Rug care in winter: effective strategies for snow removal
When winter comes and covers the landscape in white, a unique opportunity arises that you might not have thought of at first. We are talking about snow washing, which involves cleaning your rugs gently and naturally with snow: yes, you heard that right – snow can be an effective, chemical-free cleaning agent. In this article, you will learn how to use this traditional cleaning method to remove dirt and dust and keep your rugs fresh and clean.
What you need:
- Dry, powdery snow
- A clean, flat and sturdy brush
- Gloves
The cleaning steps:
This is the process for effectively cleaning your rug with snow:
- Preparation: Start by shaking out your rug thoroughly to remove loose dirt and dust. Hang the rug outside for about half an hour to adjust it to the cold temperatures and to prevent the snow from melting immediately and soaking the rug.
- Apply snow: Place the rug on a clean, dry layer of snow. Cover it evenly with a layer of snow about 3-5 cm thick.
- Leave it: Leave the snow on the rug for 15-20 minutes. Then it will start to draw dirt and odours out of the fibres.
- Clean: Use the flat side of your brush to work the snow into the rug. Gently beat the rug to knock out the loosened dirt. The coldness of the snow will cause the dirt to fall out of the fibers.
- Repeat: Remove the dirty snow and repeat the process with fresh snow until the snow no longer gets dirty when you scrub it.
- Dry: Shake as much of the snow off the rug as possible and hang it up to dry. You need to let it dry until the remaining snow has evaporated and the rug is dry.
Important notes:
Not all types of rug are suitable for this cleaning method. Avoid cleaning wool, silk or deep-pile rugs in this way, as moisture can damage the fibers.
Always test in an inconspicuous place to make sure that your rug can withstand this treatment and that it can be washed in the snow.
rug types that are not suitable for snow cleaning:
Before considering snow washing your rug, pay attention to the material, as some materials may react sensitively:
- Wool: do not place snow directly on a wool rug, as moisture can shrink or matt the fibers.
- Silk: Cleaning with snow can damage delicate silk rug fibers with water spots.
- Flokati or shaggy: Dense rug pile structures can trap snow, delaying drying and increasing the risk of mold growth.
- Natural fibers such as sisal or jute: Snow can leave water spots on these materials.
- Hand-knotted Oriental rugs: The snow can warp or damage the rug's foundation fabric.
- Latex-backed rugs: Moisture could dissolve the adhesive and blow up the rug.
If you are unsure how the rug will react to snow, do a test in an inconspicuous place.
Benefits of snow cleaning:
When done right, snow cleaning offers many benefits:
- Natural cleaning without chemicals, detergents or residues
- Gentle on fibers and rug backing compared to steam cleaning
- Removes embedded dirt, stains, grime and allergens
- Restores vibrancy and extends the time between professional cleanings
- Uses free and abundant snow right at your door
- No equipment rentals required like with hot water extraction
- Children and pets can safely come in contact with the rug immediately after snow cleaning
Bottom line:
cleaning a rug with snow is a traditional, environmentally friendly method that is effective and gentle. It is a great way to naturally refresh and care for your rugs. Try it out and give your rugs a winter refresh!
FAQS:
Can I use this method on all types of rug?
Not every type of rug is suitable for this method. Modern rugs made of robust materials are often unproblematic, while delicate rugs should be treated with caution.
How often can I do this cleaning?
You can use this method as often as the condition and type of your rug allows, but ideally only during the cold, snowy months.
Does the rug need any special treatment after snow cleaning?
No. After the rug has dried completely, it can be used as usual.
