Looking for the most efficient way to clean your rug without ruining it? Spot cleaning and vacuuming is essential to rug care, but when taking on the task of giving your rugs a good deep clean, the type of material and construction is always important to keep in mind.
Here is a rug cleaning guide to let you know how to care for your larger area rugs so that you can extend their quality and beauty for many years to come.
Cotton, Polyester and other Synthetic Fiber Area Rugs
The best way to deep clean cotton, polyester, and other synthetic-fiber area rugs (and spot clean) is to do it by hand.
It’s always best to do it outside of the home to protect floors, to avoid breathing in and spreading too many dander, dust, and dirt particles, and to avoid any detergent or water damage inside your home.
Vacuum: The first step would be to vacuum your rug front and back. This ensures that no large or small particles will lodge or destroy the rug during the cleaning process.
Shampoo + Rinse your rug: Shampoo your rug with gentle detergents using a soft bristle brush. Test a part of the rug first using your chosen tool to ensure it doesn’t compromise the bristles. If the material of your rug is sensitive to brush, a natural sponge or microfiber cloth would be the best choice to avoid snagging or thread removal.
Dry your rug: You can dry your rug by pressing down towels to absorb any excess water. Let it air dry for 24 or more hours by putting it over a railing or edge.
Vacuum again: When your rug is dry, vacuum it for a second to ensure all particles and dirt are removed.
Wool Area Rugs
Wool area rugs require a soft hand and more conscious efforts. Wool weaves and materials can be quite sensitive so it’s best to clean it on your own with caution or take it to the dry cleaners for professional expertise.
Vacuum: Using the lowest or gentlest setting, vacuum your wool rug to ensure as many particles and dirt is removed. Make sure your vacuum is not ruining the rug as you go over it, and if it is, it may be best to take it outside and do an old-fashioned “rug beat” with it placed over a railing and whacked with a broomstick instead.
Wash It: Use an extra gentle, wool-safe laundry detergent and always spot test before doing the entire rug. Wash in the direction of the soft side of your wool rug. Going the opposite way of the weave will cause tugging and will pull out the wool fibers. Use a soft, damp sponge and only wipe the top most layer of your rug.
Do your best not to soak the rug as it may cause shrinkage and overall damage.
Rinse: Do a very light rinse of your rug with only cold water. Use a small bucket and light, gentle dabs to avoid soaking it.
Dry: Using clean, white towels (to avoid color transfer), soak up any excess water on the top layer of your wool rug. Allow it to air dry.
Bamboo, Jute, and Sisal Area Rugs
These types of rugs are actually weakened with the use of water. Therefore, we recommend avoiding any deep cleaning methods and only vacuuming them periodically. For routine cleaning, we suggest vacuuming the top and bottom of the rug.
For stains, a microfiber cloth in warm water and gentle detergent will suffice to remove foreign substances with soft scrubbing, blotting, and air drying.
Delicate or Antique Area Rugs
Leave delicate and antique rugs to professionals. Many of them require special attention, and most of them will not respond well using modern cleaning detergents or chemical cleaning products.
How To Remove Odors on your Area Rug
It’s common for rugs to start emitting odors in high-traffic areas. The fastest way to eliminate them is with good, old baking soda. Simply sprinkle it on the top layer of your rug, let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes, and then use your vacuum to remove.
The odor will lift with the baking soda, helping your rug smell brand new again.
We have a great variety of gorgeous area rugs that will effortlessly liven up your space. With organic and sustainable materials made to last, you’ll love how easy and durable they are to care for. Check them out here!