Want to know how to clean an area rug properly? With a few simple tips for basic care and stain removal, you can have your area rugs looking great. Additionally, it’s good to know how to treat different types of area rugs.
After all, no two materials are exactly the same. As such, they sometimes require different cleaning methods. Below, we look at a few different methods to help you care for your rugs.
Know Your Area Rug
In our homes and workplaces, area rugs warm up our floors. They add a flourish to a space with an injection of pattern and color. When you want to know how to clean an area rug, though, it’s important to know a few key details.
First, it’s crucial to identify the material of the rug. This is important because different materials require different methods. When you want to prolong the life of your area rug, it’s important to know what you’re dealing with.
Second, you need to know your methods. Below, we look over a few different types of rugs and the best method for cleaning them.
How to Clean an Area Rug Based on Material
Certain types of rugs require special forms of care. For an easy reference, it’s a good idea to slip a care tag beneath the rug. Additionally, pay close attention to any recommendations about deep cleanings and equipment.
Follow the steps below to care for your rug.
Braided or Woven Rugs
Check the rug for any breaks in the stitching before and after you clean it. Moreover, check labels for information about whether the rug is washable. Some smaller rugs are easy to wash.
If there’s an indication that it is washable, place the rug in a mesh laundry bag. Wash it in cool water on a gentle cycle and rinse it thoroughly. Tumble dry the rug on a low setting.
For larger braided rugs, place them on a vinyl or concrete floor. Alternatively, put an old blanket underneath the rug. With a sponge and commercial cleaning foam, rub it in per the directions of the foam.
Lastly, rinse or vacuum the rug. Be sure that it is completely dry before you return the carpet to its prior location.
Antique, Oriental, and Handmade Rugs
For a new oriental rug, vacuum it as you would a wool rug or carpet. Here, you already know how to clean an area rug that’s sturdy. Simply apply care to worn areas.
With delicate, antique rugs, use extra care. Protect the rug from the vacuum with a nylon screen weighed down by bricks or books. Vacuum on top of the screen.
Alternatively, you can place a mesh cover on the vacuum attachment and clear dirt off the mesh frequently. Once each year, have a professional clean the rug. Additionally, rotate the rugs so that it wears evenly.
Moreover, remember that exposure to the sun also causes fading in rugs. When you buy an antique rug, it’s a good idea to learn as much as possible from the seller. They might know specific care tips already.
Grass, Coir, Rush, and Sisal
Rugs made with natural fibers typically feature an open weave. This allows dirt to sift through to the floor below. Here’s how to clean an area rug made of natural fibers.
Vacuum it regularly. Occasionally, you’ll want to remove the rug and vacuum the floor. Oftentimes, these rugs are reversible, allowing you to flip them whenever you vacuum to ensure even wear.
For discoloration or stains, it’s a good idea to leave it in place. However, it’s good to protect the floor with a towel or plastic cloth.
- Scrub the stain with a soft brush after dipping it in soapy water.
- Rinse the rug with clean water.
- Place a towel on the wet area, and blot the clean spot.
- Use a hairdryer or fan to speed up the drying process.
For smaller rugs, move them to a table or counter to clean. Remember that water weakens the fibers, so it’s important to work quickly and dry spots thoroughly.
Fur, Hair-On Hide, and Sheepskin
When you want to know how to clean an area rug made of hide or fur, your best bet is to use unscented talcum powder. Leave the powder in place for a few hours. Then, brush it through the hair and shake it out.
Repeat this process a few times (how many times depends on the length of the fur. To clean the back of the rug, use a cotton cloth and lukewarm soapy water.
Wipe off dirt and spills. Lastly, rinse it with a cloth damp with clean water and let it dry completely.
How to Clean an Area Rug: Deep Cleans
Always reference care labels to see whether you need to dry-clean, launder, or spot-clean the rug. If the rug is washable, use a delicate cycle. For rugs with long fringe, it’s best to divide the fringe into several groups and tie them together.
Additionally, place smaller rugs in a mesh laundry bag. This protects the rug from the agitator.
After washing, hang the wet rug over a drying rack or slatted table outdoors or in a breezeway. Typically, hanging a rug over a clothesline distorts the shape in the drying process.
For small rugs with synthetic fibers, it’s a good idea to lay down a towel or old sheet on a worktable first.
Generally, it’s a good idea to deep clean area rugs every 12-18 months. When you aren’t sure how to clean an area rug properly, it’s better to call in professional cleaners for these deep cleans.
If you find yourself in need of a professional area rug cleaning, contact the team at Absolute Carpet & Tile. We know how to clean an area rug thoroughly and properly.
