How Do You Clean A Braided Rug?

Braided area rugs made by weaving are nice additions to busy and not-so-busy parts of your house. Even if you put them in less busy areas, they can still get messy from spills, dirt brought in from outside, or other accidents.

How do you clean a braided rug? These rugs can be easily cleaned and maintained to fit your home’s aesthetic and lifestyle. Braided rugs are impressive additions to any home. They beautify your room with a vintage look that’s long-lasting and comfy. They’re fine to have during the winter and support you warm up your space.

Braided rugs are not only gorgeous and practical but also exceedingly durable. They impart a rustic charm to every room and are available at reasonable prices. This blog provides you with a prompt guide to braided rug cleaning, even if at home or by a rug cleaning company.

Key Takeaways

• Braided rugs are durable yet charming additions to your home.
• Regular vacuuming prevents dirt buildup, keeping rugs fresh.
• Make a simple cleaning solution at home using mild detergent and water.
• Gently blot stains – avoid harsh rubbing that can damage fibers.
• For deep cleaning, hose down your braided rug outside.
• Allow rugs to fully dry after cleaning to prevent mold or mildew.
• Rotate and flip rugs periodically for even wear.
• Consider professional cleaning yearly for best results.
• Hand-woven rugs require extra care – seek expert rug cleaners.
• With some love, your braided rug will reward you with lasting beauty.

What Are Braided Rugs?

Braided rugs originate from a pioneering concept of recycling clothes that has persisted for centuries. Ancient people braided their scraps together to craft floor coverings to insulate their homes against the cold winter months rather than disposing of them.

For many rug owners, the primary concern with a braided rug is the accumulation of entrapped dirt in the tiny threads. If the braided rug requires cleaning, simply place it outside over a picnic table and gently dab it with a clean sponge and mild dish soap or you can shampoo like an area rug.

You can then turn on the water hose and rinse it, allowing the wet rug to dry outside in the fresh air. It’s advisable to avoid leaving a braided rug outside overnight and ensure it is brought indoors before sunset unless it is still damp.

How to Clean a Braided Rug and its Accessories

To keep your Colonial Mills braided rug looking its best, follow these steps:

• Vacuum regularly: Use the hard surface attachment on your vacuum cleaner. Avoid using the brush attachment as it might harm the rug.
• Spot clean: If you notice any spots or stains, clean them with mild soap and water.
• For indoor-outdoor rugs: You can simply hose them off to clean them.
• Washing small items: If you have small accessories, like coasters or placemats, you can wash them in cold water in the washing machine. After washing, keep them flat to dry.
• Professional dry-cleaning: It’s a good idea to have your braided rug professionally dry-cleaned from time to time to keep it in top condition.

By following these simple steps, you can maintain the beauty and durability of your Colonial Mills braided rug for years to come.

Braided Rug Maintenance

Here are some simple ways to keep your braided rugs looking nice:

• If you see the threads coming apart or breaking, use a needle and strong thread to sew them back together.
• Don’t pull loose ends on the rug. Instead, carefully trim them to keep the rug tidy.
• Sometimes, you notice color differences or how the rug is made. That’s just part of its unique style, so there’s no need to worry.

Characteristics of Braided Decor

When you buy braided rugs, remember a few things about them, their storage, and accessories:

• Braided rugs might have small differences because they’re made by hand.
• They may have slight changes in size, color, or pattern. This is normal.
• When you get your rug, it might not be perfectly flat because it was packed tightly for shipping.
• To fix any wrinkles, start from the middle and smooth them out with your hands or a pole.

Regular Cleaning

To clean your braided rug, start with simple steps. Shake it out or beat it gently to get rid of dirt. Then, vacuum both sides to ensure it’s really clean.

• If your rug still looks dirty, you can use a soft brush. Dip it in soapy water and gently scrub the rug’s surface. Remember to scrub both sides.
• After scrubbing, rinse the rug with water. Then, use towels to blot it dry. Make sure it’s completely dry to prevent any damage. Mold and mildew can ruin your rug if it stays damp.
• So, follow these easy steps to keep your braided rug clean and looking great!

Deep Cleaning

When you want to give your braided rug a good clean, deep cleaning is the way to go.

A Good Shake

Start by taking it outside and giving it a good shake to get rid of any loose dirt and stuff. You can also use a vacuum cleaner to suck up those little bits of dirt that are still hanging on.

Soaking

Once you’ve shaken out as much dirt as possible, it’s time to give your rug a good soaking. Use a hose to spray it down all over. Sometimes, just the water pressure alone can do a great job of cleaning your rug well.

Dry it Completely

But remember, after you’ve soaked your rug, it’s super important to make sure it dries completely. If it’s a wool rug, it might take a while to dry, so don’t rush it. Be patient and flip the rug over now and then to make sure it dries evenly.

