Top 5 Signs Your Rug Needs Professional Cleaning
Keeping your rugs in top shape requires more than just a quick vacuum now and then; you need to regularly maintain them by getting professional carpet cleaning once every 12 to 18 months.
Unfortunately, some homeowners make the mistake of waiting until carpets get visibly dirty and worn or stains from coffee spills and pet urine become impossible to ignore before booking a professional rug cleaning service. Here are the top five telltale signs your rug needs a professional cleaning:
1. Your Rug Has a Lingering Smell
Does your home have an unpleasant lingering smell that won’t seem to go away no matter how hard you clean, spray air fresheners, or open windows?
It’s possible that your rug is the culprit, absorbing odours from pets, spills, or moisture over time. Over the months, these smells can become trapped within the fibres, especially if spills aren’t immediately cleaned up. Without deep cleaning, these odours settle into the fibres, making them impossible to eliminate with regular vacuuming or air fresheners.
2. Increased Dust and Allergies in Your Home
If you or your loved ones experience watery eyes, persistent congestion, and frequent sneezing despite your best efforts to keep your home spotless, then your carpet may be holding onto allergens like dust mites and pet dander.
This happens because rugs and carpets act like filters, trapping particles that eventually get stirred back into the air as you walk across them. Over time, these allergens accumulate deep in the fibres, making them harder to remove without professional cleaning.
3. You Notice Excess Shedding or Fraying
If you’re noticing more shedding than usual or frayed edges, it could mean your rug is overdue for a thorough cleaning. Built-up dirt and grit can grind against the fibres, causing them to break down. Natural fibre rugs, such as wool or silk, are particularly vulnerable to this type of damage due to their delicate structure. Hand-tufted and high-pile rugs are also more prone to shedding, as their fibres can easily trap dirt.
Without regular deep cleaning, these particles weaken the fibres, leading to fraying at the edges. Investing in professional cleaning helps protect these more delicate rugs, ensuring they stay in good shape for years to come.
4. Your Rug’s Fibres Feel Stiff or Sticky
If your rug feels rough or sticky when you run your hand across it, that’s a sign it’s saturated with grime, oils, and possibly soap residue from past cleaning attempts. This residue clings to the fibres, making them stiff and less resilient. Over time, this buildup can attract even more dirt, creating a cycle that worsens the problem.
Professional rug cleaning can penetrate deep into the fibres to remove these residues, leaving your rug feeling soft and refreshed. At Love Your Rug Ottawa, we use advanced cleaning techniques and specialized equipment to ensure your rugs are thoroughly cleaned without damaging delicate fibres.
5. There’s Discolouration and Fading
If your rug’s vibrant colours have started to look dull or faded, this could be a clear sign it needs professional cleaning. Natural fibre rugs like wool and silk are particularly susceptible to discolouration because they absorb dirt and moisture more readily, leading to a loss of vibrancy. Handwoven rugs such as Persian or Oriental styles, with their intricate patterns and rich dyes, are also prone to fading due to sun exposure and accumulated dirt.
Over time, everyday wear and spills can embed deep into the fibres, causing them to lose their original lustre. Professional cleaning can help lift away the grime and restore the rug’s rich colours, ensuring it looks vibrant and fresh again.
Best Time To Get Rugs Professionally Cleaned
While you can technically get your rugs professionally cleaned at any time of the year, a common recommendation is to schedule them in the spring. During the winter months, mud, slush, and snow often get tracked inside, embedding debris deep into your carpets. Waiting until spring is ideal, as the warmer temperatures promote quicker drying times, lowering the risk of mould and mildew.
Plus, cleaning your rugs in spring prepares your home for allergy season, helping to eliminate pollen, dust, and allergens that have built up over the colder months.
Why Choose Love Your Rug Ottawa for Expert Cleaning Services
When it comes to cleaning your rugs, Love Your Rug Ottawa uses advanced technology to achieve a deeper clean than traditional methods. Our non-toxic, pet-friendly products break down tough stains and odours, making your rugs look and smell like new again.
Whether your rug has been damaged by spills, heavy foot traffic, or just years of use, our thorough cleaning process lifts out dirt and allergens embedded deep within the fibres, restoring both its appearance and comfort. Let us handle the cleaning so you can enjoy a fresher, healthier living environment. Get a free and convenient online quote now.