Rugs can bring a sense of class to your rooms as they accent your interiors with their stunning designs and soft texture. An area rug can provide a cushioned flooring in dens, living rooms, and bedrooms. Popular materials include natural wool from sheep or rabbits, synthetic or natural polyesters, and olefin.
What is an Olefin Rug?
Polypropylene, or better known as olefin, is a synthetic fiber and a popular material to use for rugs and carpets due to its durability and inexpensive price point. Sometimes made into synthetic Persian rugs, polypropylene rugs may feature intricate designs and patterns that breathe life into any room.
However, since polypropylene rugs are suitable for high traffic areas, they are prone to accumulating dirt and staining. While olefin is a durable material, proper cleaning is a must to extend the lifespan of your polypropylene rugs.
What You’ll Need
To clean your olefin carpets, you will need a few household cleaning staples like a vacuum, washing machine, and scrub brush. However, for deeper cleaning, you may want to look into carpet cleaning solutions that work on polypropylene material.
- Baking Soda
- Essential Oils
- Commercial Spot Clean Solution (We recommend Bissell Pro Oxy Power Shot)
- Scrub Brush
- Laundry Detergent
- Vacuum Cleaner
- Laundry Machine
How To Clean an Olefin Rug
Rug cleaning does not have to be a difficult chore when you know the proper way of cleaning your carpets. There are multiple ways to clean a carpet though dry cleaning, washing, or spot cleaning to bring back that vibrant hue to your rug.
1. Dry Cleaning
To dry clean your area rug, you can use a commercial cleaning solution formulated for olefin carpets, or use a homemade version made of baking soda and a few drops of your preferred essential oils. Both mixtures attract dirt like a magnet, which is then removed during the cleaning process. These deodorize and leave a fresh, clean scent too:
To dry clean your olefin carpet with carpet cleaner, simply follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to properly apply the powder on your rug. Scrub or brush the powder to work it into the fibers of your area rug, then use your vacuum cleaner to remove the excess powder.
To dry clean the DIY method, mix together baking soda and 20-40 drops of essential oils until the oils are evenly distributed within the baking soda. Sprinkle the powder over your olefin rug, and use a scrub brush to work the powder deep into the carpet fibers. Use the vacuum to clear the powder away, leaving you with a freshly-cleaned carpet.
2. Spot Cleaning
If the stain is situated in just a small spot but your olefin carpet is otherwise fine, you may not need to do a full carpet cleaning. Instead, reach for a spot stain remover and use the specialized formula to blot away the stain. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to remove the stains from your olefin fibers, and blot dry with a towel.
3. Washing Machine
If your olefin carpet is at a manageable size, like an area rug, you can make use of your washing machine to conveniently remove dirt and stains from your olefin rug. A yearly washing of your polypropylene rug is good for its maintenance, especially when you have kids or pets around the house.
Fill your washing machine with cold or hot water, and add the recommended amount of laundry detergent. Toss in your olefin rug, and let the machine run in a hot or cold cycle, keeping in mind the temperature of the water must not reach the melting point of your olefin carpet. After the cycle has finished, leave your rug to air dry.
Professional Cleaning Services
For complete cleaning of your home, look into professional cleaning services that get the job done right. Your home would benefit from availing of a professional carpet cleaning service every now and then, as these companies have the expertise to clean every inch of your home.
Luce SG is experienced in cleaning rugs and carpets of all materials. Olefin carpets are nothing we haven't cleaned before. We offer services like deep power washing and steam cleaning to ensure that your carpets are in their peak cleanliness. Book an appointment today and we can start getting your home spick and span!