On the other hand, a significant downside of carpeting is that carpets can become wet. Excessive dampness can lead to numerous problems, such as causing mold to develop on your carpet.

If your carpet becomes wet, it can be difficult to return it to its dry state. But the good news is that we have some simple solutions for drying your carpets.

How To Dry Your Carpet

Professional Carpet Cleaning Vacuums

Many professional carpet cleaners feature wet vacuums (Also check out Which Is The Best Rental Carpet Cleaner?). Thanks to their higher suction power, these vacuum cleaners can absorb a carpet’s moisture. 

This device is super simple to use and works quite similarly to the normal vacuum function. Just remember to empty the fill tank to prevent it from overflowing.

However, you must only ever use professional carpet cleaning vacuums to dry your carpets. This is because household vacuum cleaners are not designed for this purpose.

The majority of these vacuum cleaners will not have sufficient suction for this moisture, potentially causing them to become damaged.

The chances are that you don’t have access to a professional vacuum cleaner. Though this is perhaps the ideal solution, there are alternatives that you can try. 

Dehumidifiers

The function of a dehumidifier is to remove moisture in the air. As a result, a dehumidifier will be able to remove moisture from your room when it is placed nearby. 

One of the benefits of this method is that you won’t actively have to do much. Instead, you can just plug your dehumidifier into an electrical source and let it do its thing. All you will have to do is empty the tank whenever it becomes filled with water.

On the other hand, there are also some downsides to this technique. Dehumidifiers are quite slow, so it may take a few hours (approximately 12 hours) for your carpet to become fully dry. This may be an issue if you want your carpet to dry as soon as possible.

Not to mention, dehumidifiers use quite a lot of electricity, which may cause your energy bills to skyrocket. This will especially be of concern if you need to use the dehumidifier for a long time, which will be the case if you are attempting to dry a large carpet.

Hairdryers

As you can imagine, hairdryers are mostly used to dry hair. Yet, a surprising use for hairdryers is that they can also be utilized to dry carpets. All you have to do is hover a hairdryer a few inches from your carpet to get it to dry certain patches.

Just make sure that you don’t hold the hairdryer too close to the carpet. You may want to opt for the medium heat setting on your hairdryer.

Though a hairdryer will work, it will only dry whatever patch of the carpet you are focusing it on. Therefore, though it is a brilliant solution for drying small stains (You might want to check out How To Get Ink Out Of Carpet), such as a spilled drink, it may not be the ideal technique for an entire wet carpet.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is commonly used to clean carpets. It is particularly amazing for absorbing moisture. 

To utilize this method, all you need to do is liberally sprinkle baking soda on the carpet. Then, leave it to get to work for at least 30 minutes. After this, the texture of the baking soda should have altered.

Though it may seem counterproductive to make a mess on your carpet, you can vacuum it all up once the carpet has become dry.

Towels

By simply laying towels down on your carpet, you can get rid of some of this moisture. The reason for this is that towels absorb water.

When the towels become wet, all you have to do is replace them with dry towels. Repeat these steps until your carpet has become significantly less damp.

Hire A Professional

If your carpet has become excessively damp, it may be a good idea to hire a professional to give you a hand. Professional carpet cleaners will have access to a wider range of tools that can help dry your carpet, such as the aforementioned professional vacuum cleaners.

Though this may be more costly than attempting to dry the carpet yourself, it will reduce the amount of labor that you have to do.

Final Thoughts

If your carpet has become wet, it can be easy to clean up smaller stains, such as a spilled drink. Unfortunately, excessive moisture can be problematic for carpets. Yet, if this happens, you can trust the above techniques to get your carpet back to normal!

The post How Can You Dry A Wet Carpet? appeared first on Ryalux.

However, cleaning your wool rug is probably a lot easier than you think! Cleaning options might vary depending on the texture type or pile you have, so always determine that first. 

With that being said, your run-of-the-mill wool rug can be cleaned by following just a few simple steps, or using different techniques!

How To Clean A Wool Rug

Method 1 – Manual Cleaning

There are a couple of steps involved in this, but the results are always worth it. Follow the steps outlined below to clean your wool rug the proper way by hand:

1. Beat the dirt out of it – use a tennis racket, broom, rug beater, or anything similar to beat as much dirt from the rug as possible. Do this outside. 
2. Give it a good vacuum – vacuum the rub thoroughly.
3. Fill a bucket with cool water and another will cool water and a gentle detergent – these will be required for the next steps.
4. Carefully sponge clean the rug with the detergent mixer – ensure that your sponge isn’t soaking wet. You want to get as little water on the wool rug as possible. 
5. Rinse the detergent from the rug using a sponge and water from the clean bucket – again, try to use as little water as possible throughout this process.
6. Use clean towels to soak up all excess water/as much water as you can – get rid of as much excess water as you can. Wool mats are renowned for drying slowly and allowing mold to grow between the fibers. 
7. Hang the rug over something (preferably outside) to let it dry – once the water is out, hang it over a chair or strong clothesline to allow it to dry. Don’t leave it lying flat on the ground, or it will take too long. 

This process takes several hours, with the longest part being the trying time. Try to do this on a sunny day so that the rug can be left outside to dry thoroughly. 

Method 2 – Extraction Machine

Alternatively, you can use a machine to thoroughly clean your wool rug! Just be sure to do this very carefully, or else you could end up damaging your rug in moments. You can hire a rug cleaner from the store or buy one. Either way, exercise caution if you choose to go with this option. 

In both cases, it is crucial to limit the amount of water that gets onto your rug in the first place. Flooding it will make it impossible to dry in time to prevent mold from growing. Not only that, but wool can be damaged very quickly if temperatures are too high. The use of bleach-based soaps will also ruin your wonderful rug in no time. 

Many extraction machines offer these bleach-based soaps, so be careful! Do your due diligence before going ham with one, or you could be throwing several thousand dollars in the trash afterwards. 

If you want to do the extraction machine method to clean your wool rug, you need to do the following:

1. Get the right carpet extractor – you need to get a carpet extractor with a true upholstery wand. The carpeted floor (Check out How To Carpet The Garage Floor?) attachment with the scrubbing bristles could damage your rug too much! They usually use a lot more water, so get the right machine for the job.
2. Use a wool-safe detergent and cool water – make sure the detergent you use does not contain any bleach, or you will ruin your mug. Also, be sure that you’re using cool water, or you will damage the wool in seconds. 
3. Work very quickly – work quickly and carefully to ensure that no spots on the rug get flooded. Do this as evenly and quickly as you can manage.
4. Dry the rug as much as possible – hopefully you got a machine that allows you to run it “dry”. This means that no water and solution will be released as it works, allowing you to only suck up the water in the rug. Do this several times to get as much water out as possible. If you haven’t got a machine that does this, you will need to use clean towels to get as much water out as possible. 
5. Dry the rug again using airflow –  now you have to leave your rug to dry naturally. Hang the rug over something so that it dries faster, and try to create as much airflow as possible (use fans if you need to). If it’s breezy or windy outside, put your rug outside where it won’t be blown away if possible. 

Removing Stains From A Wool Rug

There are some key things to remember when it comes to removing stains:

• Be gentle
• No bleach
• Don’t rub stains into the wool
• Allow mud to dry
• Dab any stain remover on
• Try using baking soda

How Often Should A Wool Rug be Cleaned?

