In discussing how to clean polypropylene rug, it is important to bear in mind that it is made from polymer. This should set the foundation for what should and should not be done to a polypropylene rug while cleaning.
Polypropylene rugs are one of the most affordable rugs out there which is one of the reasons they are popular. In addition to that, they are actually comfortable despite the fact that they are made of polymer.
Polypropylene rugs are also durable which is one of the reasons it is used as a placemat. However, probably more relevant to this article is the fact that polypropylene rugs are super low maintenance.
Table of Contents
How to Maintain Polypropylene Rugs
Regular Cleaning
The fact that you need to vacuum your rug is something that cannot be overemphasized, whatever the type of rug you have.
There are two basic factors that determine how often you clean polypropylene rug. First, consider where the rug is positioned.
If it is a place with heavy foot traffic (which is probably the case with a polypropylene rug), you’ll need to vacuum it about 2 to 3 times every week.
Secondly, consider how many people are in your home. If it is just you, you might not generate enough foot traffic to require a three-times-a-week cleaning regardless of where the rug is.
The general rule of the thumb is to vacuum your polypropylene rug once a week. There is actually a way to vacuum your carpet and you could find out about that here.
Spot Cleaning
How do you spot clean a polypropylene rug?
The following are steps to spot clean a polypropylene rug:
1. Use a clean damp absorbent rag or paper towel to dab the spot.
2. Clean the stained spot with detergent and water.
3. Rinse the spot with a clean damp cloth.
4. Sprinkle baking soda over the stained spot to get rid of odor.
5. Allow it to sit for about 20 to 30 minutes.
6. Vacuum the rug.
If there is a spill on your polypropylene rug, your best bet for getting out the stain completely would be to get to it as soon as possible.
Be careful not to scrub the stained spot because you’ll be driving the stain deeper into the rug. Also, be careful to clean around the stain instead of the other way round. If not, you’ll be spreading the stain wider than the spot it already occupies.
Make sure you rinse the rug thoroughly after cleaning. Leaving soap suds in your rug will just make it attract dust much faster.
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Washing
How is polypropylene rug washed?
Polypropylene rug can be washed following these steps:
1. Beat or shake the rug to get rid rid of all dust and loose debris.
2. Scrub the rug with a soft-bristled brush and detergent.
3. Hose the rug down to get the soap suds off and leave it to dry.
Since we are dealing with a rug that you can easily pullout, you can actually wash it. You’ll also need to check with the manufacturer to know the correct cleaning method good for your rug. Generally, most polypropylene rugs cannot be machine washed.
Do not try to machine dry the rug as that could damage it. Air drying is definitely your best bet. Place the rug in a shady spot where it can get a lot of air but not come in contact with direct sunlight.
Exposing polypropylene rugs to direct sunlight for a long time is not a good idea considering that they are made of polymer.
How to Clean Polypropylene Rug – Related FAQs
Can You Steam Clean A Polypropylene Rug?
You can steam clean a polypropylene carpet. Steam cleaning of this type of rug will not damage its fiber material. This is because the melting point of polypropylene material is 160 degrees celsius while steam is at 100 degrees celsius.
Steam cleaning of polypropylene rug is an effective way of removing dirt thoroughly without affecting the wooden floor. Oil and food stains get soft and dissolve more during steaming.
Another advantage of steam cleaning to this rug is that it is simple, hygienic, and does not require too much energy when it is used.
Can You Get Polypropylene Wet?
You can get polypropylene carpet wet. This is because they can absorb water, unlike other natural fiber carpets. Hence, they can be cleaned easily using any carpet cleaning methods without any fear of damaging them or changing their color.
Also, they do not allow the growth of mildew or mold on exposure to water. As a result, polypropylene rugs are a better carpet option for most outdoor use or areas that have heavy traffic or high moisture. For example, the basement, bathroom, and so on.
Can You Use Bleach On Polypropylene Rug?
You can use bleach on a polypropylene rug. Rugs made of 100% Polypropylene material can be cleaned with all carpet cleaning agents including bleach. You can get rid of stubborn stains using 50% tap water and 50% bleach.
Alternatively, you can use a mixture of 90% tap water and 10% bleach. Do not use oily cleaning agents on this type of rug. This is because polypropylene (an oleophilic fiber) attracts oily substances making your cleaning efforts futile. Before using bleach to clean your rug, make sure it is made of 100% polypropylene material otherwise it will be ruined.
How Do You Clean Urine Out Of A Polypropylene Rug?
Follow these steps to clean urine out of a polypropylene rug:
- Soak up the urine as much as you can using paper towels.
- Mix 50% cold water and 50% white vinegar.
- Scrub the urine stain with the vinegar solution liberally so that it can penetrate the polypropylene fibers.
- Wipe the stained area with paper towels to remove the cleaning solution.
- Mix ½ cup of hydrogen peroxide (3%) with a teaspoon of liquid dish soap.
- Scrub the area with the hydrogen peroxide solution. Rinse thoroughly with water afterward and leave the spot to dry.
- Sprinkle baking soda over the stained area liberally.
- Allow it to sit for some time and vacuum the carpet if you want to.
What Are The Disadvantages Of Polypropylene Rugs?
The disadvantages of polypropylene rugs are:
- They are highly sensitive to friction and heat.
- There are limited color choices because of the dyeing process.
- Polypropylene material gets crushed easily and so not good in high traffic areas.
- They are only suitable for use in a ventilated room because of the toxic by-products they are made with.
- It is difficult to remove oil-based stains from this type of rug.
- They have high thermal expansion coefficients which limit its temperature applications.
- They are highly flammable.
Do Polypropylene Rugs Smell?
Polypropylene rugs can smell. This smell occurs when chemicals present in the polypropylene material emit gas into the air. As this smell emanates, it will have a great effect by increasing pollution levels in the room.
This, in turn, can have bad effects on human health causing difficulty in breathing, irritations to nose, eyes, and throat as well as other health problems. It is important you clean your rug often. Also, use chemical smell neutralizers that can eliminate chemical smells from the rug quickly.
Are Polypropylene Rugs Safe For Pets?
Polypropylene rugs are safe for pets. They are made of safe and strong synthetic fibers. This makes them perfect for pets in your home. Pets can play safely inside your home and outdoors without any concern for their health.
This rug also has a thin pile of tightly woven fibers. So, your pet’s nails, teeth, paws, or claws will not get stuck in its fibers. This reduces the chance of snags appearing on your rug and protects your pets from injuries while trying to break free from the rug’s fibers.
