Area Rug Cleaning in Athens, AL

Keep It Clean Services does area rug cleaning in Athens, AL and across North Alabama. An area rug catches the dirt, crumbs and pet hair from the whole room, and it often sits in the busiest spot in the house. A vacuum only gets the top. Our IICRC-certified crew has cleaned rugs for Athens families since 2002.

Rugs we clean

• Wool rugs
• Synthetic rugs, like nylon, polyester and olefin
• Patterned and colored rugs
• Runners in hallways and on stairs
• Rugs that sit on hardwood, tile or carpet

Every rug is different, so we look at each one before we quote. Tell us the size, the material if you know it, and any problem spots like pet accidents or spills.

Why area rugs need their own care

Area rugs are not the same as wall-to-wall carpet. Wool soaks up more water and can shrink or brown if it is cleaned the wrong way. Some dyes bleed when they get wet. Fringe and backing need a gentle touch. And the floor under the rug matters too. A wet rug on a wood or tile floor can leave a mark if it is not dried right. That is why we test first and dry with care.

How we clean area rugs

1. Look and test. We check the fiber, the backing and the fringe, and test the dyes on a hidden spot.
2. Remove dry soil. Grit packed deep in the rug comes out before any cleaning.
3. Pre-treat spots. Pet spots, spills and red clay get the treatment that fits them.
4. Clean. We clean the rug with a method that fits its fiber, then rinse out the solution.
5. Dry. We set up drying so the rug dries evenly and the floor under it stays safe.

One customer wrote in a Google review about "testing the fibers and answering all our questions with timely pick up to clean in their facility. My rugs came back clean and beautiful! The guys even move the furniture when picked up and arranged them again." Another wrote simply: "Rug looks and smells brand new."

Rugs over hardwood and tile floors

Many Athens homes have rugs over wood or tile. When we clean the rug, we can also take care of the floor around it. Ask about tile and grout cleaning for kitchens and entryways, and carpet cleaning for the rest of the house. If pets are part of the problem, see our pet stain and odor removal service.

Why trust us

• IICRC certified, trained to the cleaning industry's top standard.
• Local since 2002. Owner Bobby Redus runs the company from East Pryor Street in Athens.
• 5.0 stars on 93 Google reviews.
• Our clean guarantee. If a rug we cleaned is not right, call within 7 days and we come back.
• Eco-friendly solutions, rinsed out completely.

Call (256) 431-3226 or contact us for a written quote.

Questions about area rug cleaning

How do you clean an area rug?

We start by checking the fiber, the backing and the fringe, and we test the dyes on a hidden spot so we know the rug can take the cleaning. Next we remove the dry grit packed deep in the rug, because cleaning a gritty rug turns that grit into mud. Then we pre-treat spots, clean the rug with a method that fits its fiber and rinse the solution out. Last, we dry it evenly so the rug keeps its shape and the floor under it stays safe from moisture.

Can you clean wool rugs?

Yes. Wool is one of the most common rug fibers we see, and it needs its own care. Wool holds a lot of water, so it can shrink, ripple or turn brown if it is soaked and dried slowly. Some wool rugs also have dyes that bleed. We test the colors first, use a method that is safe for wool and dry it with care. Wool rugs clean up beautifully when they are handled right, and a clean wool rug can last for many more years.

Do you clean rugs in my home or at your shop?

Both happen. We clean many rugs in your home, with drying set up so the rug and the floor under it stay safe. Some customers have us pick up their rugs and clean them at our facility, as one Google review describes, and others set a day to bring their rugs to us. The best choice depends on the rug, its size and how dirty it is. Call us, tell us about your rug and we will tell you which way works best for it.

How long does a rug take to dry?

Drying time depends on the rug. A thin synthetic rug dries much faster than a thick wool rug. Humidity also slows things down, and North Alabama summers can be very humid. We set up drying so air moves around the rug and the floor under it is protected. We tell you when the rug should be ready to walk on and when furniture can go back on it. Running the air conditioning and a fan in the room helps a rug dry faster.

Can you get pet urine out of a rug?

Often, yes. Pet urine soaks through a rug fast and can reach the floor under it. We treat each spot at the source with a pet odor treatment that breaks down the urine, then rinse it out. Older stains and very light or wool rugs can be harder, because urine can change the color of some dyes. The odor usually goes away even when a faint mark stays. Our pet stain and odor removal page explains the process in more detail.

Will cleaning make my rug colors run?

Not when the rug is tested first. Color bleeding happens when dyes are not set and the rug gets too wet or is cleaned with the wrong product. Before we clean, we test the dyes on a hidden spot. If a rug shows signs of bleeding, we change the method or tell you the risk before we go any further. That testing step is one of the main reasons to have a rug cleaned by a trained crew instead of with a home machine or a garden hose.

How often should area rugs be cleaned?

Most rugs do well with a professional cleaning every 12 to 18 months. Rugs in busy rooms, entryways and homes with pets, kids or allergies need it more often, about every 6 to 12 months. Between cleanings, vacuum both sides of the rug, turn it every few months so it wears evenly, and blot spills right away. A clean rug lasts longer, because grit packed in the fibers acts like sandpaper every time someone walks across it. A rug pad also helps by letting air move under the rug.

Is it safe to put a rug back on hardwood right away?

Wait until the rug is fully dry. A damp rug on a wood floor can trap moisture and leave a cloudy mark or cause the boards to swell. A damp rug on any floor can also start to smell. We tell you when the rug is dry enough to go back, and we set up drying so both sides of the rug get air. If you use a rug pad, make sure it is dry too before you put the rug on top of it.

Can you clean the rug and my carpet in one visit?

Yes, and many customers do. Booking everything at once saves you a second appointment and gets the whole room clean at the same time. We can clean your wall-to-wall carpet, area rugs, couches and chairs in one visit. Tell us everything you want cleaned when you call so we plan enough time and give you one written quote. See our carpet cleaning and upholstery cleaning pages for more about those services. Our crew moves light furniture and puts it back when we finish.

What areas do you serve for rug cleaning?

Our shop is on East Pryor Street in Athens, and we clean area rugs across Limestone County and North Alabama. That includes Decatur, Madison, Huntsville, Hartselle, Tanner and Elkmont. Next-day appointments are usually available. If you are near Athens and not sure we cover your area, call (256) 431-3226 and ask. Our office hours are Monday through Friday 9 to 5 and Saturday 10 to 3. You can also reach us through our contact page. Tell us the rug size and fiber when you call so we can plan the visit.