It’s usually recommended that you clean your wool rug every month. However, you don’t need to do the full cleanup every month. A regular beating and vacuum should be more than enough cleaning until you start to notice visible dirty spots. 

Final Thoughts

Cleaning a wool rug is a lot easier than you may have initially thought! There are rules and regulations to follow, but the whole process is easy. As long as you use cool water and non-bleach based cleaners, you should have an easy time! 

It is essential that you limit the amount of water that you use to clean your rug, too. These rugs are usually slow driers, which allows mold to grow and become a big issue.

Limit water use, and always hang your rug over something to try properly instead of laying it out flat on the ground.

The post How To Clean A Wool Rug appeared first on Ryalux.

Although there’s a variety of products you can use to eliminate fleas, not everyone wants to rely on manufactured products.

If you don’t want to introduce toxic chemicals into your home, you may want to consider using a natural remedy to tackle your infestation. 

Whether it’s flea traps or repelling plants, stick with us to learn more about the natural, DIY remedies that you can use to quickly eliminate your infestation. 

1: Diatomaceous Earth And Lemon 

Diatomaceous earth is a powder made from the fossilized remains of small, aquatic algae called diatoms. This sand-like powder has long been considered an effective treatment for flea infestations.

When applied to the affected area, diatomaceous earth can dry out the fleas and cause them to die. 

• To use diatomaceous earth for a flea infestation, start by vacuuming the affected carpet. The vibrations of your vacuum will cause the fleas to become active, which makes them easier to suck up. Once you’ve finished, tie up your vacuum bag and dispose of it immediately, so none of the fleas escape.
• Once you’ve finished, begin sprinkling a generous amount of diatomaceous earth over your carpet. Leave it for around 4 hours, and then use a vacuum to clean up the remains.
• Once you’ve sucked up the remaining powder, chop up a lemon and boil it with a pint of water. Once the solution has cooled, you can transfer it to a spray bottle and start spraying your carpet. Fleas are naturally deterred by citrus scents.
• Now, add drops of rosemary and citronella to a separate spray bottle with filtered water. Then, spray your carpet again to act as another deterrent. 

2: Flea Repelling Plants 

Plants can also be an effective natural way to deter fleas. Believe it or not, many common plants irritate fleas.

These insects have an incredibly strong sense of smell – although this is one of their biggest strengths, you can use it to your advantage by introducing plants that irritate and deter them. 

Some of the most popular plants used to repel fleas include: 

• Lemongrass
• Catnip 
• Mint
• Lavender 
• Bay laurel 
• Flebane daisy 
• Sage
• Oregano

If you don’t want to introduce a full plant to your home, you can simply place extracts of any of these repellents around your home.

We’d recommend focusing on dark corners and under furniture, as these areas are hotspots for fleas. 

Many of these plants also deter other pests such as spiders and flies – so, if your home is also a hotspot for unwanted bugs, these plants may be a great way to deter them while tackling your flea infestation at the same time. 

Although plants can be an effective deterrent, ensure they’re safe for your pets.

We also wouldn’t recommend solely relying on plants to tackle your infestation; this method works best when used in combination with other natural flea treatments. 

3: Light Traps  

Here’s one you might not have heard of before – light traps. Fleas are attracted to heat and light; if you can lure them with a light trap, it’ll be an effective way to handle your infestation. 

You can make your own light trap at home with a light and a bowl of soapy water.

Suspend a bright light above your bowl – to lure fleas, we’d recommend flashing it every now and again to trick the fleas into thinking that their host is nearby and moving. 

Once the fleas notice the light, they’ll start to move toward it and jump in the bowl of soapy water.

The soapy water will congeal around the fleas, making it hard for them to escape. Do this method several times to draw out large numbers of fleas from your carpets. 

4: Steam Cleaning

If you already own a steam cleaner for your carpets (Also check out Which Is The Best Rental Carpet Cleaner?), you may just be looking at your number one flea elimination tool!

Steam cleaning is an effective way to kill fleas in the environment. However, if you plan on using insecticides or other natural remedies, always steam clean your carpets first.

Steam cleaning your carpets after application can reduce the efficacy of your insecticides or other natural methods. 

Steam cleaners are naturally more effective at removing bugs and debris from carpets than traditional vacuums, and they’re often used to remove and kill fleas at all stages of their life cycles. 

Not only are steam cleaners more powerful, but their high temperatures are lethal to fleas – once they’re disturbed and exposed to the steam, they’re unlikely to survive the extreme temperatures. 

Although steam cleaning is an effective control method, it’s unlikely to completely end an infestation.

It’s a great way to remove fleas from your environment, but as many fleas live on their hosts, you’ll also need to treat your pet to get the situation under control. 

5: Boric Acid 

Boric acid is a compound of oxygen, hydrogen, and boron that is an effective control treatment for a number of pests and insects. A boric acid solution can also help treat your flea infestation. 

Boric acid is naturally dehydrating: when applied to your carpet, it will help dry out and suffocate the fleas. 

Although there’s not much scientific evidence on this topic, boric acid is believed to be effective at killing larvae, but it’s not as effective at killing adult fleas.

So, if you’re applying boric acid, it’s important to keep vacuuming your carpets regularly and use another natural flea treatment if you can. 

• To use boric acid, simply fill a shaker (prepare your own or buy one at your store) with two-thirds boric acid. Carefully sprinkle as much of the solution as you can over your affected carpet. Take care to sprinkle your boric acid in thin layers.
• Once you’re done, leave the boric acid to soak into your carpet for around two days. Then, vacuum your carpet to remove the boric acid and dead fleas. 

6: Use Salt 

Like boric acid, salt is another popular dehydration agent that can help eliminate adult fleas from your carpet.

Not only can salt help kill adult fleas, but it can also be used as a deterrent for future fleas once the infestation is removed. Using salt to tackle your infestation is simple: 

• Source some finely-ground salt, and sprinkle it over all of the affected carpets. 
• Leave the salt to sit in your carpets for two days – this will give it a chance to dehydrate and suffocate the fleas.
• After 1-2 days, vacuum each of the affected carpets. Remove your vacuum bag immediately and dispose of it outside to prevent any live fleas from escaping again in your house. 

7: Vinegar Spray 

First off, let us start by saying that vinegar WON’T kill fleas. 

However, if you’ve already treated your carpets and you want to deter any more fleas from making their home there, using vinegar spray is a great way to do it.

Fleas hate the smell of vinegar, and they’ll be unlikely to settle in your carpets if they can smell it. You can make your own vinegar spray at home by following the steps below: 

• Mix one part of vinegar and one part of water together, and mix them into a spray bottle. Shake the spray bottle up to disperse the solution. You can use either white vinegar or apple cider vinegar for this method.
• Now, spray your solution over the affected carpet. Focus on any specific problem areas or hotspots where your pet likes to spend the most time.
• Leave the solution to soak into the carpet, and it’ll deter fleas on its own. 

If you want to kill your fleas with vinegar spray, we recommend adding salt to the mix. Salt will naturally dehydrate and suffocate the fleas, while vinegar will prevent any more fleas from transferring from the host to your carpet. 

8: Baking Soda

Last but not least, we have baking soda. 

When mixed with salt, baking soda can create the ultimate dehydration formula that will kill any fleas living in your carpets.