Commercial Cleaners

If you find that your rug still isn’t as clean as you’d like it to be after all that, you might want to try using a special cleaning product. There are commercial cleaners made especially for wool rugs that can help get them looking like new again. You can use these to clean the whole rug or just tackle any stubborn stains you might have.

Braided Rug Cleaning with Snow

Did you know that snow can help clean your braided rug? Here’s how:

• Find a clean spot with fresh snow, about four inches deep.
• Lay your rug flat on the snow and step on it to press it down. This helps the snow get into the rug’s cracks where dirt and grime hide.
• Then, flip the rug over and brush the top with a stiff broom. You’ll see the dirty snow left behind. Repeat this on both sides of the rug.
• After cleaning, make sure your rug doesn’t stay wet. Hang it over a chair or table indoors for 24 hours to dry, or lay it flat outside in a covered area like a porch. This prevents mold and mildew.

Braided Rug Cleaning with a Rug Beater

To clean your braided rug, take it outside and hang it over a fence or wall. Make sure it’s hanging evenly to beat it properly. Wear glasses and a face mask for protection.

Use a long-arm rattan or wire rug beater, which you can find at an antique shop. Beat each side of the rug vigorously by swinging the beater at it. Flip the rug and repeat this on the other side until it’s clean.

When you’re done, take the rug off the fence or wall, shake it out, and bring it back inside. This method is also known as badgering, and it’s been used for a long time because it works well.

Make Your Custom Rug Cleaning Sprays

You can make custom rug cleaning sprays with the ease of some ordinary ingredients, here is the details:

Custom Rug Spray No. 1

• Mix 2 drops of lavender oil, 1 drop of lemon oil, and 2 drops of eucalyptus oil with 1 cup of water in a spray bottle.
• Shake it well to blend everything.
• Once mixed, spray this solution evenly over your rug.
• This will freshen up your rug and make it smell nice.
• Spraying regularly can help keep your rug smelling fresh and clean.

Custom Rug Spray No. 2

You need:

• 1 drop of Rose Oil
• 2 drops of Tea Tree Oil
• 2 drops of Thyme Essential Oil
• 1 cup of Water

This spray is good for removing dog urine stains. But first, clean up the urine and the stain with another solution.

Spray these mixtures lightly on your rug before guests come over or every week to make your braided rugs smell nice. You can also use it after cleaning your rug at home.

How to Clean a Braided Rug at Home?

To clean your braided rug at home, you need to follow some steps. Mix a specific amount of mild detergent with water. You can also add baking soda or vinegar to wipe away stubborn stains. Then, follow these steps:

Blotting

If there’s a stain or spill on the rug, lightly blot the area with a clean, white cloth or paper towel. Avoid rubbing, as this could spread the stain and damage the rug fibers.

Apply a small amount of the homemade solution onto the stained area. It’s important not to soak the rug, a little goes a long way.

Rinsing

After applying the solution and allowing it to sit for a short while, follow these steps:

• Moisten a clean, white cloth with plain water and gently mark the area where you applied the solution. This helps to rinse out the cleaning solvent and the stain.
• Continue blotting until you’ve eliminated most of the solution from the rug. It’s essential to avoid oversaturating the rug, as excessive moisture can lead to mold and mildew growth.

Drying

Dry gently: After rinsing, use a clean cloth to gently blot the rug and absorb extra water.

Use a dry towel: Place a dry towel on the damp area, and press down to soak up more moisture. Repeat until the area is slightly damp.

Air dry carefully: Let the rug dry in a well-ventilated space, away from direct sunlight and heat.

Hang or prop up: Hang the rug or prop it on a clean surface to ensure even drying.

Check for dampness: Make sure the rug is completely dry before putting it back in its place to avoid odors, mold, and mildew.

Caution for valuable rugs: For more effective cleaning of valuable or delicate rugs, consult a professional rug cleaner to ensure longevity and appearance. They offer specialized care.

How to Remove Odor From Braided Rugs?

By following the steps mentioned here, you can get rid of odor from your luxurious braided rugs:

Mix Solutions in a Spray Bottle:

Combine the odor-removing solutions in a spray bottle.

Test on a Small Area:

Before using the mixture on the whole rug, test it on a small, inconspicuous spot to avoid any potential damage.

Mist Lightly:

Spray the affected areas of the braided rug lightly with the solution.

Let it Sit Briefly:

Allow the solution to sit on the rug for a short time.

Blot or Air Dry:

Gently blot the rug or let it air dry after applying the solution.

Repeat if Necessary:

If the odor persists, repeat the process. Ensure proper ventilation to escape mold growth.

Use Essential Oils with Caution:

Essential oils can help neutralize odors, but their effectiveness may vary.

