Area rugs are a wonderful addition to any home, adding style, comfort, and definition to a space. However, just like any other floor covering, they also collect dirt, dust, and other allergens over time or can become a breeding ground for bacteria if left uncleaned for prolonged periods.
A neglected rug can have a negative impact on your health or deteriorate the overall appearance of your home. Therefore, it’s important to know how often you should clean it in order to protect your health and keep it looking its best.
Read this blog to learn about the ideal cleaning schedule for your area rugs based on a variety of factors.
What Are The Factors Affecting The Frequency Of Cleaning Your Rugs?
⇒ Level Of Soil
Over time, rugs tend to accumulate dirt, dust, and other debris, and as a result, they may appear dull or heavily soiled, which can significantly deteriorate their natural appearance.
The level of soil on your rug plays a crucial role in determining how often you should clean it. It is primarily determined by the number of people or pets in your household. Refer to the chart below to determine how frequently you should clean your rugs based on the level of soil.
|
Soil Level |
Vacuuming |
Deep Cleaning |
| Normal (Families with kids and elderly people) |
Once or twice a week |
Every 6-12 months |
| Heavy ( Families with pets) |
2-4 times a week |
Every 3-4 months |
| Extreme (Families with multiple pets) |
Seven days a week |
Every 2-3 months |
⇒ Foot Traffic
The amount of foot traffic in your home also determines how often you need to clean your rugs because the more foot traffic your rugs experience, the more dirt and other contaminants they accumulate, and the higher the chances of them experiencing early wear and tear.
So based on this, rugs placed in areas like kitchens or bathrooms should be vacuumed daily or deep cleaned by professionals every 6-12 months. On the other hand, rugs that witness minimal foot traffic (such as the ones placed in bedrooms) should be vacuumed every 2-3 days or deep cleaned every 12-18 months.
⇒ Material
Rugs are made of different materials, and each material has varying strengths in terms of bearing the strain of dirt, dust, or ordinary stains. For example, natural fibers like wool or cotton trap dirt and allergens way easily within their fibers, requiring more frequent cleaning.
Meanwhile, materials like nylon often have smoother surfaces that resist these contaminants, allowing for less frequent cleaning. Hence, if you have rugs with delicate fibers like wool or cotton, make sure you get them professionally cleaned every 1-2 years.
However, if you have rugs with more robust fibers, such as nylon, consider getting them professionally cleaned every 2-3 years.
⇒ Allergy Issues
Rugs, like carpets, can accumulate allergens. They collect dirt, dust mites, pollen, pet dander, and other contaminants that can trigger severe allergies in sensitive individuals.
If anyone in your household is susceptible to allergies, it is important to vacuum your rug every 2-3 days and have them professionally deep cleaned every 3-4 months.
Bottom Line
As with any other surface or part of your home, area rugs also require regular cleaning. However, several factors can impact how often you clean them, so it is crucial to take these factors into account to maintain the quality of your rugs and ensure the health of your living space.