Baking soda is believed to kill both larvae and eggs, which means you can tackle your infestation at the source, and prevent it from getting out of control. 

You’ll probably already have baking soda in your home, and it’s safe for both you and your pets. However, you’ll need a pretty large amount of baking soda to treat your carpets, so plan ahead, and stock up!

Here’s how to use baking soda to treat your carpets: 

• Mix an equal solution of salt and baking soda. We’d recommend mixing it in a canister or another device that makes it easy to sprinkle the solution over your carpets. 
• Once mixed, apply the solution generously to your carpets. Leave it to sit overnight so that it can suffocate and kill all the larvae and eggs in your carpet.
• In the morning, use your vacuum to clean up the solution and any affected fleas.
• Remove your vacuum bag immediately. Secure it tightly and dispose of it outside to prevent any fleas from escaping. 

Final Thoughts 

Flea infestations can be overwhelming and hard to control, especially if they’ve been left for some time to worsen. 

However, not every infestation requires store-bought chemical solutions. You probably already have many natural remedies in your home that can be used to kill fleas and prevent future infestations. 

So, if you want an effective natural remedy, feel free to use any of the suggestions above to bring your infestation under control, and make you and your pet comfortable again!

The post How To Kill Fleas In Carpet: 8 Natural DIY Remedies appeared first on Ryalux.

Luckily, you don’t need to panic when you get ink on your carpet. The truth is that this ink is quite simple to remove, so you don’t have to worry about the stain being permanent.

This step-by-step guide will get your carpet looking as good as new!

How To Get Ink Out Of Carpet

The exact method that you use will depend on which cleaning product you use (more on that later). However, this is a general guide to removing nasty ink stains from your gorgeous carpet:

1. Fill a bucket or bowl with warm water. 
2. Using a damp cloth, attempt to remove the stain. Ensure that you dab the stain, as attempting to brush against it may just cause the ink to spread. 
3. You should be able to remove water-based ink stains with this method alone. However, if the ink remains, you will need to use a stronger cleaning solution. We have listed our top picks in the section below.

What Are The Best Cleaning Solutions?

Now that you know the correct method for getting rid of these pesky stains, you will need to consider what product you are going to use.

Each of these products will need to be used slightly differently, so it’s important to consider what works best for you!

The good news is that many of these ink-removing cleaning solutions are general household cleaning products. Therefore, you won’t have to spend time and effort sourcing niche cleaning items. 

Here are some of the top products for saying goodbye to ink:

Commercial Carpet Cleaner

These products are specifically designed for cleaning carpets. They usually contain strong chemicals that will be powerful enough to get rid of the ink.

Every brand is different, so it is recommended that you follow the instructions on the packaging.

Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol is one of the best carpet cleaners out there (Also check out Which Is The Best Rental Carpet Cleaner?). It can remove a wide assortment of stains, including ink, wine, and coffee (Check out How To Get Coffee Stains Out Of Carpet).

The great thing about rubbing alcohol is that it will not discolor the carpet, unlike many other cleaning solutions. 

Pour a little bit of rubbing alcohol onto a dry cloth. Dab at the stain until the ink begins to disappear.

Afterward, wipe the carpet with a damp cloth to get rid of any remaining rubbing alcohol. If you don’t have rubbing alcohol on-hand, isopropyl alcohol instead.

Shaving Cream

The idea of spreading shaving cream on a carpet may sound a bit odd, but trust us, it works. It works particularly well on permanent ink. So if you have a can of shaving cream in your bathroom, why not give it a try?!

All you have to do is rub some shaving cream onto the stained area. Be sure to properly penetrate the carpet so that the ink is fully removed. 

Leave the shaving cream on the carpet for approximately one hour. Once this time has passed, simply wipe the cream away and wash the area to get rid of any lingering shaving cream.

Hairspray

Like shaving cream, hair spray is another common toiletry that can be used to combat these irritating ink stains.

Preferably, you should use an alcohol-based hairspray, as they are particularly good at fending off stains that have been caused by ballpoint pens.

The alcohol found in hairspray products makes it a sensational solution to these oil-based inks. The downside of this technique is that hairspray brands are using increasingly less alcohol in their products.

To remove the ink, you can spray the affected area with hairspray. It is not the best idea to rub the stain, as this could cause it to spread.

Alternatively, you may wish to put a paper towel on the carpet. This way, the towel will absorb the ink when you spray it.

Just bear in mind that your carpet may smell like hairspray afterward, so it might be worth giving it a thorough clean to eliminate this odor.

Dish Soap

Dish soap is a great cleaning product. However, it may not be the optimal product for permanent or harsh ink stains.

Yet, if your carpet has been stained by water-based ink, you can wash it away with dish soap. To use this solution, simply mix dish soap with some warm water.

Using a cloth or sponge, dab at the carpet until you begin to get some results.

Bleach

Bleach is one of the strongest cleaning products out there. You must bear in mind that you can only use bleach on white carpets.

This is because it can discolor the carpet, thus turning it white. This won’t be a problem for a carpet that is already white.

When using bleach, you must wear gloves and take steps to protect your skin, as bleach can be harmful.

Using a paper towel, swab at the ink stain to remove as much as you can. Once you are satisfied, wash your carpet with water to remove lingering bleach. 

WD-40

WD-40 is a handy oil that can be used to remove the ink. This is because it will cause the oil in the ink to break down.

Spray a can of WD-40 on the carpet and wait for a few minutes. After this time has passed, clean this spray from your carpet with a cloth that has been dampened in soapy water. Use a paper towel to get rid of any remaining ink from your carpet.

Final Thoughts

As a homeowner, your first instinct may be to panic when somebody spills ink on your lovely carpet. But with some water, a little cleaning product, and some elbow grease, you can get rid of even persistent ink stains!

The great thing about this solution is that there are loads of different products that you can try, many of which you likely already have in your home.

The post How To Get Ink Out Of Carpet appeared first on Ryalux.

If you have, we’re sure that you’ll be keen to begin using it in order to transform your carpets back to the pristine condition they were in when you first purchased them.

The only question is, how do you use it exactly?

If you’re currently wondering how to use your Rug Doctor Carpet Cleaner, you’ve come to the right place.

In this guide, we are going to be giving you a complete walkthrough of how you can not only use your Rug Doctor Carpet Cleaner correctly – but also how to get the very best performance from it, too.

You know what to do, just keep on scrolling!

How To Prepare Your Carpet

In order to make sure that you get the very best results from your Rug Doctor Carpet Cleaner, it is important that you are making sure you are preparing your carpets prior to cleaning it. 

So, in order to ensure that you get optimal results from your carpet cleaning solution, let’s take a look at what you’ll need to do beforehand:

Remove Furniture And Ventilate

First things first, before you even think about cleaning your carpet – you are first going to need to make sure that you have removed any furniture and other items that might be present on the carpet that you wish to clean.

By making sure to remove all of the furniture, you will ensure that there are no obstructions in the way of cleaning your carpet. This includes furniture and items such as coffee (Check out How To Get Coffee Stains Out Of Carpet) tables, rugs, sofas and more.

Along with removing furniture and other items, you are also going to need to make sure that you are ventilating the room in which you will be cleaning the carpet.

If you have windows, you should open them, and if you are able to we also recommend that you use a fan.

