours, perhaps save them for rooms where your pets don’t spend much time, or just be prepared to clean them on a regular basis.
With a wide range of styles to choose from to suit any home, even if you have a home with pets, you’re sure to find the perfect rug for your home.
Choose a durable material
Rugs are made from a variety of materials, and some are more durable than others. If you have pets, look for materials that are easy to clean and stain-resistant.
Wool rugs, while adding a luxurious feel to any home, are highly durable and easy to clean, making them a great choice for a home with pets. Silk rugs may not be the best option if you have a home with pets, as they require more maintenance, and your pets’ nails are likely to snag the fabric. For those who love the lustre of a silk rug, a wool rug with silk highlights offers the best of both worlds.
Before cleaning a rug, you need to check the care instructions for the specific material, as various rug materials can require unique cleaning methods.
Get professional cleaning
While vacuuming and cleaning your rug at home will help keep it looking clean, it’s good to give it a deep clean by sending it to professional carpet cleaners at least once a year, or more if needed.
Tough stains can often require professional care to be removed. Professional cleaning is especially important when you have pets, as it will pull up any dirt and pet hair that is hiding deep in the fibres. Get your rug conditioned and deodorised to have it fresh and good as new.
Professional cleaning will also help extend the life of your rug and keep it looking beautiful for years to come.
Keep your pet clean
As cute as they are, pets can get quite dirty. Keeping your pets themselves clean can help with keeping your rugs clean.
Pets often bring dirt and allergens into the house. Cleaning your pets after they come in from being outside will help prevent them from bringing dirt (or something worse) inside and getting it on your rugs and furniture.
Also keep their nails trimmed to prevent snagging in your rug, or scratching at your floors.
For a range of high-quality rugs for sale, Hali has something to suit any home.