How to Clean an Area Rug at Home

How To Clean An Area Rug At Home Yourself | Tips and Tricks

You don’t have to pay someone to clean your area rug! It’s something you can do yourself. If your rug is big, you might need a friend to help, but otherwise, it’s a simple do-it-yourself project.

You probably take good care of your area rug. You vacuum it regularly to keep it clean, especially if you have pets. You also rotate it once a year to make sure it wears evenly. And even if you don’t have time for a deep area rug cleaning, you might shake it out and treat any stains when they happen.

But eventually, your rug will need more than just a vacuum. If it has lots of stains or is really dusty (or even has tiny bugs called dust mites), it’s time for a thorough cleaning. The good news is, you don’t have to hire a pro for this. You just need the right tools, cleaning products, and methods. Here’s how to clean your area rug at home step by step.

Note: If your rug is really big, it’s too heavy for one person to handle alone. So, it’s a good idea to ask a couple of friends for help. If you prepare everything well, it should only take a few hours to complete the job.

How professionals clean area rugs

Set Up and Prepare an Outdoor Workstation

To effectively clean your rugs, it’s essential to set up an outdoor cleaning station. First, pick a day with a clear and sunny forecast, preferably extending for the next few days, to ensure your rugs have ample time to dry. Summer is an ideal season for this task because outdoor cleaning is necessary, and the weather is generally accommodating. However, avoid setting up your cleaning station over the lawn, as you don’t want the cleaning solutions to seep into and potentially harm the grass.

When selecting a support system for your rugs, keep in mind that they tend to be quite heavy. Therefore, the support you choose should be significantly stronger than a regular clothesline. If you have access to two trees in your outdoor space, consider stretching bungee cords or thick ropes between them to create a sturdy hanging area for your rugs. Alternatively, you can use benches or any robust wall structure available to you as a reliable support system for the rug-cleaning process. This secure setup ensures that your rugs can be properly cleaned and dried in the outdoor environment.

Vacuum thoroughly Before the deep Cleaning Process

Before you dive into the deep cleaning process, it’s important to start by thoroughly vacuuming both sides of your area rug. To make your job easier, begin with a quick spot clean to address any obvious stains or dirt. Run the vacuum over the rug fibers, ensuring you pick up loose dirt and debris. Afterward, flip the rug over and vacuum the other side to eliminate any remaining dust and particles.

Once you’ve completed this initial vacuuming, carefully roll up the rug and take it to your designated outdoor cleaning area. Position it so that the right side (the side you want to keep facing up) is in front of you. If your rug still appears dusty or has stubborn dirt after vacuuming, you can use a broom handle or a similar tool to gently beat it. This action helps dislodge even more dust and dirt from the rug fibers, preparing it for a thorough cleaning.

Professional Tip: Don’t hit too strongly, but gently tap the rug a few times. If you notice a lot of dust flying out, then continue tapping.

Try Carpet Shampoos First

It’s crucial to perform a test before using carpet shampoo on your entire rug to ensure it won’t cause any damage. To do this, select a small corner or a small patch of your rug and apply a small amount of the shampoo there. Mix it with some water and allow it to sit for a few hours. After the waiting period, return to the spot and thoroughly rinse it off. This test helps you determine if the shampoo is safe for your rug, as some cleaning products may have adverse effects or discoloration. If the test area looks fine after rinsing and doesn’t cause any harm to the rug’s color or fibers, then you can proceed to clean the entire rug with confidence.

Remember this helpful tip: Use a carpet shampoo that’s meant for the kind of material your rug is made of. Don’t try to make your own rug cleaner or use other cleaners that aren’t made for rugs and carpets.

Wash the Rug and Apply Shampoo for Cleaning

Once you’ve picked a safe carpet shampoo for your rug, it’s time to start the cleaning process. First, take out your garden hose and give your rug a thorough rinse. Don’t be concerned about getting it too wet during this stage; it’s important to prepare the rug properly for the shampoo application.

Next, you’ll need a sturdy brush with a strong handle. Use this brush to work the shampoo deep into the fibers of the rug. Be aware that this step will require quite a bit of scrubbing, and you’ll notice foam forming as you work the shampoo in. It’s a hands-on process, so dress accordingly, and don’t hesitate to get the rug really wet. Pay special attention to any visible stains on the rug as you work the shampoo into those areas. This thorough cleaning process ensures that the shampoo effectively removes dirt, stains, and odors from your rug.

Rinse the Rug

After you’ve applied the shampoo to your rug, it’s crucial to carefully follow the instructions provided on the shampoo’s label. These instructions will specify how long you should leave the shampoo on your rug. It’s essential to adhere to these recommended times to achieve the best cleaning results.

Once the specified time has passed, it’s time to rinse off the shampoo. To do this, use your garden hose again to thoroughly hose down the rug. This step helps remove the shampoo along with the dirt and grime it has loosened from the rug fibers during the cleaning process. Properly rinsing the rug ensures that no residue is left behind, leaving your rug clean and fresh.

Remember this Note: Make sure to thoroughly rinse away all the shampoo to avoid any leftover residue.

Dry The Area Rug

Once you’ve finished rinsing your rug, it’s essential to remove as much excess water as possible. A helpful tip here is to try to wring out the rug thoroughly, getting rid of any leftover water. If you have one available, a squeegee can be especially handy for this step as it helps in squeezing out excess water effectively.

After this process, your rug will still be quite wet, and you’ll need to exercise patience as it dries completely. Typically, outdoor drying is recommended, but it’s important to note that this may take longer than just a day or even a weekend, depending on the rug’s thickness and the weather conditions.

For a more protected drying option, you might consider relocating the rug to your laundry room or garage, where it can continue to dry without being exposed to the elements.

You’ll know that the rug is fully dry when it no longer feels damp when squeezed, and it may also be somewhat stiff. Once it’s dry, you’ll have a clean and fresh rug ready to be placed back inside your home. Additionally, if you’re interested, you can explore how to clean a Persian rug for further knowledge on rug maintenance.

Vacuum Again One Last Time

Once your rug has fully dried, it’s time to put it back in its designated spot within your home. However, don’t forget this final step: give your rug one last vacuuming. After washing, the carpet fibers may appear flattened or have an unusual look. Vacuuming serves as the finishing touch, akin to combing your rug, to restore its original and proper appearance.