Vacuum Away Surface Debris

After you have cleared away furniture and ventilated the room you will be cleaning the carpet in, you will then need to go ahead and vacuum your carpet in order to get rid of surface debris.

If you do not make sure that you remove debris, dust and other unwanted dirt from the carpet prior to deep cleaning it – the Rug Doctor Carpet Cleaner will be unable to deeply clean your carpet. 

Apply A Pre-Treatment

While this final step is not necessary, we do recommend that you consider this – especially if you happen to have quite stubborn stains or deep grime that you would like to live away from the fibers of your carpet!

Rug Doctor offers a variety of pre-treatment products that you can consider using prior to using your carpet cleaner, and will offer a deeper cleaning action than if you were to only use the Rug Doctor Carpet Cleaner alone. 

How To Prepare Your Rug Doctor Carpet Cleaner

Once your carpet is ready to be cleaned, you will then be ready to go ahead and prepare your cleaning solution!

To do this correctly, you will need a bucket, a Rug Doctor machine as well as your Rug Doctor Carpet Cleaner.

To prepare your solution, all you will need to do is simply opt to remove the white recovery  tank in the front of the machine, and then remove the tank by unclipping the black wire that is holding it in place.

Take the bucket and fill it with nine liters of hot water, before then pouring 150ml of your Rug Doctor Carpet Detergent into the red bottom tank located in your Rug Doctor machine.

After you have done all of this, you will then need to pour some more hot water directly into the red base tank until you can see that it has reached the halfway line.

Then, replace the white recovery tank back into the machine and ensure that it has been securely fastened with the black wire that you have previously removed.

Using Your Rug Doctor Carpet Cleaner: Step-By-Step Instructions

Now that you have prepared both the carpet that you would like to clean as well as the Rug Doctor Carpet Cleaner – you will then be ready to begin using it. Follow the instructions below:

1. First things first, adjust the machine’s handle so that it is comfortable for you to use. You can do this via your handle release lever.
2. Next, you can go ahead and plug the machine into a nearby plug socket.
3. When you’re ready to begin using the machine and carpet cleaner (Also check out Which Is The Best Rental Carpet Cleaner?), you can go ahead and press the switch to “On.”
4. Before you begin using your machine, we recommend that you tilt the machine backwards slightly and test the spray applicator to ensure that it is releasing the cleaning solution correctly. 
5. After you have tested the machine and you are ready to continue, you can then go ahead and apply consistent pressure to the red “spray” button, walking backwards slowly in order to clean the entirety of the carpet. 
6. Continue until all of the carpet has been cleaned, then leave to dry.

Final Thoughts

You’ve made it to the end!

All in all, the Rug Doctor Carpet Cleaner is a fantastic cleaning solution that will be able to effectively deep clean your carpet, all while being able to help remove any unwanted stains (You might want to check out How To Get Ink Out Of Carpet), too.

Now that you have taken the time to read through all of the above, we hope that we have been able to help you learn how to use your Rug Doctor Carpet Cleaner, as well as how to get the most out of it.

By making sure to follow the steps and guidance that we have provided you with above, we’re sure that you’ll be able to transform your carpet back to pristine condition in no time at all.

Thank you for reading, goodbye for now.

The post How To Use Rug Doctor Carpet Cleaner: The Ultimate Guide! appeared first on Ryalux.

As their name suggests, carpet beetles can infest our carpets and often feed on other items in the home made from wool, leather, silk, and more.

Although their damage looks similar to that caused by clothes moths, these insects are vastly different.

If you’ve spotted carpet beetles in your home, or you suspect they may be responsible for the damage you’ve noticed in your furnishings, you probably have a lot of questions.

Can carpet beetles bite? Are they dangerous to my health? How do I get rid of them?

Stick with us to find the answers to all of these questions and more. 

What Are Carpet Beetles? 

Carpet beetles are small, oval-shaped beetles that infest our carpets and cause damage to our homes. When we say small, we’re not lying! Carpet beetles are between 1/16 – ⅛-inch, making them notoriously tricky to spot.  

Not all carpet beetles look the same. There are between 500-700 species of beetle; most have various patterns on their back, which can be orange, yellow, brown, or white. 

Female beetles lay approximately 50-100 eggs in their chosen spots, so your infestation can spread fast without quick action.

Although some of their breeding sites can be obvious, others are more secluded. However, many carpet beetles like to breed in fabrics like wool, or they can gather near air vents and ducts. 

Most carpet beetle larvae feast on animal-based materials, such as fur and wool. They’ll often destroy items of clothing such as coats and sweaters, but they can even attach pillows, blankets, and rugs. 

Carpet beetles tend to attack the fabric folds of these items first. So, if you’ve noticed a rug with suspiciously frayed corners, or clothes with new holes in the creases, there’s a strong risk that carpet beetles are making themselves comfortable in your home. 

Although their damage looks similar to the destruction of clothes moths, carpet beetles have also been known to feast on pet food, seeds, and cereals.

Anything plant-based (including your food) risks attracting these insects. They can be found anywhere in your home, and if the infestation has spread, this can make management difficult. 

Can Carpet Beetles Affect Your Health? 

Although these small, pesky insects are a destructive nuisance, they’re relatively harmless to both humans and pets. 

Although they’re considered harmless insects, if your infestation multiplies rapidly, the risks to your health can advance. These insects can be particularly frustrating for homeowners with asthma. 

Carpet beetles are covered in small feathers; when they shed, these small feathers can become airborne. This can cause breathing problems in some people, but especially those with asthma. 

Although it’s rare, some people can also have allergic reactions to the allergens shed by carpet beetles, which can appear as a raised and itchy rash when their irritants come into contact with the skin. 

Unfortunately, dermatological conditions caused by carpet beetles are not uncommon.

Although they’re not usually dangerous, they can be irritating for the sufferer. Some common dermatological conditions caused by carpet beetles can include: 

• Pruritus 
• Papular urticaria 
• Dermatitis 

Medical experts agree that the Anthrenus Verbasci species of carpet beetle can be the most dangerous for humans.

This species is considered the most destructive of all carpet beetles, and they’re responsible for most dermatological conditions caused by these insects. 

If you have a carpet beetle infestation and you’ve recently developed a dermatological condition, it might be more than a coincidence.

We’d recommend visiting your doctor for more advice. Dealing with your infestation should also be a top priority, and we’ll provide more advice on how to do this later in the article. 

Do Carpet Beetles Bite? 

Although carpet beetles are considered harmless, there’s a possibility that they can irritate our skin and cause allergic reactions in some people. But do they present any other dangers to our health, and can they bite us?

The good news is that carpet beetles are NOT poisonous, and they don’t tend to bite humans. However, if you have an allergic reaction to carpet beetles, you may develop a rash, lumps, or bumps, which can be commonly mistaken for bites. 

Although they don’t bite, carpet beetles can still transmit germs. When their feathers are shed, the airborne fibers can cause respiratory, skin, and eye irritation. 

However, some of the biggest risks come when carpet beetles gain access to our food.

For example, if carpet beetles infest food, they will leave behind traces of saliva and excrement, which, if ingested, could pose serious risks to our health. 

If you suspect that carpet beetles may have infested your food, dispose of all exposed food sources immediately. 

Bed Bugs Vs. Carpet Beetles: The Differences 

If you’ve never seen bed bugs or carpet beetles before, it can be tough to know the differences.

