An area rug is an important décor item that can add color, comfort, and style to any room. But a dirty, stained or worn out rug can make your room look unappealing and sometimes tacky.

Unfortunately, many people do not know how to clean a rug and end up damaging them through improper cleaning. If this is you, read on for 7 important tips to know for proper area rug cleaning.

1. Spot Cleaning

Not cleaning a spill as soon as it happens sets the stain, making it difficult to remove later. To avoid a permanent stain, immediately blot any spills on your rug should with a white cloth. Make sure you do not rub the spill as this will spread the stain and force it deeper into the rug’s surface. 

After blotting out as much of the stain as possible, apply a rug cleaner to the soiled area. Let the cleaner sit for about 5 minutes. You can then use a clean sponge or cloth to blot out the cleaner from the rug, then allow the area to dry. If the stain does not come off completely, clean it again with a DIY carpet cleaner and a soft brush. 

2. Read The Care Label

Most area rugs will come with cleaning instructions on their care label. Consult these to establish whether the rug should be dry-cleaned, hand-washed, or spot cleaned. Ignoring the manufacturer’s instructions could cause the rug to get damaged. 

You can throw small cotton rugs into a washing machine and then air-dry them. If the rug is too big for a washing machine, you should hand wash it. Woolen rugs should also be hand washed and airdried.

Do not hand wash jute, sisal, or bamboo area rugs as they get damaged by excess water. Clean them using a vacuum cleaner and only use water when spot cleaning stains. Get a professional to clean any antique or delicate area rugs or for repairing an oriental rug.

3. Area Rug Cleaning By Vacuuming 

Vacuum your rugs at least twice a week. This removes any surface dust and prevents dirt from setting into permanent stains. Most vacuum cleaners are too strong for rugs, especially when used in the greatest power setting. To protect your rug from getting frayed, use the lowest setting of powerful vacuum cleaners. Or you can also use an upright or canister vacuum that does not have a beater bar. 

To prevent fraying make sure that the vacuum cleaner does not touch any tassels or fringes on the edges of your rug. After you vacuum, check the canister or vacuum bag for rug fibers. If you find a large number of fibers it means that your vacuum cleaner is too abrasive for your rug. You should reduce the power setting or get a lower-powered vacuum cleaner.

4. Deep Clean the Rug

You can hand wash cotton, synthetic and woolen rugs. To do so you will need a vacuum cleaner, broom, carpet shampoo. You can also use liquid dish soap, tarp, drying rack, hose, soft-bristle brush, and old towels. Try to wash your rug on a sunny day to allow for it to dry. 

Start by vacuuming the rug to remove any dust and surface debris. Vacuum the top of the rug first and then flip it over to vacuum the bottom part, as this also collects dust. 

After vacuuming, hang the carpet outside and whack it with a broom to remove any residual dirt. If the area rug has a latex backing, do not hit it too hard as this may damage the latex. 

The next step is to shampoo the rug. For this, you will need to use a carpet shampoo or dish soap solution. Test the chemical on a small corner of the rag to ensure that the rug is color-fast. If the rug bleeds, then abort the washing mission and take the rug to a dry cleaner. But if the color remains fast proceed to the next step.

Place the rug on a tarp or a deck close to a water supply such as a garden hose. Mix the carpet shampoo solution as directed by the manufacturer or use warm water and a tablespoon of mild dish soap to create a shampoo solution. Scrub the shampoo over the carpet with a soft brush until you have scrubbed the whole rug. Rinse the shampoo off with clean water.

Use your old towels to blot out as much excess water as you can out of the rug. Once done, hung the rug on a drying rack or over a clean fence and allow it to air dry. This may take more than 24 hours. In case it is raining outside move the rug to a drying rack in your garage to allow it to dry. Once the rug is dry, place it back in its location and vacuum it one last time.

5. Remove Odors From Area Rugs 

Area rugs may develop a disturbing odor after some time. This is especially true if you have pets. To remove odors, sprinkle baking soda all over your rug and let it sit for 15 minutes. Once the time is up, use a vacuum cleaner to suction up all the baking soda along with the odors. 

6. Clean Rug Regularly

To keep your rugs looking bright and colorful clean your rugs regularly. Vacuum them at least twice a week and deep clean them once every four months. If you live in a very dusty area, have pets or small children or if the rug is in a high traffic location, you may need to wash your rugs more often.

To test whether your rug needs a deep clean, lift one corner and let it fall. If a cloud of smoke rises, then you know it’s time for a wash. 

7. Get Professional Cleanings

Try to have your area rug cleaning done professionally at least once a year. Professional cleaners have equipment and chemicals that can remove permanent stains as well as deep clean all the fibers. Some cleaners also have the capacity for repairing delicate rugs such as an oriental rug, in case yours has some damage.

Get Your Area Rug Cleaning Right

Area rugs can be quite expensive so it is important to maintain them properly so they can serve your home for years. Use our tips above for effective area rug cleaning to keep yours intact over time.

For more tips on carpet and rug maintenance read the rest of our blog.