Area rugs can be made of a variety of materials: wool, synthetic, or even something like viscose or silk. A higher-end rug may be placed specifically in one part of a room for the sole purpose of aesthetic. Another kind of rug may be placed directly in front of a doorway in the hopes that the rug catches the debris before it can be passed onto the more valuable flooring underneath. Whether you have decorative rugs, practical rugs, or both, it’s important to know how to maintain them.

What You Can Do

Vacuum: Make sure to vacuum your area rug at least once a week. Whether it’s in a high traffic area or not, area rugs are prone to collect dry debris like dust, allergens, and dander. By vacuuming once a week, you are clearing your rug out and not allowing a build up of debris to break down the rug fibers (which would eventually give it a permanently “worn” appearance).

Keep the rugs moving

We don’t mean on wheels. If you rotate your area rugs through your home, you are essentially allowing them to “take turns” in the places where the sun shines the harshest in your home. The sun’s rays can cause color fading in an area rug, so swapping out which rug is where can go a long way in lengthening the time you have with your area rug and its vibrancy.

Buy a pad

If your area rug is on a hardwood floor, tile, concrete, or any kind of hard surface, putting a pad underneath it is a small investment that goes a long way. Not only that, but it keeps the area rug from slipping around so much, making it less of a fall hazard in your home.

Instigate some rug-protection rules

Our area rugs are part of our home, and often have a lot of sentimental value. Some rugs are passed down through generations. Others are purchased on once-in-a-lifetime trips. Whether your rug holds a special place in your heart or you just don’t want to have to buy a new one sooner than necessary, it’s always a good idea to have rules in place that act as rug-preservation.

One of these rules: a shoe-free zone

You might already be a shoes-at-the-door kind of household. Or you might keep your shoes on the whole time you’re in your home. Either way, making sure your decorative rugs do not get trod on by mud-caked shoes is a great way to lengthen their lives and your investment. According to CBS News, about a third of the dust and dirt in your home comes from outside, either blown in or tramped in on shoe bottoms.  That’s a fairly high ratio and taking shoes off or not walking on area rugs with shoes on doesn’t sound like such a crazy concept after reading a statistic like that.

Another tip is to…

Make sure you are flipping any two-sided rugs you own

This will make it so both sides get a use, and one side isn’t showing all the wear right away. This is a similar concept to rotating rugs… but this time, you’re flipping them!

Get the Professional Rug Cleaners Involved

When it comes to area rug cleaning, there is no one better than a professional area rug cleaner. Not only do we have commercial grade equipment and products, but our experience and knowledge helps us tackle any spot or stain with confidence. Did you know that area rug cleaning is, in many ways, a science? Our methods and products vary depending on the source of a stain. Each type of spot has it’s own chemistry, the type of rug factors in to that chemistry, and then you have the variables like how long the stain has been sitting, if it was treated with something else before we got there… etc.

Mike, the co-owner of the business, believes firmly in taking care of each client by seeing their individual needs. Each area rug is handled with care and with the specific attention it needs. A natural fiber like wool or cotton is more sensitive than synthetic materials like polypropylene.  A higher pile shag takes more time to work on than a low-pile because we are making sure we are cleaning the entire length of each carpet fiber.

As a local & family business, we truly desire to make sure that your area rug is taken care of. We offer pick up and drop off if you are unable to get the area rug to our shop. We have experience cleaning synthetic, wool, cotton, viscose, silk, shag, and many other different kinds of rugs. We have cleaned rugs with tags on the back, and we’ve cleaned rugs that were brought in from other countries, we’ve cleaned rugs that were passed down from grandparents, and we’ve cleaned rugs that were just recently purchased out of an auction that just needed a good deep cleaning.

Area rugs are much like wall-to-wall carpet in that it is typically good to have them professionally cleaned every 1-2 years. If you haven’t had a professional rug cleaning within that timeframe, feel free to give us a call! You can reach us at 503-314-7453.  If you have any questions about rug cleaning, carpet cleaning, or any of our other services, we’d sure love to hear from you!

Reviews about area rug cleaning:

“I have used A+ carpet cleaning for 10 years and will not use anyone else. They are excellent at getting out stains and dirt even when other companies have told me it’s ground into the carpet and cannot be gotten out. This happened when I moved into my home. They also do a great job on my lambs wool area rug.” – Sue A

“Great job. Friendly, efficient, and fast turn around! No funny smells, just a clean rug that looks near new. I will definitely recommend Tiki and Mike for area rug cleaning.” – Hill R.