These two pests often get confused, but to tackle your infestation correctly, you’ll need to know exactly what insect you’re dealing with. Thankfully, a few clues can help you tell the two apart. 

First off, carpet beetles and bed bugs do NOT feed on the same things. If you have a bed bug infestation, you’ll know about it pretty quickly.

Bed bugs love to feed on humans: we are their hosts, so you’ll see plenty of bites on your skin. If you’re often getting bitten in bed, there’s a good chance that bed bugs are to blame. 

On the other hand, we are not hosts for carpet beetles. Although they feed on dead skin, they’re not attracted to living skin and don’t bite.

This is why your materials like hair, fur, wool, and other plant-based items are the primary targets for carpet beetles. 

Although it’s possible to have an infestation of both pests at the same time, it’s unlikely. However, having a bed bug infestation does increase your risk of developing a carpet beetle infestation.

This is because carpet beetles love to feast on other dead insects: so, if you have the remains of bed bugs in your home, carpet beetles will be attracted to your property, and you’ll be at risk of infestation. 

To help you improve your spot the difference game, here are a few more notable differences between carpet beetles and bed bugs: 

• Carpet beetles can fly (yes, really!), but bed bugs can’t. 
• Bed bugs are bigger than carpet beetles. They also resemble apple seeds and have a slightly different shape from carpet beetles. 
• Because humans are hosts for bed bugs, they’ll often stay close to their victims. Bed bugs will be found in clothing and in your bed. However, carpet beetles are often found in your carpets, in closets where clothing has been stored for a while, and even in cavities, air ducts, and chimneys. These are uncommon places for bed bugs to dwell. 

How To Deal With Carpet Beetles

If you have a carpet beetle infestation, don’t ignore it. Without quick action, your infestation can multiply, and these invaders will quickly set up camp all throughout your home.

As we’ve learned, carpet beetles aren’t just a risk to your fabrics, but they can also cause skin and respiratory irritation. So it’s in your best interests to tackle an infestation at the first signs, but how? 

Getting rid of carpet beetles can be difficult without a professional pest controller. However, it’s not impossible.

If you’re looking for both professional and natural remedies to deal with the issue, we’ve compiled this list of some of the most effective methods you can use. 

Natural Remedies

Here are the most popular natural tips and remedies to treat carpet beetles: 

Vacuum

Your vacuum is your best friend. If you’ve noticed an infestation, it’s important to vacuum your home regularly. Tidy homes are less likely to attract pests!

Don’t just vacuum your carpet; you should also be focusing on other items such as rugs and upholstered furniture: anywhere that carpet beetles can dwell should be at the top of your list. 

We’d also recommend vacuuming your curtains. Take the effort to clean hard-to-reach areas, too – areas that aren’t frequently disturbed can be hotspots for carpet beetles. 

If you’re dealing with a pretty big infestation, you should be vacuuming daily. At a minimum, you should be vacuuming once a week – however, the less you vacuum, the less chance you have of eliminating your infestation. 

Steam Cleaner 

Steam cleaners are a brilliant tool to tackle all sorts of infestations, and they’re just as effective on carpet beetles, too.

So if you have thick, shaggy rugs, or upholstered furnishings that are difficult to hoover, your steam cleaner can help you access those tricky areas. 

Carpet beetles are unlikely to survive the extreme heat emitted by your steamer. Steam cleaners also tend to be more powerful than vacuums. In short, these tools are one of the best things you can use to tackle your infestation! 

If you can, we’d recommend steaming your carpets and other furnishings at least once a week for the best results. 

Boric Acid 

Boric acid is one of the most popular natural flea treatments out there, and it can also help eliminate your carpet beetles. 

Boric acid is naturally dehydrating. When applied to affected areas, boric acid will dry out your carpet beetles and cause them to suffocate, putting a swift end to your infestation. 

Here’s how to use boric acid for your carpet beetle infestation: 

• Mix 1 tbsp of boric acid with two cups of hot water. Add them to a spray bottle, and mix together until fully dissolved.
• Once the mixture is dissolved, carefully spray any problem areas, such as carpets, curtains, sofas, dark corners, skirting boards, and air ducts.
• Leave your boric acid mixture to settle into your furnishings, and do its job. 

Note: Boric acid is pretty strong stuff. If you’re treating a room, it’s best to keep your windows wide open for ventilation. Keep yourself, your family, and your pets out of the treated room for several hours to avoid irritation. 

Wash Everything

If you’ve got large numbers of carpet beetles dwelling in your home, you’ll need to take every measure possible to prevent them from multiplying. Washing everything is one of the best things you can do. 

Once you’ve steamed, vacuumed, and sprayed your carpet, grab every washable fabric that you can and wash it at a high temperature with plenty of detergent.

This can include curtains, bedding, clothing, washable rugs, and more. If you have fabrics that can’t be put in the washing machine, wash them by hand in hot water.  

Have A Clear Out 

Not all carpet beetle dwellings are easy to spot. However, if you’ve noticed larvae living in your favorite coat or jumper, it’s best to throw it out. 

You might think that you can treat the problem by just washing the affected clothing, but if you’re dealing with a large infestation, it’s not worth the risk – especially if the carpet beetles are already munching through your fabrics. 

It may be tough to say goodbye to your fabrics, but if you’ve noticed several carpet beetles making their home there, throw them away quickly to prevent the infestation from spreading. 

Diatomaceous Earth 

You might have already heard of this powder as a natural flea treatment, but it can also work on your carpet beetles, too. 

Diatomaceous earth is a natural powder that’s made from fossilized diatoms (aquatic creatures). Its ingredients work as a natural pesticide, making it the ideal natural remedy for your carpet beetle infestation. 

Like boric acid, this powder works by drying out and suffocating the carpet beetles. To treat your carpets with diatomaceous earth, simply sprinkle a liberal amount over your affected fabrics, leave it for a few hours, and vacuum it up. 

Remember to dispose of your vacuum bag immediately after cleaning to prevent any live beetles from escaping and re-infesting your home.

Make sure you apply your powder to any hard-to-reach areas, too, as these can be attractive places for carpet beetles to dwell. 

Professional Remedies

If you’ve exhausted all natural remedies, or you simply want something a little stronger to handle your infestation, here are some of the most effective professional remedies you can try: 

Insecticide 

Although insecticides are often a last resort, they’re an incredibly effective option – especially for large infestations. 

Insecticides are available at most grocery stores, pet stores, and online retailers.

Insecticides can be sprayed directly onto your problem areas, such as carpets, rugs, and curtains, and their formulations are designed to either kill or deter insects – or both. 

There are many insecticides to choose from. Some use more eco-friendly, natural ingredients, while others use more powerful chemicals to tackle the issue. 

Whichever insecticide you choose, you’ll be making a great investment – as the name suggests, insecticides can treat all sorts of insect infestations. So, if you’ve been plagued by an influx of spiders or flies, an insecticide can eliminate them, too. 

Remember: insecticides can contain extremely harmful chemicals and should be used with caution. Always read the manufacturer’s advice and wear protective clothing before using an insecticide. 

Professional Pest Controller 

If your carpet beetle infestation feels too overwhelming to manage, it may be best to call in a pest controller.

This is the best option if carpet beetles have now infested multiple rooms, they’re noticeably visible on your furnishings or causing you extreme physical irritation. 

