How To Wash Your Area Rug

There are many methods for cleaning rugs weekly, but one thing remains the same. Area rugs need to be washed occasionally.

Your area rug will accumulate dirt and stains that you can’t remove with a vacuum cleaner. Rugs can be restored to new condition by washing them with a gentle but effective method. Should you hire a or do it yourself? When should you wash your area rug or any other type of rug?

Depends primarily on the type of rug that you own. You may want to hire a rug cleaning service for a thorough but delicate wash, or you may simply need to throw it in the washer every now and then.

What types of area rugs can I wash myself?

Modern rugs have been designed to be machine-washable. You can clean a rug made of cotton or synthetic fibers that fit in your washing machine. However, these rugs shouldn’t be dried in the dryer. Use towels to dry the wet areas, and use a wet/dry carpet cleaner. Or hang it outside.

You may not want the risk of washing a rug that is more complex. You can’t assume that the rug will be durable if the packaging doesn’t say it’s machine washable. Even if materials are strong enough to withstand washing machines, dyes can fade or mix together, ruining color and pattern. It’s best to have your rug cleaned by a professional rug cleaning service if your rug does not specifically state that it can be machine washed.

Some rugs, no matter the material, are just too big to be cleaned by yourself. Professional rug cleaners will use industrial-sized equipment to remove any dirt or debris that is hidden in your rug.

Oriental rugs and antique carpets should be cleaned and washed by a professional. It’s expensive to replace these types of rugs, so investing in their care is worth it.

Do not use a carpet shampoo purchased at the store to clean your rug. Carpet shampoos were designed to clean wall-to-wall synthetic carpets and not woven area rugs. They can be especially harsh on wool and antique area rugs. However, they will reduce the lifespan of any rug.

When should I wash my area rug?

It’s time to wash your rug if it is dirty and smells bad. The sooner your rug is cleaned, the less damage it will suffer from dirt and stains.

Experts recommend that every household in a normal home should have a professional clean their rugs for restorative purposes at least once a year. If you have indoor animals, allergies, or someone living in your house with respiratory problems, your rugs may need to be cleaned more frequently.

Professional cleaners will use industrial-grade equipment that can remove deep-seated dirt and grime. Your vacuum cannot.

How do I clean a small spot on my area rug?

You don’t need to call a professional rug cleaner if you clean up the spillage immediately.

You can spot-clean most rugs by mixing soap and water and then blotting them with a washcloth. Baking soda can be used to blot jute rugs. If the stain is more severe, such as red wine, you can try mixing two cups of warm tap water with one tablespoon of white vinegar and one teaspoon of dishwashing soap.

Use caution when you use too much water to clean your rug. Rugs that are not resistant to water and take a long time to dry can invite mold growth deep within the fibers. Wool, which is commonly found in antique and oriental rugs, is especially sensitive to moisture.

However, older or more severe stains might require additional help. If you can’t remove stains with household cleaners, call a professional.

How do I dry my area rug after washing it?

You don’t want your area rug to be wet too long, no matter what kind it is. In the Pacific Northwest, where damp areas can easily become moldy and mildewy, this is especially important. In as little as 24 hours, mold can start to grow.

Spread towels over your rug that is wet from cleaning supplies in sydney and press them with your feet or hands until they are saturated. Repeat the process with dry towels to get your rug as dry as possible.

Then, vacuum up the excess water with a dry-wet vacuum. If the rug is large or heavily soaked, you may need to empty the tank several times. You can dry the rug on a clothesline if you don’t own a wet/dry vacuum. Use tools such as hairdryers, dehumidifiers, and fans to remove as much water as possible before you start.

Do not place the rug on the floor before it is completely dry. This will increase the drying time as well as the likelihood of mold.