“I had a beautiful handmade wool area rug cleaned by A+, it was a rug that my parents used in our house growing up and it had not been cleaned in probably 30 years. There were plenty of stains and a lost of dirt and grim from being in storage for years. The end result was beautiful! The rug looks so nice and is now ready for a long life ahead of it in our home. Tiki was great to work with, and drop-off and pick-up was quick and easy. It took a little over a week to get it cleaned and the price was very reasonable. I would highly recommend A+ to anyone! Excellent family business!” – Katie B

What do all these rugs have in common? They are an intentional and cared for part of a home.

One of the wonderful things about area rugs is that they serve more than just one purpose. While they are often used to soften rooms and accent a room’s color scheme, they also do a lot to protect your flooring and reduce the amount of debris and allergens that enter your home. We are big advocates of our clients investing in area rugs, and we are always more than happy to offer tips for maintaining and cleaning up an in-home rug.

How does having an area rug protect my flooring?

When you have an area rug in the entryway of your home, it acts as an obstacle between your flooring and any debris that, knowingly or unknowingly, entered your home with you. If you go directly from outside to walking on the carpet, hardwood, or vinyl, there is a higher likelihood of causing heavy soiling in those area and wearing down the carpets faster. Area rugs act as a guardian for your carpet and other flooring. It’s job is to shield what lay underneath. As a result, your flooring doesn’t wear down as fast and you reduce your odds of having to do any premature replacements. Regardless of what kind of flooring you have, replacing it is always more expensive than keeping up on regular maintenance. A simple rug in your entry way or in heavily trafficked areas may be saving you thousands of dollars!

Isn’t an area rug just another way to bring a room together?

It is! As we mentioned before, area rugs are wonderful because they are not only functional, but they are beautiful as well! Did you know that in 2016, 79% of households claimed to have at least one area rug in their home?  We don’t think everyone is buying a rug because they know it will serve as a way to prolong the life of their flooring. Many people purchase rugs purely because they add to the overall theme of décor. We read therugseller’s blog post called “20 reasons Why You Need a Rug in Your Life,” and twelve out of twenty reasons were purely for the aesthetics.

How do I keep my area rug looking good?

There are lots of small and powerful ways you can help your area rug live a long and beautiful life. Vacuuming your rug on a regular basis is critical. When you leave dry debris in your rug fibers, the debris eventually breaks the fibers down and gives the rug a worn and faded appearance.

If you have multiple rugs throughout your home, it’s also recommended that you rotate them semi-annually. If you keep rugs in the same place, particularly if there is a lot of sunlight in that area, they can develop traffic and sunlight patterns.

It’s also important to have them occasionally professionally cleaned. If you are looking for professional rug cleaning in Portland, you can always give us a call! A+ Carpet Cleaning is locally owned, family owned, and a small business. We have been cleaning rugs for over 15 years and have helped with an array of specialty smells and stains like pet urine, wine spills, food stains, oil and grease spots… you name it, we’ve probably seen it! If you haven’t had them cleaned, give us a call at 503-314-7453 or do a quick online search for “professional rug cleaning near me.”

Understanding Different Types of Area Rugs

Wool Rugs: Wool rugs are among the most popular choices for homeowners due to their durability, softness, and natural stain resistance. Wool fibers are resilient and can withstand heavy foot traffic, making them suitable for high-traffic areas like living rooms, hallways, and entryways. They also have excellent insulating properties, providing warmth and comfort underfoot.

Cotton Rugs: Cotton rugs are versatile, affordable, and easy to clean, making them a practical choice for various rooms in the home. These rugs come in a wide range of colors and patterns, allowing you to easily find one that complements your decor. Cotton rugs are ideal for areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and children’s rooms where spills and messes are common.

Synthetic Rugs: Synthetic rugs, such as those made from polypropylene or nylon, are highly durable, stain-resistant, and often more budget-friendly than natural fiber rugs. These rugs are ideal for high-traffic areas where durability and easy maintenance are essential. Synthetic rugs come in a variety of styles and designs, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

Natural Fiber Rugs: Natural fiber rugs, including jute, sisal, and seagrass, offer a unique texture and organic feel to any space. These rugs are eco-friendly and biodegradable, making them a sustainable choice for environmentally conscious homeowners. While natural fiber rugs may not be as soft as wool or synthetic rugs, they add warmth and character to rooms like bedrooms, home offices, and dining areas.