A professional pest controller (sometimes called an exterminator) is trained to find the source of the infestation and treat it professionally.

Exterminators are well trained and experienced and will have access to incredibly high-strength chemicals that you might not be able to get at your local store.

They can also give you advice on how to prevent future infestations from occurring. 

Although this is a more expensive option, it’s worth it if you have a large infestation that you’ve been unable to eliminate with other treatments. 

However, due to the strength of the chemicals, you should be prepared to leave your home for several hours (or even a whole day), depending on the severity of the infestation, to avoid exposure to harmful chemicals. 

How To Prevent Carpet Beetle Infestations 

Dealing with an infestation is one thing, but how do you prevent carpet beetles from re-entering your home?

Thankfully, there are many ways to protect you and your property against another invasion. To keep carpet beetles out of your home, you should:

• Carefully inspect your property for any noticeable holes, cracks, cavities, or other entry points. If you can, we’d recommend sealing these up with a high-quality sealant to prevent carpet beetles from coming in. Take care around cables and pipes when using a sealant. 
• Keep your home as clean as possible. Vacuum regularly to prevent build-ups of dust, and keep your countertops clean from dirt and leftovers. The cleaner your home, the less risk of infestation.
• Don’t leave open food out on the counter. Where possible, always store your food in sealed packages or air-tight containers, and keep it away from your countertops. Remember, carpet beetles are also attracted to food, so don’t take the risk!
• If you can, attach mesh screens to your windows to prevent carpet beetles and other bugs from coming in. These screens will also allow you to keep your windows open, so you don’t have to worry about getting too hot in the summer.
• Carpet beetles love to dwell in dark corners, so let as much natural light into your rooms as possible.
• Regularly inspect any dark or damp corners in your home, and keep them free of dust. When you vacuum or steam your home, pay extra attention to these areas, as they’re often hotspots for carpet beetles and other bugs.
• If you’re introducing new plants into your home, inspect them first to make sure they’re free of any pests. Believe it or not, this is a common way for carpet beetles to gain entry into homes, so do a thorough inspection outside before bringing your plants in. 

Facts About Carpet Beetles You Need To Know 

The three most common species of carpet beetles are: 

• Furniture Carpet Beetle: These have an oval-shaped body and are roughly 2.5mm in length. The furniture carpet beetle is often white, black, or yellow.
• Black Carpet Beetle: These beetles are slightly bigger, at approximately 3-5mm long. They’re either black or dark brown, which can make them difficult to spot on dark furnishings.
• Varied Carpet Beetle: The varied carpet beetle is between 2-3mm long, and it usually has a yellow and brown upper body with irregular dark stripes and distinctive white scales. These beetles have wings. 

Unlike most pests, adult carpet beetles aren’t the most destructive – it’s their larvae. The larvae are the ones that feed on soft furnishings and will attack anything from your carpets to your sofa.

Carpet beetle larvae can also survive for up to several weeks without food, making them difficult to manage. 

Final Thoughts 

Carpet beetles are a nuisance, and although they can cause irritation, they don’t bite. 

However, carpet beetles can still destroy your furnishings and cause allergic reactions, so it’s important to deal with an infestation as soon as it takes hold. 

If you think carpet beetles have invaded your home, treat the affected areas as soon as possible, and visit a doctor if you think you’re experiencing an allergic reaction.

The post Do Carpet Beetles Bite? Everything You Need To Know About Carpet Beetles appeared first on Ryalux.

And let me tell you this, far too many carpet casualties have resulted in my home from such a furious feud. I don’t know exactly what my beautiful and costly carpets have done or said to warrant such wrath.

But the cats definitely seemed to be winning. Each room with carpet had been scratched, tugged, ripped, and ruined. It was so frustrating. 

I had all the stretching posts, all the toys, the distractions. And nope. Nothing. Until one day, I changed my carpets to something that not even the claws of my kitty’s seemed to be able to damage. My new carpet – 1. Cat’s – 0. 

If you’ve got cats, and you are desperate to keep your carpet looking pristine and perfect, then you’re going to want to opt for one of the following materials: polyester, nylon, berber, or frieze.

All of these are stain-resistant (even the most well-behaved kitties have an accident from time to time) and more importantly – they’re claw-proof. And thankfully, they’re surprisingly inexpensive too! 

4 Best Cat Carpets

Carpet consideration must be taken much more seriously when you have feline friends frolicking around your home. For example, picking looped carpets is a big no-no, think flashing red lights and warning bells.

Not good. Looped carpets are perfect for your cat to snag, scratch, and pull, but aren’t great for any pawrent that wants a neat and tidy home. 

You’re going to want a material that is going to be stain-proof and claw-proof. Most cats will spit up, go wee wee’s, or even the dreaded number 2 on your carpet from time to time. Accidents happen. Our babies get poorly.

While you can clear all of that away, you also want to be sure that there isn’t a stubborn stain left behind. And then, we know how pesky cats and those claws can be. Claw-proof carpets are a no-brainer really. 

Hydrophobic Carpet From Polyester

This synthetic carpet is always a smash hit with cat pawrents since the material quite literally repels liquid. This is perfect because it helps you to avoid stains which can be all too common with cats. 

Quite a few carpets are now treated for stain resistance. Some of them are solution-dyed, and what this means is that rather than the color just being on the surface, it fully penetrates the fiber. Solution-dying is a really effective way to keep your carpet stain protected. 

A solution-dyed polyester fiber carpet is a perfect option for owners of cats. It won’t get damaged by your pets, nie and softt, and isn’t even that expensive.

And what’s great is that it is also envriomentally friendly since it is typically made from recycled materials such as plastic bottles. 

Wear-Resistant Carpet From Nylon

Now, I’ll rip the bandaid off straight away; nylon fiber is expensive. In fact, it’ll cost you more than any other synthetic carpet on the market.

I’ll hold my hands up to this one, it won’t be for everyone, but it may soften the blow to know that it is still much cheaper than wool carpet  (You might want to check out How To Clean A Wool Rug) prices. 

But this carpet is the perfect example of you get what you pay for. It is well known for being one of the most durable synthetic carpets on the market, so it will be a fierce competitor against those catclaws. Your carpet will definitely win that battle. 

Now in terms of stain protection, nylon fiber could be a lot better. However, treated nylon is a stain protection dream. If you have treated nylon as your carpet material, then you won’t have to live with constant reminders of the last time your little kitty couldn’t quite make it to the litter. 

If being eco-freindly is important to you, you’ll also be happy to learn that nylon carpets are becoming increasingly more recyclable. They are made from old worn-out carpets or other recycled materials. 

Cost-Effective & Stain-Resistant Berber Carpet

I know what you’re probably thinking. Berber carpet has loops? The dreaded loops, the very things I told you to associate with warning bells and red flashing lights.

Well, every rule has its exceptions, right? Berber carpet does have loops, but they are very tight. The quality of thee material is also so good and strong that claws can’t really snag it.

Your cat will have to have been sneaking off and  putting some serious hours in at the gym when your let them out to have found the force to unravel these loops. 

This is a great carpet option because it has everything that you’re really looking for in a cat-friendly carpet. It’s stain resistant, it can’t snag, it’s durable, and it’s fairly cheap. 

