A Detailed Guide on How to Clean an Area Rug

Cleaning Methods Apr 03 • 6 min read

An area rug is more than just a way to cover the floor, it's a design statement, a source of warmth, and a big investment in your home's comfort. But it also works as a main filter, catching dirt, dust, and allergens from the air and people walking on it. Regular maintenance isn't just about how the rug looks, it's also important for keeping its fibres, colours, and value over time.

No matter if you're doing regular maintenance or a seasonal refresh, it's important to know how to clean an area rug the right way. If you use the wrong method, your item may fade, shrink, or get damaged for good. This complete guide from A and B Carpet Cleaning will give you all the information you need to take care of your rug properly so that it stays a beautiful centrepiece for years to come.

Get to Know Your Rug

You need to know what kind of rug you have before you use any water or cleaning solution. The material determines how the whole cleaning process works.

Synthetic rugs: These made of polypropylene, olefin, or nylon are the strongest and least likely to stain. They can handle more thorough cleaning, like using mild detergents and gentle water extraction.
Wool rugs: These are made of a natural, strong fibre that is also very absorbent and can bleed and shrink if not cared for properly. It needs cleaners that don't change the pH and should never be too wet.
Cotton and Jute Rugs: Cotton and jute rugs are made of natural fibres and are often woven flat. These are very likely to get water stains and shrink. A full wet clean is often less safe than spot cleaning.
Silk or Delicate Antique Rugs: Never clean silk or delicate antique rugs yourself. The fibres are very fragile, so you need a professional rug cleaner professional rug cleaning services to clean them.

Some Tips:

Look for a tag on the back of the rug that has cleaning codes on it:

W: Clean with water-based methods.
S: Only use cleaners that are based on solvents (no water).
W/S: You can use either water or a solvent.
X: Only clean with a hoover or brush (no liquid cleaners).

Keep in Check Your Regular Maintenance Routine

The best way to avoid having to do a hard deep clean is to keep things clean all the time.

1. Vacuuming often

This is the most important thing you can do to keep your rug healthy. At least twice a week, hoover the areas with a lot of foot traffic. Once a week, hoover the whole rug. For fringed, delicate or high-pile rugs, use a vacuum without a beater bar or rotating brush. This is because aggressive brushes can snag and pull fibres.

2. Rotate the rug in a planned way

Every six months, turn your rug 180 degrees. This makes sure that all areas get the same amount of wear and sun exposure, so that no one area fades or mats down faster than the others.

3. Treatment on the spot right away

Things happen. The most important thing is to move quickly. Always blot up a spill, never rub it. Rubbing pushes the substance deeper into the fibres. To stop the spill from spreading, use a clean, white, absorbent cloth and start at the edge of the spill. Use a dull knife to gently scrape away solid debris.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Deep Cleaning a Rug

Use this method to safely and effectively clean every once in a while. First, test any cleaning solution in a place that isn't very visible to see if it will stay the same colour.

Step 1: Get rid of the dry soil

Hang the rug over a railing or clothesline outside. Gently hit the back of the rug with a rug beater or the handle of a broom to get rid of dirt and dust that has settled in deep. If you can't take it outside, clean both sides of the rug with a hoover.

Step 2: Treat the stains ahead of time

Find any stains that are still there and use the right pre-treatment on them. A mix of warm water and mild dish soap works for most food and drink stains. An enzymatic cleaner is needed to break down the proteins in organic stains, like pet accidents.

Step 3: The Wash For Rugs Made of Synthetic Materials

For Synthetic Rugs: Wet the rug with a garden hose or a bucket of cool water. Mix a mild detergent that is safe for wool and synthetics with water. Use a brush or sponge with soft bristles to gently scrub in the direction of the nap.
For Natural Fibre Rugs: If the rug is made of natural fibres like wool or cotton, don't soak it all the way through. Instead of putting the cleaning solution on with a sponge, use a sponge to make a light lather. Try to use as little water as you can when cleaning your rug.

Step 4: The Rinse

This is an important step to keep dirt from sticking to the surface. Use clean, cool water to rinse the rug until the water is clear and free of suds.

Step 5: Take out and dry the rug

Use a squeegee or a wet/dry vacuum to get rid of as much excess water as you can. If you want to dry a rug or carpet properly then, lay it flat on a clean, dry surface with good air flow, like outside in the shade. Don't dry your rug in direct sunlight if you want to keep its colours. Fans can help the air move more quickly. Make sure both sides are completely dry before putting the rug back on the floor. This will keep mold and mildew from growing.

When to Hire a Professional Rug Cleaner Near You

Cleaning your own home is great for upkeep, but there are times when you need a professional:

Valuable, Antique and Delicate rugs: Heirloom rugs, silk rugs, or other valuable, antique, or fragile rugs need special care.
Persistent Odors: If your rug smells like pets or has a musty smell that won't go away.
Rugs that are big or very dirty: Professionals have the right tools to clean rugs that are big or have a lot of dirt stuck in them.
After a Major Spill: If you've had a big flood or spill, professionals can help reduce the damage and stop mold from growing.

A and B Carpet Cleaning offers specialised area rug cleaning services that keep your investment's beauty and integrity intact for people in Bay Ridge who need a reliable rug cleaner.

Frequently Asked Questions

1: Is it possible to clean my area rug with a steam cleaner?

Be very careful. Steam cleaning can make a lot of rugs too wet, which can cause them to shrink, mold to grow in the padding, and damage the backing. It is usually only safe for some kinds of synthetic rugs and should not be used on wool or natural fibres.

2: How often do I need to clean my area rug?

Most homes only need a deep clean every 12 to 18 months. If you have kids, pets, or a lot of people coming and going, you may need to clean every 6 to 12 months.

3: My rug says "only dry clean." What does that mean?

This means that you can't clean the rug with water, you need to use a solvent instead. A professional rug cleaning service with the right tools and chemicals should do this.

4: What can I do to keep my rug from fading?

Move your rug around often and use window treatments like blinds or curtains to keep the sun out during the hottest parts of the day.

5: Should you pay someone to clean a cheap rug?

Yes, a lot of the time. If the rug is structurally sound but very dirty, professional cleaning can make it look like new for a fraction of the cost of replacing it.

Take Care of Your Investment with Professional Help.

Taking care of your area rugs on a regular basis will make them last much longer and look better. When DIY isn't enough, then leave it to the professionals. We at A and B Carpet Cleaning will clean your rugs carefully, safely, and effectively, taking into account the type of material and the needs of the rug.

Contact A and B Carpet Cleaning today to set up a consultation. We'll help you keep your favourite area rugs looking great and feeling great.