Silk Rugs: Silk rugs are synonymous with luxury and elegance, thanks to their beautiful sheen and intricate designs. These rugs are often handcrafted and can be considered works of art. Silk rugs are best suited for formal living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms where they can be showcased and appreciated. However, they require delicate care and may not be suitable for high-traffic areas or homes with pets and children.

Flatweave Rugs: Flatweave rugs, such as kilims and dhurries, are lightweight, reversible, and easy to maintain. These rugs are typically thin and flat, making them ideal for layering over carpet or placing in small spaces like apartments and entryways. Flatweave rugs come in a variety of patterns and colors, adding visual interest and personality to any room.

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Area Rug

Size and Shape: The size and shape of the area rug should complement the proportions of the room and the furniture arrangement. Consider the dimensions of the space and the placement of key furniture pieces when selecting the size and shape of the rug. In living rooms, for example, a large rectangular rug can anchor the seating area, while a round rug can soften the look of a square dining table.

Style and Design: Choose an area rug that reflects your personal style and complements the existing decor of your home. Consider factors such as color, pattern, and texture when selecting a rug that enhances the overall aesthetic of the room. Whether you prefer bold, vibrant designs or subtle, neutral tones, there’s a rug to suit every taste and preference.

Functionality: Consider the function of the room and the level of foot traffic when choosing an area rug. High-traffic areas like entryways, hallways, and family rooms require durable rugs that can withstand heavy use and frequent cleaning. In contrast, rugs in bedrooms and formal living rooms can prioritize comfort and style over practicality.

Maintenance: Evaluate the maintenance requirements of different types of area rugs and choose one that aligns with your lifestyle and cleaning preferences. While some rugs may require regular vacuuming and occasional spot cleaning, others may need more specialized care, such as professional cleaning or dry cleaning. Consider factors like shedding, stain resistance, and ease of cleaning when selecting a rug that’s easy to maintain.

Budget: Set a budget for your area rug purchase and explore options within your price range. While natural fiber and silk rugs tend to be more expensive, there are plenty of budget-friendly options available in synthetic and cotton materials. Consider the long-term investment value of the rug and prioritize quality and durability over price alone.

Rug Pad: Invest in a quality rug pad to protect your floors and extend the lifespan of your area rug. A rug pad provides cushioning underfoot, prevents slipping and sliding, and helps to keep the rug in place. Choose a rug pad that’s appropriate for the type of flooring in your home, whether it’s hardwood, tile, or carpet.

What does a professional area rug cleaning look like?

We can’t speak for everyone, but when you have your area rug cleaned by us, we can do one of two things. We prefer to clean area rugs at our shop because we are able to perform all steps of the process and supervise the drying period. However, we can also clean area rugs in our client’s home if we are already there doing other services. When you allow us to clean your rug at our shop:

1. You are welcome to drop off your rugs or we are happy to offer area rug pick up and area rug drop off!
2. We unroll the rug in our moisture & temperature controlled shop.
3. Vacuum & rake for any dander and other kinds of dry debris
4. Pre-spray
5. Warm water extraction (area rug steam cleaning)
6. Dry stroke to extract as much water as possible
7. Leave for a period for drying, checking in to make sure there is no warping or spots wicking back
8. Notify you your area rug is done!

Area rugs in Portland, Oregon

Here in Portland, there are multiple places you can go to invest in an area rug beyond the local Fred Meyer. We have NW Rugs & Furniture, Tufenkian Carpets, Kush Rugs… a quick look online and you’ll realize there are almost too many to choose from! You can also try an online store (making sure to check the return policy in case you get the rug and you don’t like it).

Overall, we’d encourage you, if you haven’t already, to consider purchasing a rug for the betterment of your home and your flooring. And if you have any questions, you know who to call!

Professional Area Rug Cleaning

Maybe you have an area rug in your home that has been well-loved and needs a professional cleaning. If you’re interested in supporting a local, family-owned business, we’d love to hear from you here at A+ Carpet Cleaning. We typically clean area rugs in our shop, utilizing warm water extraction. We can help with pet smells, dander, and other kinds of staining on your rug. All you have to do is reach out! Our phone number is 503-314-7453, but you can also send an email to info@aplusqualitycleaning.net.