Easy To Maintain Carpet From Frieze

You may have heard this type of carpet be referred to as the twist. This carpet is good for hiding dirt, stains, and grime. The thick, twisted, ,and curly fibers of the carpet help to conceal anything, shall we say undesirable. 

As far as carpets go, it’s pretty low-maintance and it’s pretty durable. It’s a good option for those with stubborn cats who just refuse to stop scratching the carpet. Scarching these strands won’t cause any major issues since they can’t snag it or pul out whole threads. 

Why Do Cats Enjoy Scratching Your Carpet So Much?

You may be wondering whether your kitty has some personal vendetta against your carpet, or even you, since all that damage comes out of your pocket. Because one thing is for sure, cats love to scratch and snag at them all the time. 

But there is actual a reason why they do this. In face, there’s several. The first reason is just a matter of instinct really. You cat likes to sharpen their claws and your carpet is the perfect place to do so. The second reason, contrary to what some may have you believe, is that cats can be pretty needy.

If they feel like your not giving them the love and affection that they so obviously deserve, they’ll do something to draw your attention to them. Snagging your carpet is one of the ways they’ll do this.

And lastly, sometimes cats will use scratching as a form of communication. So try and pay attention to what they’re doing, as they may be trying to let you know something. 

How To Save The Carpet From Cat Claws

The very first thing you need to do is accept that cats will scratch. There’s no way to erradicate that behaviour, and so you need to focus on redirecting it. That beautiful carpet of yours will be ruined if you don’t have a scratching post available for your kitty to claw at. 

You’ll also need to spend the time creating a designated play area for your little one. Having a zone where they know it is okay to play means that you can contain the damage to one area.

You’ll need to fill it full of alternative activities for them – lots of toys and interactive items. You should also spend some specific play time with them. 

Final Thoughts

Protecting your carpet from your kitty cat is a universal experience for any cat owner, so don’t worry you’re not alone. And now, you know the secrets to beat those cat claws and give your carpet the advantage in that particular battle. 

You just need a claw-proof carpet that is fairly stain resistant. Then you’re on your way to a scratch and stain free carpet (You might want to check out How To Get Ink Out Of Carpet). Of course, don’t just rely on the material of your carpet.

Always ensure that you have fresh and clean litter available (one litter per cat) to reduce the likelihood of accidents. Then ensure you have a designated play area to contain the damage to one area. And never ever underestimate the usefulness of a great scratching post. 

And that’s all from me, I wish you luck with your redecorating and hope you find the perfect carpet for your home. And, of course, I wish you well and hope that this advice helps end the Great Battle of Cat vs Carpet.

The post Best Carpet For Cats (4 Types) appeared first on Ryalux.

Many people might already be aware of this problem: After getting a new carpet fitted, sometimes after stepping on it, you’ll hear a faint squeaking noise, as the underside of the carpet rubs against the floor underneath it.

This is a result of poor or quick workmanship and is often a problem that occurs when corners are cut for money or time-saving reasons and can prop up in cases of carpeting alongside other issues like carpet rippling, or over and under hanging amounts of carpet.

If this problem has happened to you with your latest carpet refitting recently, then you’ll want to keep reading this guide, to see what can be done to solve this problem.

Flooring Underneath Your Carpeting

Generally speaking, the subfloor underneath your carpet is usually made from some kind of plywood, although other wood-based building materials are also often employed, such as OSM board, particle board, or simply good old-fashioned wood.

As we’ve already briefly mentioned, the main reason that squeaky flooring under your carpet occurs is due to a poorly fitted carpet being placed over an equally poorly fitted subfloor as well.

Broken/No Joists

Generally speaking, squeaking occurs underneath your carpet and can happen when the joists that hold your carpet fastened to your floor start to wear and stretch out.

With no way to keep your carpets in place, it becomes much easier for simple motions like stepping to cause the carpet to move against the flooring, causing the sound of carpet squeaking under your feet.

The problem with the joist becoming loosened in many of these cases is that often, the joists are fastened down using nails.

While this works for a short-term project, as the wood is fastened into ages, it can shrink slightly if not treated properly, causing the nail to raise out of the wood, and potentially loosen the joist.

Solution

Fortunately, this issue has a relatively simple solution to it as well.

Instead of using a nail to keep a joist down underneath your carpet, using a screw that will have much more purchase will make it a tighter fit, keeping your joists secure for longer and avoiding squeaky floors.

Alternatively, making sure that your wood has been treated for aging correctly before attaching the joist can also reduce the issue of wood shrinkage over time.

Incorrect Padding

When it comes to carpeting, one aspect that many people often forget is the underside of their carpet. Not surprising, considering it is supposed to stay out of sight once it has been fitted.

The underside of fitted carpets, to avoid damage to it when it is walked on, usually also has some kind of padding that makes contact with the subfloor.

The padding also provides some extra cushioning for walking on it, making it more comfortable underfoot, as well as extending its usable life.

However, padding for carpeting is made from a variety of materials, some of which have some unintended consequences. Padding that is too thin for your home may end up leaving air pockets underneath, which can make a squeaking sound when stepped over.

Solution

Fortunately, the answer to this problem is relatively simple and can be done when first fitting the carpet.

Simply discuss your options with your carpet supplier or fitter, and they will be able to give you the best advice possible to prevent this issue from occurring.

Humidity & Temperature Under Your Floors

We have already touched on the topic of wood shrinkage in a previous section. However, this can occur for several reasons, outside simply not having it treated.

One of the biggest factors that can impact the condition of wood subflooring is temperature and humidity under the floor when it is fitted.

In drier conditions, with less moisture, wooden planks can contract and shrink, causing gaps to form between the fitted planks, which can squeak when they rub against each other

This is especially the case for a good deal of hardwood flooring, which can be particularly susceptible to the effects of changes in temperature between seasons, shrinking and expanding with the time of year, shrinking in the cold, and expanding as the heat of spring and summer roll around, deteriorating as a result.

Solutions

While this problem is hard to account for after installation, allowing your floorboards to acclimatize before fitting can help mitigate this problem.

Final Thoughts

So, whilst squeaky floors are a problem that no one wants to deal with, there are plenty of solutions that can help you out!

The post How To Deal With Squeaky Floors Under Your Carpets appeared first on Ryalux.

Not everything building-wise, of course. There are good reasons that we have rules and regulations for home design and building standards, after all!

Rather, when it comes to many of the dos and don’ts of interior design, the lines tend to be a little blurred. Take, for example, rugs and carpets.

Both of these floor furnishings are very popular to include in your home. But how should they be arranged when being used in the same room or together? Should it even be done, and you should stick to one or the other?

Well, that’s what we’ll explain in this little guide we have put together!

Can You Put An Area Rug Over Your Carpet Floor?

Well, there is nothing physically stopping you from using an area rug in your carpeted rooms. (Well, except maybe an awkward wall or room design, but you get our point!)

In terms of interior design, decoration is an incredibly subjective area that is personal to each individual, very much like an art form.

As such, the final say will likely fall on whoever owns the property, such as a landlord if you are renting, or simply yourself if you have bought it.

Why Use A Rug In A Carpeted Room?

There are plenty of reasons that you may want to add a rug to a room that already has a wall-to-wall carpet.

Rugs & Renters

For starters, rugs are a very popular decoration for renters to use, as it gives a personal touch to a living space that they may not otherwise be covered for when it comes to tampering with the property’s design.

