Take caution while cleaning a rug; start with an inconspicuous area. If you are uncertain about your ability to effectively clean the rug on your own, Epiphany recommends you first consult a rug cleaning professional. Epiphany accepts no liability for damages that a rug may incur during the cleaning process listed below. Everyday accidents happen, but that doesn’t mean your rug’s appearance has to suffer. Here are six steps to ensure your rug won’t pay the price of mishaps.
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2 BLOT – NEVER RUB
3 CLEAN – EDGE TO CENTER
4 DO NOT SOAK
5 PAT AND FAN DRY
6 BRUSH PILE
SOLUTION FORMULAS
Detergent Solution:
1 tsp dishwashing liquid +
1 c. water
Ammonia Solution:
1 oz. ammonia + 1 c. water
Vinegar Solution:
1 part vinegar + 2 parts water
WHAT DID YOU SPILL?
Ammonia/AlkaliCarbon BlackDye (blue/black)Lard
Bleach
Candy/Sugar/Cosmetics
Charcoal
Chocolate/Cocoa/Egg
Gravy
Lipstick
Milk
Mud
Perfume
Rust
Sauce
Toothpaste
Washable Ink
Method A
+
Vinegar
+
Detergent
+
Water
Cooking Oil
Crayon
Furniture Polish
Hair Oil
Hairspray
Hand Lotion
Ice Cream
Ketchup
Machine Oil
Mayonnaise
Paint
Salad Dressing
Shortening
Soy Sauce
Starch
Tar
Varnish
Vaseline
Vomit
Method B
+
Detergent
+
Water
+
Ammonia
+
Detergent
+
Water
Excrement
Method C
+
Vinegar
+
Ammonia
+
Detergent
+
Water
Tea
Method D
+
Ammonia
+
Detergent
+
Water
Dye (red)
Fruit Juice
Mixed Drinks
Mustard
Soft Drink
Method E
+
Water
Method F
+
Water
+
Detergent
+
Water
Food and Beverage: Vacuum dry spills thoroughly on Machine-made rugs. For wet spills, use 1/4 teaspoon of mild liquid.
detergents with a cup of water.
Red Wine: Pouring salt over spills on all dark liquids will absorb the liquid like a sponge.
Pet Messes: Use a vinegar solution, 1 cup white vinegar to 2 cups of water. Rinse with cold water and blot dry.
Paint, Oil and Grease: Use nail polish remover. Rinse with cold water and blot dry.
MAINTAINING YOUR RUGS
VACUUMING
Vacuum Regularly…
Vacuum Regularly…The number one way to ensure rug integrity is vacuuming.
Vacuuming regularly helps prevent dirt on the surface of the rug from filtering down into the pile where it can accumulate and cause increased wear. Vacuum once a week for light traffic, one to three times a week for moderate traffic, and daily for heavy or pet traffic.
Occasionally, vacuum the back of the rug to remove the fine grit that may damage the foundation of the rug and remember to vacuum both sides of reversible rugs to prevent dirt from settling into the fibers.
…But Carefully
…But CarefullyMany of today’s vacuums are high powered and standard vacuuming can pull threads through the rug backing.
Vacuums equipped with a power brush create a raking effect on the rug and can weaken the knots. Ideally, use a canister vacuum (or the handheld attachment on an upright vacuum) to clean your rug.
Remember, brooms. and manual sweepers are just as effective and often a safer maintenance option.
Beater Bars
When using an upright vacuum, disengage the beater bar as this can pull fibers from the rug and cause premature deterioration. If you are unable to manually turn off the beater bar, set the vacuum to its highest setting and gently set the vacuum on the rug.
Fringe
FringeAvoid vacuuming the fringe on your rug. The fibers can be caught and destroyed by the rotating mechanism of the vacuum’s brush.
Continuous friction on a fringed or surged edge can deteriorate the fibers over time. Fringed edges are sensitive, and a handheld attachment is ideal for routine cleaning. Should the fringe of your rug become damaged, seek immediate assistance from a reputable rug repair workshop.
Shag Rugs
Avoid vacuuming shag rugs entirely as traditional vacuuming can severely damage the rug fibers. Instead, shag rugs should be carried outside and beaten to loosen dirt and release foreign particles.