You may not know this, but your washing machine can do more than just clean dirty clothes. With the right settings and detergents, it can also handle washing your carpets and rugs. Ready to learn how to go about this? Read on as we guide you through the process of properly washing your carpets and rugs using your washing machine.
Things to Note Before Using Your Washing Machine to Wash Your Rugs and Carpets
Most household washing machines are primarily designed to wash clothes, socks, and other soft fabrics. However, under the right conditions, these machines can also handle the cleaning of your rugs and carpets. In this section, we will look at a few of the requirements your rugs must meet before you throw them in your washing machine.
- Material Composition: The content of your rug is crucial in determining whether it can be washed by a washing machine. Rugs made from natural fibers like cotton or synthetic materials such as nylon, polypropylene, polyester, and triexta are safe for washing. However, rugs that are made from wool, silk, or viscose could get damaged if they are cleaned using machine washing. To avoid stories that touch, it is always advisable that you check the label of the rug after buying it to know its material composition.
- Size: The size of a rug or carpet is yet another thing you need to put into consideration before you attempt to wash them using your washing machine. As we said earlier, most household washing machines are primarily designed to accommodate a certain load capacity. Therefore, if you intend to clean your rug using your washing machine, make sure that the rug is not too thick and doesn’t take up more than half to two-thirds of the machine’s drum. For your large rugs, however, you will need to find another means to clean them, or better yet, hire a cleaning professional to relieve you of the stress.
- Pre-treatment before washing: Before placing the rug in the washing machine, check for stains and other dirt that your washing machine won’t be able to wash off. After locating the stained areas, apply a gentle stain remover or detergent directly to the areas to ensure a thorough clean.
Steps for Cleaning Dirty Rugs and Carpets with Washing Machines
If your rugs and carpets meet all the requirements we’ve explained earlier, then you’re ready to move on to the next step. In this section, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to clean your rugs using your washing machine.
- Prepare for the Wash: Before you put your rug in your washing machine, there are various things you need to do or check first. For starters, check the rug label to know its material composition. Ideally, rugs made with natural fibers or synthetic materials are washable in a washing machine. In addition to this, you should also vacuum the rug first before you place it in the machine. Doing this will help remove tiny particles that are stuck in the rug and can cause damage to your washing machine. If there are visible stains on the rug too, ensure that you pre-treat the stains to ensure thorough cleaning of the rugs.
- Choose the Right Washing Machine Settings and Detergent: After you have cleaned the stains, the next step would be to check the washing machine’s capacity and also adjust the settings to a gentle cycle with cold water to minimize the risk of the rug getting shrunk or fading. This will help protect the rug’s fibers and prevent any potential damage during the wash. Lastly, get a soft or mild detergent specifically designed for washing carpets and rugs.
- Add Towels for Balance: Rugs and carpets are not like our regular clothes. They are heavier due to their thickness and size. If they are not placed correctly in the washing machine, they could damage the machine. To avoid this, we would recommend that you include a few towels along with the carpet or rug. The role of the towels is to then help distribute the weight evenly, maintaining balance in the machine and reducing strain on its components.
- Don’t wash your carpets or rugs with other items: To avoid potential damage or uneven cleaning, it’s best to wash carpets and rugs separately. If you add other clothing items to the mix, they could get tangled with the rug or carpet or, in the worst-case scenario, damage the fibers of your rugs. Additionally, washing your rugs and other items together at the same time could also lead to uneven weight distribution in the machine, thereby causing damage to the machine.
- Air Dry the Carpet or Rug: Once the wash cycle is complete, remove the carpet or rug and shake it out to fluff the fibers. Depending on the material, you may air-dry it flat in a well-ventilated area or hang it up. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can cause the color of the rugs or carpet to fade. Also, do not place the rug in a dryer unless the care label specifically says it’s safe.
Conclusion
If you are uncertain or have a carpet or rug that’s too large for your washing machine, you can get in touch with VI Premier Carpet Cleaning. Our professional cleaners are available every day of the week to clean all your dirty rugs and carpets, ensuring the inside of your house remains fresh and immaculate.