How to Clean an Area Rug at Home
We treasure our area rugs because they inject a dose of texture into our space. They also visually separate different areas of your home. This is especially beneficial for open-plan homes where you want to anchor the dining room and make it visually divided. But, what happens when your cozy area rug gets dirty? This article reveals a step-by-step guide on how to clean an area rug at home. By following these simple instructions, you can make sure that your rug stays pristine and in good shape!
How to Clean an Area Rug at Home
A clean rug will last longer, stay in excellent shape, and smell great. When cleaning services seem costly, it is time to take the job into your hands. If you have not done it before, we explain the whole process of how to clean an area rug at home.
Supplies:
- Mild dish soap
- Warm water
Tools:
- Vacuum cleaner
- Bucket
- Soft-bristle brush
Instructions:
- Always start with a clean surface. If you are cleaning the rug in the driveway, make sure to rinse away all the dirt and debris.
- Before you start the wet cleaning process, you need to make sure that the rug is clear from dirt and dust. Use the vacuum cleaner to suck out the tiniest dirt particles. Pet owners should put extra effort into brushing out any leftover hairs. Once you finish vacuuming both sides of your rug, you can move to the next step.
- Dissolve mild dish soap with warm water in the bucket. Make sure to avoid using hot water as it can damage the lovely vivid colors. Make sure to test your cleaning solution in a small corner to check if it will impact the colors. If the colors stay the same, you are ready to move forward.
- Dip a soft-bristle brush in the dish soap solution and gently rub it into the rug.
- When the rug is damp, leave it for five minutes. This will let the detergent work its way into the most stubborn stains and remove the grime in the deep layers.
- Once the solution dissolves the dirt, it's time for a rinse. Use a bucket with clean water or a hose to rinse every last bit of the cleaning solution and dirt. Rinse until the water comes out perfectly clean.
- Next, remove as much water as possible to speed up the drying process.
Drying:
Lay the area rug flat and let it dry before turning to the other side. If possible, enhance the airflow for quicker results. Ceiling fans or air conditioners can aid in a faster drying process. Unrolling a freshly cleaned rug feels wonderful, but do not do it yet. Please wait until the rug is completely dry before laying it out, as the damp fabric can promote mildew growth.
How Often Should You Clean an Area Rug?
When it comes to cleaning your area rug, there is no strict schedule that you should follow. The rule of thumb says that you should do it every 12 to 18 months. The cleaning frequency depends mainly on the foot traffic and eventual spills, so it varies in every household. We recommend you perform a deep cleaning when the rug looks visibly dirty.
Tip: Never use a power cleaner on expensive materials. In case you have an expensive Persian rug or antique rug, it is better to leave this job in the hands of professionals.
How to Determine if Your Rug Needs Deep Cleaning
- Noticeable odors
- Visible stains
- The color is not as intense and vivid as it was before
Deep cleaning should be more frequent if you have kids or pets. The same thing applies if one of the family members suffers from allergies. The fabric traps dust mites and pollen, making it difficult for your loved ones to go through the allergy season. Furthermore, wearing your shoes at home means that you should give your rugs a thorough washing often.
With our step-by-step instructions, we explained how to clean an area rug at home. For more tips, make sure to follow us!