A+ Carpet Cleaning – Portland
2885 NW 111th Ct, Portland, OR 97229
(503) 314-7453
https://carpetcleanerportland.com/ 

While regular vacuuming and spot treating your rug on the regular is a must, it’s also recommended that you have them professionally deep cleaned every 12 to 18th months.  A professional area rug cleaning can get deep into the fibers and provide a thorough cleaning that you wouldn’t be able to obtain using at-home methods.

What is the Purpose of Area Rugs?

Area rugs have been around for thousands of years. Their initial use was simply to help keep the floor warm, even as temperatures changed with the seasons. The primitive rug was made of reed and grass, and eventually, the colors and patterns of rugs were indicative of their owner’s stature and wealth.

Today, there is certainly still a functional element of owning an area rug. The fabrics used to make them are still designed to hold heat, so that your home has a better chance of staying warm in the winter. Rugs are also great ways of dampening sound in your home (as fun as an ominous echo can be).

Placing rugs at the entryway of high traffic areas is a wise way to preserve your flooring, whether it’s carpet, hardwood, vinyl, tile… whatever the case may be. The area rug can be your floorings’ first defense against unwanted debris.

How to maintain an area rug

There are lots of different ways that you can keep your area rug looking and feeling great in between professional cleanings. It’s recommended that you vacuum your area rug at least twice a week to remove dry debris. Debris, if left in your area rug, can break down the carpet fibers and give it a worn and soiled appearance.

If your area rug is left in an area with heavy sunlight appearance, it can begin to experience “color fade.” Color fade is a reaction to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. In order to avoid too much sun exposure, rotate your rugs. Not only will you get a fresh look in each room, but you are preserving the color and integrity of your rugs.

We also recommend having pads underneath your area rugs. This adds airflow, reducing the risk of mold. It also often reduces the chance of a rug slipping out from under you when you step, and gives more ability for a professional carpet cleaner to clean your rugs in your home.

What Kind of Area Rugs Can you Clean?

In short, all of them! A+ Carpet Cleaning utilizes a method called warm water extraction, which utilizes a truck mounted machine and water that gets to be around 180 degrees Fahrenheit. If you’re unsure of what your area rug is, you can occasionally find a tag on the back that will tell you what kind of materials were used. If there is no tag, professional area rug cleaners have different no-impact tests that can help determine what a rug is made of. Examples of rugs that we clean include:

• Wool area rugs
• Synthetic area rugs (polypropylene, nylon, acrylic)
• Cotton area rugs
• Silk area rugs
• Jute area rugs
• Tencel area rugs
• Rayon area rugs
• Shag area rugs
• Viscose area rugs

Where can you do area rug cleaning?

We are potentially able to clean area rugs in your home if we are already there performing other services. The decision is often based on the material of the rug (we generally prefer to bring specialty material rugs back to the shop). If your area rug is sitting on hardwood floors with no pad underneath, it’s often easiest to roll it up for our technician to take with him. We can occasionally also place plastic down underneath the rug.

Typically, clients will drop off rugs to us at our shop. When we clean them in the shop, we are responsible for pre-vacuuming, prepping, and overseeing the dry process to make sure the area rug doesn’t curl or warp. The shop is climate controlled for best possible drying conditions, and we are typically able to return rugs to clients within 7 business days.

Supporting a local, family business like A+ Carpet Cleaning is as simple as letting us bring your area rugs back to life! We love being a local area rug cleaner in Portland, and we want to answer any and all questions you have about area rug cleaning and beyond. Call today at 503-314-7453!

A+ Carpet Cleaning – Portland
2885 NW 111th Ct, Portland, OR 97229
(503) 314-7453
https://carpetcleanerportland.com/ 

You may be preparing to get your home host-ready, and we know that you may have lots of options when you’re looking for a carpet cleaner near you. However, we would argue that you can’t do better than a local,  family owned carpet cleaning business.

Service

Did you know 75% of people would return to a company because of excellent customer service? As consumers ourselves, we place high value on intentional customer service. We want to treat you the way we like to be treated as customers. So what does that mean practically?

Oftentimes, the first interaction you have with us as a business is the first phone call you make. When you call the office, you’ll be either speaking with Chantal, who has been with A+ Carpet Cleaning for two years, or Tiki, the co-owner of the business. Our office is happy to answer any questions you have, review our methods with you, and work on getting you the best estimate we can. We are up front with our pricing, how it works, and do our best to ensure costs are as transparent as possible so you aren’t met with any surprises on the day of service.