Hiding Older Carpets

Not only that, but a rug is a good short-term decoration solution if you notice that parts or sections of your carpet are starting to look a little worn out.

When you can’t immediately start making plans to address this decorative issue, a rug is a sound stop-gap measure for keeping your space presentable until you can come up with a more permanent solution.

Personal Style

And of course, some people simply love the style options that using both rugs and carpets opens up for them!

As we said, interior design can be very subjective, and some people just want more decorative tools to work with (You might want to check out What Is The Use Of A Carpet Z Bar?).

Dos and Don’ts Of Rugs & Carpets

So, as we have established, rugs can be put to good use in a wall-to-wall carpet space. However, there are a few general principles (not hard rules) when it comes to using both of these features in your own home.

Texture Variety

This is a big one when it comes to designing your space.

One of the biggest pluses about both carpets and rugs is that they can come in a variety of materials, textures, and colors for you to pick and choose from.

So, having not only the same color for both of these furnishings, as well as the same texture, seems like a wasted opportunity for what is possible in the space.

Many people often opt for a short, dense carpet underneath, whilst having a longer and more luxurious rug on top, but this is by no means a universal rule.

So long as there is a little variety in how these two surfaces feel to touch and walk on, you’ll be solid.

Rug Ripples

Depending on the materials you choose for your rugs and carpets (Check out Carpets Vs Rugs: Which Is The Best Choice?), you may find that your rug slips and moves easily over your carpet, creating ripples in the design.

This doesn’t just look messy, but it can also be a pretty serious tripping hazard when not paying attention to it. So, make sure that you find a way to anchor your rug down along your carpet to avoid this!

Appropriately Sized Rug

This seems obvious, and that’s because it is. You don’t want a rug that is bigger or longer than your carpeted room, of course!

However, the reverse is also true. Having a small rug that just ‘floats’ in the middle of the room can create a weird effect on the aesthetic of a room.

It will look a little awkward like you felt that something ‘should’ be in that negative space, and simply slapped a rug on the floor, and called it a day.

We’re not saying that it will look slap-dashed or lazy… but it is kind of implied. So, make sure that you have accurate measurements for your room before deciding on rug size.

It should feel like a deliberate inclusion to a room, rather than a decoration for decoration’s sake.

No Patterns On Patterns

Part of the purpose of patterns, both for rugs and carpets, is that they create a sense of flow in your room that encourages a viewer’s eyes to follow it to other items in the room.

Having a pattern on both the rug AND carpet can mess with this visual design language, and just become disorientating to look at.

Although you can get away with an unpatterned rug on an unpatterned or patterned carpet, try and only use a patterned rug if your carpet is smooth or unpatterned.

Final Thoughts

Those are just some of our thoughts about rugs on carpets. Now, design away!

The post Dos & Don’ts Of Putting Rugs On Carpet appeared first on Ryalux.

It looks great, it adds tons of life to the room it’s being put in, and you’ve just finished laying it out. All that’s left to do now is to sit back, relax, and enjoy your new home furnishing.

Only one problem: Your dog has just entered the room, and they seem to be sniffing and inspecting the rug you have just brought in.

All of a sudden, you realize that a worst-case scenario might be starting to play out in front of you. If your dog pees on that rug, you can quickly say goodbye to that new item by feeling too it!

Or worse, the warranty that you may have as well!

Now, while you may have faith that your dog is pretty well-trained and wouldn’t normally do something like this, accidents still happen.

New smells often confuse dogs, or perhaps simply they weren’t able to get to a litter box or outside in time.

When situations like this arise, you need to take the necessary steps to keep your home and new rug fresh and new for longer.

Deterring Your Dogs With A Vinegar Solution

This is a very simple solution to get your dog to stay away from a new rug, as many people will have the necessary ingredients for this little trick.

It is a well-known fact that dogs have some of the strongest noses amongst mammals. They certainly have much stronger noses than humans, being up to 100 million more in some cases.

This also means that they will often notice even the faintest of scents.

So, this solution (as well as a few others on this list), uses this knowledge against them, by spraying the new rug with a powerful scent that will keep them away from an area or object.

In this case, the secret ingredient is vinegar!

Now, many people may not be keen on the idea of spraying strong vinegar on their carpets. However, even a watered-down vinegar-water solution will often do the trick.

Plus, because vinegar is acidic, and dog urine is alkaline, vinegar does an excellent job of neutralizing the smell of dog urine where they have peed too!

It’s a great preventative AND reactive measure when your dog does their business where it shouldn’t!

Using Commercial Dog Spray Repellents

This is a good option for those people that want a tailor-made product that will more assuredly stop dogs from peeing where they shouldn’t.

Most commercially available dog spray repellent will usually contain some chemical odors that dogs can’t stand, such as cayenne peppers, to keep your dog away from an area where this is sprayed.

Make sure that you use this liberally over this new carpet. One spray may not be enough to dissuade a dog from marking a carpet with its scent!

Use Lemon Juice To Deter Your Dog

We’ve all seen those videos and memes of dogs and puppies tasting lemon for the first time, and then recoiling in disgust.

Well, the principle is very similar to that of using vinegar. It is a strong, acidic liquid that dogs cannot stand with their sensitive noses and senses.

So, when mixed into a lemon-water solution, you’ll also find that it’s a great deterrent for dogs peeing on carpets too!

Plus, if you dislike the smell of vinegar, a lemon spray can also be a great way to add a nicer fresh smell to your home too!

Plus, just like vinegar, its acidic nature makes it great for tackling dog pee urine too, making it doubly effective for your cleaning needs!

Give Your Dog Plenty Of Litter Breaks While The Carpet Is New

This strategy relies on you benign near your dog more than others but is still a great idea regardless.

A new rug often also comes with a new, fresh smell that all new furniture often has.

This might be a nice or completely fine smell for people, for dogs, it can also be something new and unfamiliar, which can often make them a little uneasy.

So, to avoid your dog making a mess, make sure that you spend plenty of time with them while the rug is new, as well as give them plenty of chances to pee outside.

Once the new smell has faded a little, or your dog becomes familiar with it, your dog will likely become more comfortable with it, and less likely to pee on it.

Crate Your Dog When You’re Not At Home

This is a very simple solution if there are periods when you will be away from your dog and home, and no one is around.

Keeping them caged or in one position, so they can’t go near your rug is one of the easiest ways to stop them from peeing on it.

However, some dogs may become anxious when cooped up like this for long periods, so make sure you’re not away from home for too long if you choose to do this.

Train Your Dog To Obey Commands

This is a pretty time-intensive method, but it can also pay off massively when done right.

Teaching your dog to respond to commands like ‘off the rug’ is a great way to both teach them an important command, as well as spend time together.

Baking Soda

Like vinegar and lemon juice, baking soda has a strong smell to it that most dogs will not like, so spraying this across your new carpet may help deter them from coming near it and peeing on it.

Keep An Eye On Your Dog

The last solution is also one of the simplest: Simply keep an eye out for your dog.

Making sure that you know where your dog is at all times, and away from your rug, will help you act accordingly around them in the first place.

Conclusion

So, there you have it!

While it may take a while for your dog to get used to these methods, they will eventually learn that peeing on your new rug is a no-go.

The post 8 Best Ways To Stop Your Dog From Peeing On Your Rug appeared first on Ryalux.