What do you need to know about rug cleaning? Does your area rug need a deep clean? Learn how to clean a rug yourself and you can keep all your floor coverings looking like new whenever you like. A room’s area rugs may add color and texture, but they are also subjected to foot traffic, pets, and spills. Knowing how to do it yourself comes in handy when vacuuming isn’t enough to get it truly clean.
Area rug cleaning can be done quickly and easily by yourself. You don’t need to hire a professional rug cleaner unless your rug is extremely delicate (such as an antique rug, Persian rug, or Oriental rug).
Remove Dirt and Debris
Vacuum the rug thoroughly on both sides. Make sure that all debris is removed. To remove stray hairs, use the brush attachment if you have pets.
Mix Your Cleaner
You can use rug shampoo as a cleaning solution. Whatever shampoo you choose, mix it according to its specific directions (found on the bottle).
A bucket filled with warm water and mild dish detergent can also be used. Do not use hot water as it can shrink the rug or cause it to fade.
Do a Color Test
Make sure that the cleaner isn’t causing the colors to run before you start scrubbing. You should test the solution on a corner of the rug to see if it is colorfast. If the color doesn’t bleed, you may proceed to the next step.
Wash the Rug
Work a lather with the cleaning solution on the rug using a sponge or soft-bristle brush. Allow the cleaner to sit on the rug for five minutes before rinsing. Anything less than that and you’ll shortchange the cleaning process. Give it those five minutes to set in and begin removing dirt.
Rinse the Rug
Use a garden hose or buckets of clean water to rinse the soap out of the rug. Make sure the area rug has been completely cleaned with the cleaning solution and the runoff is clear.
Remove Excess Water
The next step is to remove as much water from the rug as possible so it can dry faster. Use a wet-dry vacuum if you have one, or use a squeegee in the nap’s direction.
Let the Rug Dry
Allowing an area rug to dry is the next-to-last step in cleaning it. Lay the rug flat and allow the top of the rug to dry completely. Flip it over and let the bottom dry. Fans can help speed up the drying process. Be sure the rug is completely dry before returning it to the room.
Vacuum or Brush Out the Rug
During the cleaning process, threads and fibers can become compacted and squished. Run a vacuum over the now-dry rug, or brush it with a soft-bristled brush. Your carpet is now completely clean, and you can enjoy it.
