Carpets are subject to systematic contamination during use and require regular special care. But what to do if regular vacuuming is not enough, and there is simply no time for manual cleaning. The simplest solution to this problem would be to use carpet cleaning automatic washing mashines. Is it effective enough to wash carpets in a washing machine, and how to properly organize the washing process so as not to damage the item? Let’s try to figure it out in this article.
General rules
Machine washable, undoubtedly, will help save time and effort. But so that the carpets do not lose their original appearance, it is necessary to take into account some nuances before loading the product into the machine drum, namely:
- Before starting automatic washing, you need to carry out initial treatment of the carpet;
- not all materials from which carpets are made can be cleaned in an automatic machine;
- It is recommended to strictly follow the instructions written on the product label;
- It is necessary to take into account the maximum capacity of the machine drum and the size of the carpet that needs to be cleaned;
- It is not advisable to wash carpets at the same time as other things;
- When choosing a carpet cleaning product, it is preferable to choose shampoos or gels that can be easily rinsed out of the pile, but washing powders are also not prohibited, unless otherwise indicated by the manufacturer on the tag. Aggressive cleaning agents containing chlorine are contraindicated for any carpeting;
- During washing, it is advisable to soften the water with a special agent.
Primary processing of the product
For more effective cleansing, as well as to prevent possible washing machine breakdown Due to the presence of large particles of debris, hair, wool, etc. in the pile, the carpet must be cleaned manually before subsequent automatic washing. There are special devices that use vibration to knock out dirt particles from the carpet.
If there is no such device in the house, then it will be enough to simply shake out all the debris and thoroughly vacuum the covering. In case of stubborn stains, more serious treatment will be required using stain removers and pre-soaking. If there are animals in the house, you can additionally use special preparations to eliminate unpleasant odors from carpets.
What carpets can be washed and how to do it correctly
It is permissible to wash rugs in a washing machine if they are made of microfiber, wool, synthetic fabrics or PVC. Carpets made of viscose, linen and silk, as well as handmade items, require careful cleaning and automatic washing is contraindicated for them.
Synthetic fabric mats
It is advisable to soak the synthetic carpet for a while in warm water with a small amount of washing powder or soap shavings.And it is also permissible to add an antiseptic there to prevent the appearance of fungus. The washing mode for synthetic fabric carpets is selected without spinning and drying at a maximum temperature of +60 ⁰C. The product needs to be rinsed thoroughly, for which it is recommended to turn on the rinsing mode in the machine again.
Microfiber rugs
Microfiber carpets can be easily cleaned by hand using a soap solution and a brush, but if a persistent, repulsive odor or stubborn stains appear, machine treatment will most likely not be possible.
Automatic cleaning is carried out in delicate or hand wash mode with an additional rinse function. The water temperature should not exceed +40...+60 ⁰С, otherwise there is a risk of damaging the fibers of the mat.
In addition, grains of washing powder may become clogged in them, so it is better to choose shampoos specially designed for cleaning carpets or liquid gel in capsules when choosing a washing product. Do not add aggressive chemicals or conditioners. You can replace the latter with essential oil by dropping it into a dispenser with a cleanser.
Natural rugs
Carpets made from natural materials, for example, wool, can be cleaned in a washing machine only if absolutely necessary, washing the product only in a delicate mode and without spinning, at a temperature not exceeding +40 ⁰C.
Upon completion of washing, the product hanging on the bar is clamped on both sides with palms and excess water is removed from the carpet from top to bottom using pressing movements.
PVC mats
A popular material used to make yoga mats and for bathrooms - polyvinyl chloride, or PVC in other words, does not tolerate aggressive chemicals. When washing it in a machine, it would be better not to use cleaning agents at all.
Rubberized mats
Rubber mats can be cleaned in a washing machine by selecting manual or sensitive washing mode and turning off the automatic spin. Water heating should not exceed +30...+40 ⁰С, and the frequency of carpet treatment should be once a month. Failure to comply with these rules will result in damage to the product.
For emergency cleaning, it is better to choose the manual method. To do this, you need to soak the carpet in a soapy solution for a while; if it is heavily soiled, you can add a little bleach. Then use a soft bristle brush to go over the front and back sides of the covering and rinse the mat under running water. Finally, wipe the product with a clean, dry cloth, and if necessary, dry it additionally outside.
The answer to the question whether it is possible to wash carpets in an automatic machine is obvious - it is definitely possible. The main thing is to follow the basic rules described above and use the most gentle washing modes.And also promptly clean the products from dirt, foreign odors and stubborn stains. These measures will allow the carpets to maintain an attractive appearance for a long time, extend washing machine service life and will help save your time.
