You love your rugs. They tie the room together and add a touch of warmth and personality. But accidents happen. Spills, muddy footprints, and pet accidents can degrade your favorite rug. You have heard about professional rug cleaning but don't know much about it.
That's why we are here. As a company with over a decade of experience in this field, Restore-It has handled hundreds of rugs and turned them into their best possible condition.
In this article, we will walk through our step-by-step rug cleaning process. You will learn how we assess your rug, our cleaning methods, and how we handle different types of rugs. So, let's take a behind-the-scenes look at what happens when you leave your rugs with the experts.
Our Rug Cleaning Process in 6 Steps
Professional rug cleaning is a serious matter. It's not just a quick surface scrub; it's a multi-step process designed to restore your rug to its former glory. Let's walk you through what to expect when you entrust your rug to the Restore-It team.
Step 1: The Initial Call
Our whole process starts with a conversation. When you call us, we will ask you for some information regarding the condition of your rug. For example, are there any specific problems you're having? What type of fiber is it made of? Is the backing in good condition? This helps us get a good picture of what we're dealing with before seeing your rug. Now, let's take a look at why these questions are important to figure out your needs:
Identifying the Fiber
Knowing if your rug has synthetic or natural fibers is very important. Natural fibers, like wool or silk, require different cleaning methods. For example, hot water is not recommended for a wool rug, as it can be too harsh on the fibers. We must also test for discoloration, as natural fibers tend to be more delicate than their synthetic counterparts.
Checking the Backing
Another area of interest is the state of your rug's backing. If the backing is heavily soiled, we might be unable to clean it. In this case, the best solution might be to replace the whole rug. We are upfront about this because replacing the backing is usually more expensive than replacing the entire rug. Plus, we want to be transparent and honest about the costs at all moments.
Looking for Stains and Odor
The cleaning solutions we use are more effective when paired with the types of stains they are made to combat. This is why we need to know the origin of stains or odors. Whether it was a spill or a pet accident, knowing beforehand will give us a better shot at fully restoring your rug. For example, specific enzymes deal with urine, blood, or other stains.
Step 2: Inspection
Once your rug arrives at our facility (or we pick it up), our trained technicians get up close and personal with it. They will begin by performing a visual inspection.
They will look for any damage, including wear and tear or torn fringes. The purpose is to determine the rug's current state and highlight any issues our customers may have not mentioned in the call. Our team also takes a picture of the rug to document its initial condition. With this as a basis, we create a cleaning plan.
Step 3: Vacuuming
Before we clean, we need to remove any loose dirt and debris. In our warehouse, we use a middle grid for vacuuming. This helps us control the agitation and prevent damage to the rug while we vacuum thoroughly.
This process lets us remove as much loose dirt as possible before introducing moisture. It's almost like prepping a canvas before painting—you want to start with a clean surface.
Step 4: Cleaning
Now, it's time for the deep clean. We use a rotary extraction unit, a powerful tool that provides a more thorough cleaning than traditional methods.
Just like during our carpet cleaning process, we follow the CHAT method. Let's take a look into it:
- Chemicals (C): We use specific cleaning solutions to attack the different types of stains in the rug.
- Heat (H): We run hot water through the fibers, speeding up the cleaning process and the chemical reaction with the cleaning solution.
- Agitation (A): The rotary extractor lifts dirt and debris from deep within the rug fibers, promoting the cleaning solution to penetrate further.
- Time (T): This is the secret that ties everything together. We can ensure effective cleaning by focusing on spots and letting the chemicals do their job.
While we use hot water to help break down dirt and grime on most rugs, there are exceptions. For rugs with natural fibers (like wool), we will use cool water to prevent the delicate fibers from being damaged.
Step 5. Drying
After cleaning, it's time to dry the rug properly. We use air movers for this part of the process, as drying machines can be too harsh on the rug. After laying them on the ground, we use air movers to speed up evaporation and help dry the rugs. This prevents mold growth and ensures the rug dries quickly and evenly.
Step 6: Final Inspection and Delivery
Once the rug is clean and dry, the technicians perform a final inspection to ensure it meets our quality standards. At this stage, your rug is ready for pick-up. We can also deliver it to you for an additional charge.
Extra: The Benefits of Professional Rug Cleaning
More than just restoring its look, professional rug cleaning offers numerous benefits for your home and health. Let's take a look at the main two:
A Healthier Home
Rugs act as filters, trapping allergens. These particles can circulate in the air, triggering allergies and respiratory problems. Professional cleaning removes them, creating a healthier indoor environment.
Protect Your Investment
With professional cleaning, you can maintain your rug's beauty and longevity. Removing abrasive dirt particles that can damage carpet fibers extends the rug's lifespan and prevents premature wear. This can save you money in the long run by delaying the need for rug replacement.
Tired of Dirty Rugs? Bring Them Back with Restore-It!
So, now you know what to expect when you bring your rugs to Restore-It for a thorough cleaning. We've walked you through our process, from the initial call to the final inspection. If you're tired of dirty, stained, or smelly rugs, contact Restore-It for expert cleaning! We're here to help you bring your rugs back to life!
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