Area rug cleaning tips.

• Vacuum your area rugs just as often as you vacuum your carpet or sweep your hard floors. This eliminates dirt and grime that can ruin the rugs before you’ve even had a chance to really enjoy them. Be careful not to suck up any rug fringe with the vacuum as this could damage the fringe. Also note that some vacuum cleaners will have a rug setting, which basically stops the rollers from spinning and just uses the suction part of the vacuum to remove the dirt.
• Brush out any hair. Whether it’s hair on a bathroom rug or pet hair on the living room area rug it’s possible (and even probable) that the vacuum will miss the hair. Brush in the same direction as the nap.
• Rotate the area rugs a couple of times per year. Traffic and sunlight can add more stress on them which could wear out one side of the rug before the other.
• If you have smaller rugs, take them out back and give them a good shake to remove the dirt and grime.

---

Specialty Care

Some area rugs require special care. Following the cleaning instructions on the tag of the rug is always your best option, but if your area rug doesn’t have instructions, you can follow these steps:

• Fur or Sheepskin Area Rugs. Shake talcum powder onto the rug. Let it sit for a few hours. Brush it through the fur or hair and then take it out back and shake it out. If the fur is very long, you may need to repeat the process until you feel it is clean enough.
• Braided Area Rugs. Put a blanket or towels down on concrete or a vinyl floor. Put the rug on top of the blanket. Using a commercial carpet cleaning solution, sponge it onto the rug and rub it in. Rinse the rug with water and place it on dry blankets or towels until it is completely dry.
• Handmade or Antique Area Rugs. Place nylon screen over the rug. Using a vacuum attachment, vacuum over the screen. If you’re at all hesitant about cleaning your rug, talk with an antique dealer or the rug manufacturer (if possible) to get additional tips on how to properly care for your antique rug.

---

Deep Cleaning

Deep cleaning area rugs at least once a year is a good way to keep them in the best shape possible. When you make a list of things to do for spring cleaning, don’t forget to put the area rugs on the list. To deep clean the area rugs, first look for a care label. If it gives instructions on deep cleaning care, follow those directions. If not, follow these steps:

1. Using a commercial cleaning product, test a small inconspicuous area of the rug to see if it is colorfast.
2. Just like the specialty care for braided rugs, place the rug on a hard surface that can get wet and clean it with the commercial cleaning product, assuming it is safe for the fabric.
3. Rinse the rug with clear water.
4. Let the area rug dry thoroughly.
5. Vacuum the rug.
6. If the label says to get the rug dry cleaned, be sure to go that route so that you will not damage your rug trying to do it yourself.

How dry cleaning keeps clothes from shrinking.

There’s nothing like pulling your favorite shirt from the dryer only to discover that it’s a few sizes smaller than when it went in. Not only is this frustrating, but it can end up costing you money because it won’t be long before you replace all of these shrunken pieces of clothes. Whether your spouse is notorious for shrinking garments, or you try to prevent this common laundry faux pas from happening with no luck, there is an easier solution. Here we explore a few ways that dry cleaning can prevent your clothes from shrinking (once and for all!).

Dry cleaners are skilled at cleaning a variety of fabrics

While there are a few different factors that can result in clothing to shrink after the cleaning process, one essential aspect is how you handle the different fabrics. Even when you’re diligent about reading labels and following the directions to the letter, when the fabric is mishandled, it can lead to shrinkage. A dry cleaner is skilled at treating the many unique fibers and weaves of clothing material with care to ensure the integrity stays intact throughout the washing and drying process.

Your clothes are handled with the utmost care

There’s a good chance your favorite clothes react to the at-home temperatures they’re cleaned at. One misstep or wrong cycle setting can cause the fabric to shrink. Dry cleaners use the latest techniques to ensure that each piece of your laundry is washed with attention to detail.

Specific items need to avoid going into machines altogether because water is a primary culprit in causing fabrics to shrink. Rather than water, dry cleaners use particular solvents to clean and remove stains from the garment. The experts are diligent at separating clothing by material and colors to ensure each piece gets the attention it deserves.

Don’t take any more chances!

If you want to prevent your favorite wardrobe pieces from shrinking (and to extend their life), enlist a reputable dry cleaning service. At Old Dominion Cleaners, our specialists use eco-friendly cleaning solutions that keep clothes from shrinking and leaves the colors vibrant.