We are always happy to send a personalized email with what we discussed (method, estimate, pricing, etc.), and make communication as convenient as possible by having access to call, email, and text. A phone call can be difficult if you have a day job and work through office hours, or if your home usually has a noisy (but joyfully so ) background. If a call sounds daunting, feel free to text us (same number, 503-314-7453) or email at info@apulsqualitycleaning.net.

We want you to know that we prioritize you and your needs. As a smaller family owned carpet cleaning business, we have the resources to go the extra mile for you and your home, whether that means working with a tricky schedule, talking you through carpet recommendations, or offering advice on odor removal.

You matter to us. When you look at the reviews, you may notice that many of the reviewers are returning clients who plan to come back. We have built a reputation for ourselves through being genuine and experts at what we do. It’s as simple as that!

Accountability

Mike and Tiki Honkanen, owners of A+ Carpet Cleaning, both play foundational roles in the day to day of the business. While Mike runs his own van, Tiki supervises the office and is often the voice you hear on the other end of the phone! Rather than run you through a million different triages of authority, the owners of A+ Carpet Cleaning are always available to you if you need them. W

When the owners are heavily invested in the business at this kind of level, you know that you are getting five-star service! And speaking of five-star service, we’d encourage you to check out our reviews and recommendations on Google, Yelp and Nextdoor. Reviews are a great way to hear an unbiased opinion on a business, and we ourselves certainly check the reviews before moving forward with a company.

We have over 2,500 positive reviews across different platforms. We truly believe in “treating your home like our own,” and are so grateful that our clients can see that!

Your Needs

When you hire a family-owned carpet cleaning business, you are working with a company that desires to suit their services to your needs. Our pricing structure allows for flexibility and personalization that a larger business might not be able to accommodate. Whether you need your whole home cleaned or just one spot from a puppy accident, we are here for you. If you are concerned a stain may be permanent, our technician is more than happy to help you assess that in person and let you know if a repair might be preferred. A stain in your carpet doesn’t mean you will have to replace the whole room; oftentimes a professional carpet technician will be able to patch the spot for you, saving you a lot of time, money, and the hassle of moving every bit of furniture out of a room.

We know that you need more than just services done well—you need smooth and transparent communication from start to finish. We do our best to ensure that you feel fully prepared for your carpet cleaning appointment by sending a confirmation email as soon as you schedule. The confirmation email will remind you of how to prepare for the technician before he arrives, as well as remind you of the day and arrival window you were scheduled for. Our system will also automatically send you a reminder on the day before your appointment, just as a friendly heads-up that your scheduled cleaning is only 24 hours away!

The communication doesn’t stop there! A few days after your cleaning, we will personally send you a text, asking how the carpet cleaning went and making sure you are happy with everything. Your satisfaction is so important to us.

This is the kind of attention that you can get from a family owned carpet cleaning business! We are here for your needs, whether it’s a move-out clean, yearly maintenance, or an emergency pet accident.

The Local Part of a Local Business

Obviously, there are lots of economic and moral benefits to supporting local businesses. However, hiring a local business benefits not just the local economy, but it serves you in a big way!

A+ Carpet Cleaning has served the Portland metro area for over 15 years. We know the neighborhoods, the traffic, and the how each season brings a new version of wonderful PNW weather. With that in mind, we are able to be more precise when we are discussing estimates over the phone.

As an example, there are some areas that are more likely to have wool carpets installed. Adversely, there are some areas that have more issues with carpet rippling/carpet stretching needs because the homes were built by the same builder who did not have them properly installed in the first place.

We also know how to give more accurate arrival windows because we know how to factor in traffic when it comes to 217, Highway 26, and, dare we mention it, I-205. Rather than provide you with a generic “somewhere between 8-5” window, our office staff takes drive time into careful consideration when providing you with your arrival window so that our arrival windows can range between 1.5 to 3 hours instead.

When it comes to the weather, we have put processes and procedures into place so that we are prepared for the oh-so-typical Portland rain, such as having blankets for the hoses to run on in your home and shoe covers for ourselves.

A Family Owned Carpet Cleaning Business Near You

Overall, when you are looking to hire a professional cleaner, why not hire a professional who not only knows his service well, but also knows the area where you live and can offer precise recommendations and services based on your location? We are proud to be local to Portland and would love the opportunity to meet a neighbor and help. Call your local, family owned carpet cleaning business today.

A+ Carpet Cleaning – Portland
2885 NW 111th Ct, Portland, OR 97229
(503) 314-7453
https://carpetcleanerportland.com/