How to Clean Area Rugs in 10 Steps - Complete Guide

Though they add warmth and elegance to any area, area rugs may also gather dirt, stains, and smells over time. Maintaining their beauty and lifetime depends on knowing how to clean area rugs. This blog will guide you through a step-by-step approach to thoroughly cleaning your area rugs and include material-specific advice to keep them looking new. These tips will help your rug stay clean and well-maintained, whether your concerns are with pet accidents, daily grime, or deep-set stains.

Area Rug Cleaning Products

Get the following tools and supplies to clean area rugs:

  • Hoover cleaner
  • Mild soap or specific rug cleaning solutions
  • Using a soft brush or sponge
  • Bucket of heated water
  • Natural cleaning methods or rug shampoo
  • Old towels or microfiber towels and cloths
  • A room with enough ventilation to dry
  • Pet-friendly carpet cleaners (should they be necessary)

Basic Area Rug Care Tips

Regular upkeep is essential for extending the life of your area rug. Regular cleaning will avoid dirt accumulation and wear on everything from a delicate wool rug to a busy traffic area.

  • Vacuuming Area Rugs: 

Vacuum on both sides of your rug at least once a week to get surface dirt and trash.

  • Rug Care and Maintenance:

Rotate your rug every few months to guarantee even wear; shake it outdoors to dislodge dirt.

  • Rug Cleaning for High-Traffic Areas:

Rugs in high-traffic areas, such as hallways or doorways, should be cleaned more often to avoid long-term damage.

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10 Steps to Clean Area Rugs

Below are some crucial steps for rugs cleaning:

  • 1. Vacuum thoroughly: 

rug

First, sweep both sides of the rug to clear trash, dust, and loose dirt. Pay close attention to the edges and corners, as dirt usually gathers there. If the rug is thick, raise the setting of your vacuum to better pierce the fibers. Regular vacuuming is crucial since it stops dirt from adhering deep into the rug's threads, avoiding long-term harm.

  • 2. Spot test:

rugs

Perform a spot test first to ensure any cleaning agent will work as expected. Apply a tiny bit of the cleaner to a small, inconspicuous part of the rug, such as a corner or underside. Wait a few minutes to ensure the solution doesn't discolor or damage the rug's fibers. This is especially crucial for fragile or natural fiber rugs—such as wool or silk—which could react differently to cleaning solutions.

  • 3. Shake it out: 

If the rug is small enough, take it outside and vigorously shake it to release trapped dirt and dust particles. Larger rugs allow you to beat their backs with a brush or specially designed rug beater. This method helps release dirt that a vacuum might not reach, particularly if the rug has a high pile or is composed of dense material.

  • 4. Pre-treat stains: 

rug's material

Early treatment of stains makes them easier to eliminate. Use either a DIY method like vinegar and water or a specialist stain remover fit for the rug's material. Using a fresh cloth, dab the stain; avoid rubbing since this may disseminate it more into the fibers. Allow the solution to remain for a few minutes before gently wiping difficult spots away. To prevent residue, always follow up with a clean water rinse.

  • 5. Prepare a cleaning solution: 

Use a rug shampoo or, for a more environmentally friendly approach, combine warm water with a bit of mild detergent for the primary cleaning. Ensure the solution is clean since extra suds could be challenging to rinse. If you use a store-bought product, meticulously follow the manufacturer's directions to prevent oversaturating the rug.

  • 6. Scrub gently: 

clean the rug's

Carefully clean the rug's surface in small parts with a soft-bristled brush or sponge. Starting from one corner, work your way across the rug using little pressure. Pay especially attention to places with the most foot traffic or obvious dirt. Steer clear of too strong a force, as, particularly with more delicate materials like wool or silk; this can damage the fibers.

  • 7. Rinse the rug: 

Scrub the carpeting and give it a thorough rinse using fresh water. For indoor cleaning, use a pail of fresh water; for outdoor cleaning, use a garden hose. To avoid any residue stiffening the fibers once dried, remove all the soap or cleaning solution from the rug. Especially in thicker rugs, be careful not to overwet the rug since extra water might lead to mildew or mold development.

  • 8. Blot the moisture: 

It is crucial to remove as much water as possible once you rinse. To blot out moisture:

  1. Lay the rug flat and push it down firmly with fresh towels or microfiber cloths.
  2. Continue this until the rug stops dripping wet.
  3. Place the rug on a flat, absorbent surface to extract more water.
  • 9. Dry thoroughly: 

Proper drying is key to avoiding mold and mildew. The best approach is to air-dry; hang the rug in a well-ventilated location over a railing or drying rack. If you are drying a rug indoors, consider accelerating the process by opening windows or running fans. Particularly with dyed or natural fiber rugs, avoid letting the rug stay in direct sunlight for extended lengths of time since this may promote fading.

  • 10. Vacuum again: 

Vacuum the rug once it is entirely dry to restore its texture and remove any last fluff or debris from the cleaning process. This last vacuuming brings the rug's fibers back to life, thereby giving it a soft and fresh appearance. Light fluffing with your hands could also be required to bring high-pile rugs back to their natural look.

Checkout How to Clean Rugs?

Best Way to Clean Rugs: Material Wise Cleaning

Various materials call for different rugs cleaning methods. Based on their materials, rugs can be cleaned best in this manner:

  • How to Clean a Wool Rug: 

Wool is delicate to solid chemicals and water. Use a wool-safe detergent, and avoid too vigorous cleaning.

  • Cleaning Synthetic vs. Natural Fiber Rugs: Synthetic fibers like nylon or polyester are more resilient and can handle stronger cleaning agents; natural fibers like jute or sisal are more delicate and require mild, natural cleaning solutions.

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Removing Stains from Rugs

Stains from Rugs

While removing stains might be challenging, addressing them immediately boosts your chances of success.

  • Removing Stains from Area Rugs: Whether wool, synthetic, another fabric, or another, use a stain remover suitable for your rug's material. Blot, not rub; rubbing might drive the stain deeper.
  • Pet-Friendly Rug Cleaning: If you have pets, search for safe animal cleaning supplies to avoid dangerous chemicals.
  • How to Remove Odors from Rugs: To remove scents from a rug, sprinkle baking soda over it and let it sit for a few hours before cleaning.

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DIY Rug Cleaning Methods

Using standard household products, these do-it-yourself rug cleaning techniques offer a reasonably priced fix:

  • Natural Rug Cleaning Solutions: Mix equal parts water and vinegar in natural rug cleaning solutions for a general all-purpose cleaner. Add a few drops of essential oil for a new smell.
  • Hand-Washing Area Rugs: If the rug is small enough, hand-wash it in a big basin or bathtub with light detergent and warm water.

Conclusion

Proper cleaning of area rugs will help extend their quality for many years to come. Keeping your rug in good shape depends critically on regular care, spot cleaning, and deep cleaning. The correct methods and cleaning agents make all the difference whether you're dealing with pet messes, heavy traffic grime, or difficult stains. Using the above-described techniques guarantees that your rug remains long-lasting, clean, and fresh.

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Table of Content

FAQS

Collapsible content

Vacuum the rug, pre-treat stains, scrub with a mild detergent, rinse, blot dry, and air-dry thoroughly.

A mild detergent mixed with warm water or a specialized rug shampoo works best for most rugs.

Use a gentle cleaning solution, scrub lightly with a soft brush, and avoid over-saturating the rug with water.

Does baking soda clean area rugs?