Rugs are part of the home decor that not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the room but also maintains the warmth of the floor during winter. A common problem arises in almost all households, and that’s accidental spillage or pipe leak that makes the rug dirty, raising concern among homeowners as to how to clean and dry the rug. You can dry the rug in different ways. No matter what method you choose, make sure it completely dries because any moisture left in the rug may cause mold and mildew growth, leading to a foul smell. Here, we discuss the ways to dry a rug after cleaning.
Consider the Rug Material and the Type of Rug Before Cleaning
Many people lead busy lives, making it challenging to find the time for thorough cleaning. Hiring experts, like Becht Pride House Cleaners allows you to focus on your daily tasks while they handle the job.
Before proceeding to clean the area rug, it’s important to understand the rug’s material because each material has its own distinct features that require different drying techniques. Let’s observe the drying considerations of different rug materials.
Wool: It dries slowly, but it is sensitive to heat.
Cotton: It may shrink when wet, but it will dry quickly.
Synthetic: It dries quickly, but it is sensitive to heat.
Natural: It dries using a normal drying technique.
Tips for Fast Drying of Rugs
Extract Excess Moisture
The first and basic tip is to remove excess moisture immediately after cleaning the rug using an absorbent or a towel discussed below.
Proper Air Circulation
Air circulation is the key to rug drying. Make sure there’s proper air circulation in the room where rugs are dried.
Flip and Rotate the Rug at Regular Intervals
No matter where you dry the rug, flip and rotate the rug periodically for uniform drying.
Use Natural Sunlight/ Fans/ Dehumidifiers
Depending on the size and quality of the rugs, they can be dried in sunlight or by using fans and dehumidifiers.
Be Patient
Last but not least, patience is the crux of the entire drying process. Sit back and relax until the rug dries.
Method/ Steps to Dry Rug After Cleaning
Drying is a vital step to avoid mold and mildew growth in the rug. There are various steps involved in drying rugs, which have been discussed below:
Remove Excess Water
The first step of drying a rug is to remove excess water from the rug as much as possible. Place a towel or an absorbent material below and above the rug, then press down on it. Once the towel or absorbent material gets wet, keep them away and use fresh material.
| Some Tips | For extremely wet rugs, place a kitty litter or a wet/dry hoover to expedite the drying process. However, it depends on the material of the rug. |
Indoor Drying
Air drying the rugs indoors is a suitable drying method for small to medium-sized rugs. For small rugs, you can place the rug in a ventilated area, rather use a fan for better air circulation and also open the windows to speed up the drying process. You can drape a rug on the drying rack, a secured rope, or a clothesline.
To dry the larger rug, you can spread it properly and flip it at regular intervals to dry all the parts uniformly. You can place a dehumidifier near the rug to remove excess moisture or use a dry vacuum to remove excess moisture from the rug’s fiber.
| Some Tips | When using fans and dehumidifiers, focus on the temperature and humidity because overheating and humidity can damage the fabric, resulting in discoloration. |
Outdoor Drying in the Sunlight
The other method to dry the rug is to put it in the sunlight. Drying rugs in the sunlight helps in absorbing moisture as well as in sanitizing the rug because sunlight is a natural sanitizer. All you have to do is place the rug on a clean and elevated surface to ensure it dries evenly all around. The best way is to place it on a clothesline or drying rack, which can also prevent stiffness in the rug and the growth of mildew. Make sure you don’t over-dry it in the sunlight because the color may fade. This method works for all rugs but works wonders for bathroom rugs that are heat resistant.
Why is It Important to Dry the Rug Completely?
Drying rugs is important because a wet rug is a breeding ground for bacteria and fungal growth posing health threats to humans and pets. Fungi and bacteria hide between the rug and its padding. They damage the rug to the extent that you will have no option but to buy a new rug.
