A good rug can bring the perfect sense of luxury and sustainability to a home. It should be comfortable and warm to put your feet on during cold mornings, while at the same time it should work under a large dining table where crumbs and debris accumulate. In recent years, rya rugs, velvet rugs or classic rolled sheets have graced our floors and decorated our homes. Although trends vary, it is important to have the right rug in the right place, as different materials and qualities work in different ways.
The right carpet in the right place
- As the weekend dinner continues into the wee hours, it can be nice to have a mat to rest your feet on under the dinner table. Should there be some crumbs under the table, it does not matter so much if there is a smooth wool mat or roll sheet there. The wool’s dirt-repellent properties mean that it can resist stains and is durable in places that are a little extra exposed. If the rug is also reversible, it’s just a plus.
- Do you find it tricky to find the right carpet for your living room? It’s perhaps not surprising, as the possibilities are endless. An authentic Persian rug is almost always appealing – and if it’s made of wool, hand-knotted and tightly pressed, it can do more than you think. However, if you want a rug where stains can actually hide well, a longer pile ryam rug might be preferable.
- The kitchen is a place where people, food and drink come together. That’s why it’s important to have a rug that can withstand most things. For many years, the rag rug has been a faithful companion in people’s kitchens, as it is both reversible and can be washed quickly. Another funky favorite that fits perfectly in both retro homes and minimalist apartments is the plastic rug. Practical and easy to wipe down!
How to treat carpet stains
It’s a great advantage if you don’t let stains dry out, but take care of them right away. Bile soap or soap can work well as a stain remover. Never scrub away stains on the carpet, rather iron gently. If you need to give your carpet a quick wash, you can always turn it upside down and whip it in the snow.
Always try the methods on a small part of the carpet first so you know it won’t ruin the color or material. If you’re not sure, it’s better to take your carpet to a professional carpet cleaner.
Removing red wine stains
Many people have tried pouring salt on red wine stains, but sometimes the stain is too dry. You may need to add liquid in the form of cold white wine or mineral water. Next, pour salt or bicarbonate of soda on top. Once the wine has soaked up the stain, you can try a bath with carpet cleaner or stain remover. Repeat if necessary.
Remove grease stains from makeup and food
The first step is to gently scrape off the excess substance. If the stain is still there, you can try covering it with soda paper, kitchen paper or a coffee filter. Then use an iron to gently iron away the grease. Another option is to pour potato flour over the grease stain. Then treat with carpet cleaner or stain remover.
How to remove stearin?
White candles:
Scrape off what you can. Then take the soda paper, coffee filter or kitchen paper and place it on top. Iron over the paper and stearin. Move around so that the paper is always clean. Adjust the heat so that you don’t accidentally burn other parts of the carpet and be sure to put a piece of paper under the carpet. If the stain remains, try carpet cleaning or stain removal.
Colored candles:
Scrape off what you can. To prevent the colored candle wax from spreading when you iron, try dripping some white candle wax over it. Cover the soda paper, coffee filter or kitchen paper. When you iron over the paper, the white candle will absorb the dye. Here it is important to adjust the heat so that you do not accidentally get burn marks on other parts of the carpet. Don’t forget to put a cover under the carpet. Then wash with carpet cleaner or stain remover.
How to remove chewing gum?
Place a bag of ice cubes over the gum to freeze it. You can then break it off and see if the stain should be treated further with carpet cleaning or stain removal.
Removing nail polish
Always start from the carpet material before trying it on to avoid damaging the carpet! Soak up excess nail polish with a cloth or paper. Next, take nail polish remover without oil and swab over the stain with a cloth or cotton ball. You may need to move around so that it is properly absorbed. When you are satisfied – dab with carpet cleaner or stain remover.
Buy rugs on Tradera
On Tradera you can buy carpets both second hand and in new condition. Find your new rug with us to create a more personalized environment in your home.
Amanda Blennborn, freelance journalist