Consider Professional Cleaning:

If the odor is stubborn or strong, think about hiring professional cleaning services.

Braided Rug Cleaning by a Professional

Regular Cleaning: It’s a good idea to have your braided rug cleaned by a professional once a year. This helps your rug last longer and look fresh like it did when you first got it.

Gentle Care: Cleaning a braided rug properly requires special attention to avoid damaging it. Not everyone can do this kind of careful cleaning at home.

Professional Tools: Professionals use special tools to clean your rug thoroughly. These tools can get rid of deep-seated dust that regular cleaning can’t reach.

Deep Cleaning Process: Professional cleaning involves soaking the rug in water to loosen dirt. This process removes even the toughest dirt particles from your rug.

Safe Solutions: Using the right cleaning solutions is crucial. Harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia can damage the rug’s fibers and cause colors to bleed.

Yearly Visits: To keep your braided rug looking its best, it’s best to have it cleaned professionally at least once a year. This ensures your rug stays beautiful and lasts longer.

What Are The Benefits of Professional Cleaning?

Getting your braided rug professionally cleaned has lots of good points. The experts use special tools and methods to clean and bring your rug back to life. They look at the rug carefully and decide if it’s best to wash it by hand or use a specific machine.

This way, they can get rid of dirt, dust, and stains, and make sure the colors don’t run. One more good thing about professional cleaning is that it helps with smells and allergens. The experts can remove odors and allergens that build up over time, making your indoor space healthier.

Caring for Different Types of Braided Rugs

How to Clean Braided Wool Rug at Home?

To keep your wool braided rug looking great, start by vacuuming it regularly. Use a gentle setting and a soft brush attachment to prevent any damage to the wool. This helps get rid of loose dirt and keeps your rug in top shape.

Homemade Cleaning Solution

When it’s time for a deeper cleaning, you can make a simple cleaning solution at home. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Mild detergent
• Lukewarm water
• Clean sponge or cloth
• Soft brush vacuum attachment

Mix and Prep the Cleaning Solution

Mix 1 part mild detergent with 4 parts lukewarm water. Give it a gentle stir to make sure the detergent is fully dissolved.

Vacuum Away Loose Dirt

Before you start cleaning, use your vacuum on the gentle or low-power setting with the soft brush attachment to remove any loose dirt and debris from the entire rug.

Dampen Your Sponge or Cloth

Dip a clean cloth or sponge into the cleaning solution. Squeeze out the excess liquid so that it’s damp but not dripping.

Gently Blot the Rug

Gently blot the rug’s surface with a damp sponge or cloth. Pay extra attention to stained or soiled areas, using gentle up-and-down motions. Avoid scrubbing too hard to keep the wool fibers safe.

Wipe Off Soap Residue

Switch to a clean, damp cloth to wipe away any soap or detergent residue. Gently wipe the rug’s surface to make sure there’s no cleaning solution left.

Let Your Rug Air Dry

Allow your rug to air dry in a well-ventilated area. Avoid putting it in direct sunlight or near heat sources, as this can harm the wool.

Final Vacuuming for a Fluffy Finish

Once the rug is completely dry, use the gentle setting on your vacuum for a final pass. This helps fluff up the wool fibers and restores the rug’s texture.

Inspect and Enjoy Your Clean Rug

Take a close look to make sure your rug is clean and free of any stains or dirt. Put the rug back in its spot, and enjoy its refreshed appearance.

By following these easy steps, you can clean your wool braided rug at home using a homemade solution while making sure your rug stays beautiful for a long time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you clean a dirty braided rug?

Vacuum it regularly. For deeper cleaning, make a gentle solution of mild detergent and water – blot the stains gently without saturating the rug.

Can you hose down a braided rug?

Yes, hosing down braided rugs, especially outdoor ones, is an effective way to give them a good deep clean and refresh them.

Are braided rugs machine washable?

No, it’s best to avoid machine washing braided rugs as the agitation can damage the fibers. Stick to spot cleaning or hose them down.

How do you deep clean a hand-woven rug?

For delicate hand-woven rugs, seek professional rug cleaning services. Experts use specialized methods to gently yet thoroughly clean these treasured pieces.

Conclusion

Maintaining a braided rug’s beauty is easy when you follow the right cleaning methods. Whether you have a cozy jute rug or a vibrant wool one, regular vacuuming and occasional deep cleaning will keep it looking fresh.

With simple homemade solutions and a bit of elbow grease, you can keep your rug looking vibrant and fresh. Don’t shy away from getting professional assistance when needed. A skilled rug cleaner can work wonders on tough stains or odors.

Ultimately, your braided rug is a cherished part of your home, deserving of the same care and attention you give to other prized possessions. Braided rugs are durable investments that add warmth and character to any room. By taking proper care, you protect that investment while enjoying the rug’s timeless appeal.