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Rushes, Grass Rugs - Care and Cleaning

Care

Natural fiber rugs are made of rushes and grasses. Fiber rugs should only be used in dry areas. They should not be put on patios, open porches or damp basements since moisture can cause deterioration. Coarsely woven natural rugs serve as durable floor rugs, but lacily woven types made of delicate fibers should be used as wall hangings.

Cleaning

Natural fibers do not attract much dirt because they are antistatic. Any dirt trapped in the fibers can be removed with the floor brush attachment of a vacuum cleaner. A fiber rug can be cleaned with detergent and water. To do this, take the rug outdoors. Dip a brush in a detergent solution to clean the entire surface; rinse with a hose. Hang the rug over a clothesline in the sun. Be sure it dries quickly and completely. Damp, natural fiber rugs will mildew and eventually disintegrate.

Tar on Hard Surface Floors

To remove tar, freeze it to brittleness with ice cubes and then scrape it off with a plastic spatula. To remove the tar stain, wipe with a cloth dampened with either a dry cleaning solvent or a formulated safety solvent.

Cautions: When working with any chemicals, carefully read and follow the label directions for using that chemical, especially any cautions on safe use! With solvents, be very careful to have ventilation, and no flame or spark in area!

The first time you use any procedure on any floor, test it first on an out-of-the-way part of the floor to be sure it does not damage the flooring or finish.

Notes: If steel wool is suggested, use fine grade, 000 grade.

Scouring powder will help remove many stains, but can also permanently scratch the floor. If you decide to use it, use only a mild type, and be very careful about rubbing too much.

Concentrated liquid commercial household cleaners, rubbed onto a stubborn spot, may remove it as well as scouring powders without the danger of scratching. Rinse off well. Do not use on wood floors.

Do not use water solutions, or cleaners which have to be rinsed off with water, on wood floors. Use a solvent or solvent-based cleaning wax.

After removing a stain, rinse the area thoroughly, dry completely, and, if floor finish has been removed in that area, recoat with appropriate finish or wax.

Vinyl Floors - Removing Old Wax

If too many layers of wax build up, especially in non-traffic areas, floor may discolor or look yellowed. Removing all the wax requires harsher cleaning than ordinary cleaning, and should be done no oftener than once a year, and not that often when not necessary.

You can buy commercial wax removers, some made to remove certain types of waxes, or use a homemade solution. If you know the brand of wax on the floor, follow directions on its label for removal.

If you want to make a cleaner:

1. Mix from 1/2 cup to 1 cup of ammonia (start with less and add more if needed) and one cup laundry detergent in 1 gallon warm water.

2. Test in an inconspicuous area to see if it softens the wax film. After several minutes, the area where the solution has been applied with a sponge mop should turn cloudy and soften.

3. Then scrub that area with a stiff brush, electric scrubber or very fine steel wool pads to loosen old wax.

4. Repeat process in another area until entire floor is stripped of wax.

5. Rinse thoroughly with clean, cool water.

6. After drying thoroughly, apply one or two coats of wax depending on conditions of floor, drying between coats according to wax instructions.

Carpets Cleaning - General Information

Eventually carpets need some type of cleaning to remove soil that sticks to the fibers. How often depends on amount of use and soil carpet gets; some areas will need cleaning before other. Basic methods are: dry absorbent powder, foam, shampooing, and hot water extraction (sometimes called steam cleaning or extraction). Each method has advantages and disadvantages. Costs in dollars, time, and energy vary, as do skill needed to do a good job. Always vacuum thoroughly before starting cleaning method.

Here are some general precautions for all methods:

• Pretest before using (see "Carpets-Pretesting Cleaning Products")
• Protect the carpet from rust stains by putting aluminum foil, wax paper, or plastic wrap under furniture legs, until carpet is dry.
• Follow the cleaner and equipment instructions as directed.
• Do not overwet the carpet. Excess moisture can cause shrinkage, streaks, or mildew.
• Keep mechanical action to a minimum to avoid carpet damage or streaks.

Home Shampoo Formula

Lightly soiled carpets can also be shampooed using a home formula of 1 tablespoon light-duty detergent (such as liquid dish detergent) whipped with 1 cup warm water to form heavy suds. Never use soap, ammonia (a dilute solution is sometimes necessary for removing certain stains), washing soda, or strong household cleaning agents on carpeting. Soap leaves a sticky residue that encourages resoiling. Harsh cleansers are not necessary and may have an adverse effect on carpet fibers and dyes.

Apply the dry suds to a small area at a time with a damp sponge. Remove soiled suds with a spatula and rinse with clear, cool water. Repeat process until entire carpet is cleaned; overlap areas as you work. Be careful not to over-wet the carpet. When carpet is thoroughly dry, vacuum to remove any residue or suspended soil.

Whipping up your own shampoo may cost less in dollars, but takes much more time and energy to do. In most cases it's much more practical to use a commercial rug shampoo, which is formulated to give you better results.

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Author:

Anne Field, Extension Specialist, with credit to MSU Extension

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